Want to be a better speaker? Whether you are speaking virtually or in-person, formally or informally, here are some things you can do to become more effective. And some things you can do less of.
More Focus. Focus your mind so that you are laser clear in your thinking. Block out thoughts of doubt or fear. Don't second-guess yourself or your content. Be in the moment. Result: more fluent delivery and an easier time finding the right words.
More Passion. Remember why this content is important both to you and to your listeners. How do you feel? How do you want listeners to feel? Tap into your feelings. Result: a more dynamic, engaging speaking style.
More Rehearsal. Take time to prepare and rehearse for any presentation or speaking situation where stakes are high. Consider starting with your message first, then selecting only those facts and details that will clarify your message. Result: a more focused, streamlined presentation.
More Connection. The whole idea of speaking rather than writing is to forge or reinforce a connection with your listeners. What do you want them to do? Feel? Think? Remember? Use your face, your voice and your vocal expression to connect with your listeners. They are looking to you to make that connection. Result: a more engaging, satisfying listening experience.
More Eye Contact. Live or virtual, think of connecting with individual people, not the whole group. If you are virtual, train yourself to look into the camera. Slow down your gaze so that you appear calm. Send your energy outward, directing your attention to the listener. Result: confident, personal delivery that impacts each listener.
Now you know what to focus on doing more of. What can you do less of?
Less Preamble. Cut out most of the canned stuff we say before we get into our message. Good morning. Glad to be here. Nice to see you. Thank you for that kind introduction. Let me give you a little background before we begin. Instead, just begin. Start with something catchy or meaningful. Result: you will capture your listeners' attention and make them want to listen.
Less Slide Clutter. If your slides are overstuffed with charts, graphs, and bullets, it may well create a barrier to understanding. Simplify it. Simplify some more. Now think of how you can tell your story without all the clutter. What facts are compelling? What stories will help them remember? Result: the focus is on your message, not the slides.
Less Verbal Clutter. If your audience hears Ums and Ahs and Sos when you speak, that is verbal clutter. It adds very little value but takes up space and energy. To reduce the amount of verbal clutter, stay focused, take your time, and don't think ahead too much. Become more comfortable with pausing. Result: clear speech and improved credibility.
Less Weak Endings. “Well, I guess we are done here.” Or, “I guess we are out of time.” Or my all-time favorite, “that’s all I have.” Seriously? The end of your talk is prime real estate; you should take advantage of it. Plan your ending with a recall of your key message, and/or a call to action. Land it with impact. Result: your listeners will remember your message.
So now you know what you can do more of, and less of, to be an even more effective speaker. Which of these will make the biggest impact in your speaking? Start there, and let us know how it goes.