If You Don't Do This, You Might as Well be a Mime - And you better be a Very Good One! The first element of verbal communication is Pronunciation and Enunciation: Pronounce all words correctly and enunciate clearly and distinctly! Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, it’s one of the verbal elements that Read More
Speaking
Verbal Communication Element #1 –
Non-Verbal Communication Element #4 –
Posture
There’s one chance to make a first impression! You’ll make that impression on the audience as the master of ceremonies ends their introduction and you start walking to the lectern, X spot, or wherever you’ll speak the opening words to your talk. Walk with deliberate steps that give the non-verbal message to your Read More
But, I Don’t Speak in Front of Groups.
So Why Should I Care about Public Speaking?
My response: "Do you ever speak to an Audience of ONE?" I'm sometimes asked a question like this when approaching a group about being a guest speaker. It happened recently when the meeting planner told me, "We have a group of people who are sole proprietors in their businesses. Quite a few work from home. They have Read More
Speech Content – Part #5.5
Closing Your Speech
Your LAST WORDS Will probably be the FIRST WORDS Your Audience will Remember! Before closing, tell the audience that you are about to close the speech. This is important. It’s OK if your closing has a surprise in it, but not if your closing is the surprise! Here’s an analogy. You’re on a trip and have been Read More
Verbal Communication Element #4 –
Cadence
The Rhythmic Flow of the words . . . A natural partner of inflection is our next element, Cadence. It’s the rhythmic flow of the words used when speaking. Other terms used for this element are: meter, beat, measure and pulse Usually, and largely because of nervousness, presenters speak too quickly. Some speakers Read More
Verbal Communication Element #3 – Inflection
Did you ever hear a presenter speak in Mon-O-Tone? Did I hear some say, "R2D2 of Star Wars fame? If you did, you probably couldn't wait for the talk to end, and it's doubtful you remember anything from the speech. Inflection, or Voice Modulation, is “change in the pitch or tone of the voice.” Varying your tone Read More
Non-Verbal Communication Element #1 –
Eye Contact
Eyes are the 'Windows to the Soul'. We make eye contact! The eyes are the first things we use for non-verbal communication when we meet someone. The same applies when speaking to a group of people. 'Look me in the eye!' 'The eyes have it!' The first thing to do, after taking the lectern, and before beginning Read More
Make Your Quotes – Quotable!
Quotable Quotes We remember great quotes. Wouldn’t you like to be the person who is ‘quoted’? How cool would it be to have other people repeating your words to others, and crediting you! Well, coming up with that memorable line that people are repeating is not as hard as it might at first seem. Here are some Read More
Buzz Words
NO Buzz Words! Buzz Words are composed of jargon that is usually specific to a particular industry. Often we think of the tech industry or medical profession having buzz words, acronyms and jargon that many non-techs can’t understand. The truth is that many occupations, generations of people, industries, clubs, Read More
Toastmasters – A great place to learn!
Join Toastmasters! Toastmasters is an international organization. The latest figures I found show they have a membership approaching 250,000 in more than 12,500 clubs in 106 countries. One of the most valuable benefits of being a member is the nurturing environment where everyone truly wants to help the other Read More