Archive for March, 2010
Verbal Communication Element #1 –
Pronunciation and Enunciation
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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 speakers sometimes don’t do well, and many aren’t even aware of.
No matter how great your Content, if you stand in front of people and mumble and mispronounce words, your message will very quickly be lost and it will be impossible to regain attention. Read More→
Non-Verbal Communication Element # 5 –
Body Movement
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Move Your Body – Deliver a Message!
Picture this: The six foot, five inch, python armed bar bouncer just spotted someone in the club he ejected the previous night. The baby-faced kid had shown a counterfeit ID while trying to purchase a beer. Now that same ‘punk’ was holding a Bud Light up to his mouth.
How do you picture the bouncer’s body movement as he clears a way for himself through the crowded bar and heads towards the underage drinker?
If the kid sees the bouncer before he reaches him, do you think he’ll already ‘get the message’? You bet!
That kind of Body Movement definitely conveys a message, and no verbal communication is needed, is it?
Body movement, alone, or combined with other elements of non-verbal communication, can send messages to your audience with no words spoken.
As with all your Delivery, Body Movement must be Read More→
Non-Verbal Communication Element #4 -
Posture
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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 audience that you are about to ‘take over’ the meeting, and will ‘be in charge’ during your turn at the lectern.
Do this with your shoulders straight and your head held high.
Be aware, you may make that first impression earlier if you’re seated, before being introduced, when you’re visible to the audience.
Important: If you’re a scheduled speaker, consider yourself on stage – even when you’re not! Especially if people can see you, be certain to sit with good posture; back straight, feet planted on the floor, and arms relaxed on your lap. No slouching!
Be attentive, and look at the other speakers during their presentations. Don’t do any fidgeting or Read More→
Here’s a Question for You . . .
When is the Best Time to Answer Questions?
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It’s Not the Last Thing to Do
First of all, you may not have a Question and Answer Session as part of your presentation. It may not be necessary or appropriate.
Possibly, the answer to any questions the audience might have is to see you after the talk, or email you their questions. This should come with the disclaimer that you will attempt to answer as many as is reasonably possible.
You may be delivering the type of talk that is continually interactive with the audience. Often, workshops fall into this type of presentation.
Time management is extremely important in any presentation. Taking and answering questions takes time management to a higher level. There is usually a specific amount of material to be covered. Long questions and long answers Read More→
