He walked toward me at the end of a productive workshop. Shaking my hand, he asked a familiar question that I often hear after teaching one of our public speaking classes. Fidgeting with a notebook and a pen, he said “I learned so much. I can’t help but want to go home and practice all of … Read On >
Mispronouncing a familiar word can convey to a listener that you are not as knowledgeable as s/he might think you are.
Choosing the right word will guarantee that you will convey exactly what you mean, whereas choosing the incorrect word can sound wrong or can change the meaning of the statement. When do you use “input” or “enter”? What about the difference between “back-up” or “replacement”? How about “fix” or “resolve”? Ensure that words and expressions you … Read On >
You have planned your speech, and gathered what you need to say. Now, how are you going to present it? How you design your presentation can determine the success of the message you want to share with your audience. This includes your visuals, from photos to graphs and charts. According to a study from Microsoft Corp, … Read On >
Your Voice’s Quality & Power How you use your voice can determine the success of your presentation. This includes your vocal quality and use of pauses or silence. The information in this week’s email applies to Public Speaking as much as it applies to your small-group interactions and phone calls. The listener can learn a … Read On >
Express opinion and fact in the correct settings to make your point effectively. For example, when expressing an opinion among friends, instead of saying that something “is the best,” say, “I think it is the best.” Here is where phrases like “I feel,” “I think,” and “I believe”work very well. You’re sharing a belief with friends. It’s fine to use those examples … Read On >
While leading an Improving Communications workshop recently, I asked a question that had hands flying up toward the sky from participants in the room: “How many of you have ever wanted to be more assertive in the workplace but didn’t know how?” To be more assertive was something everyone wanted to work on. But the … Read On >
What are your eyes doing during a presentation, or even during a conversation? Think about it.
Are they looking down at your hands or your notes?
Do they gaze out the window or over the heads of the audience?
Or are you staring at just one person the entire time you’re speaking?
Maybe you’ve never considered it before, but using your eyes is an easy way to connect with your audience and to increase your confidence when talking.
Here are three reasons why eye contact will help you present yourself stronger in front of an audience:
Being asked to give a toast, whether at a conference, a birthday party, or a wedding, is always an honor. It sounds simple enough – just grab the microphone and say a few words in front of a group of people, some of whom you know very well and others very little. But in reality, put … Read On >