CML International

When speaking in public, your vocal and body language, your accent, wardrobe, accessories will be viewed as if you are under a microscope. These attributes are now part of your public persona. The human tendency when viewing public figures, celebrities, or seeing someone present, is to thoroughly inspect the speaker more closely than perhaps you would during a one-to-one meeting.  

Therefore, it is always important to your image to be grammatically correct, to sound educated and to pronounce words accurately. Since an image of leadership is a particularly important attribute to a business executive, it is important to carry that positive trait through to your presentations. Proper pronunciation and grammar should be used in your daily speech and your public presentations.  If this is a weak area, it is not a difficult ability to learn. This should be an especially important consideration if you are applying for a job or promotion.

Understand that there are regional pronunciations, which are acceptable in a particular area. Lately, in the media I have heard many incorrect uses of “less”, when “fewer” should be used. You may say in’surance, rather than insur’ance. Or, It-ly, instead of It-a-ly. Do you pronounce error and mirror correctly, with two complete syllables? Do you add a syllable to Realtor and say Real-a-tor? The latter is widely done, but certainly not correct.

If you live in America, you will notice that on the network news, the anchors and reporters, have neutral accents. The accents do, however, show up on the regional news reports. CNN International has some anchors with very pleasing British English accents.

Do you drop your adverbs? Say, drive slow, instead of slowly? I am on a mission to keep our adverbs as an integral part of our daily speech and in our writing.

If you are presenting to persons whose second or third language is English, a slower pace of speech, combined with proper grammar and pronunciation takes on a greater importance. Do be cautious of speaking too slowly as to appear condescending. There are broad accents in many countries that make comprehension tricky, even when you speak the language fluently.  As many years as I have lived in the US, I still have challenges understanding speech in parts of the Southern states. They make one syllable words into two syllables, as their honeyed speech flows gently forth.

My German husband is at a loss when he hears Cockney and it takes at least a day for my ear to become accustomed to the lilting tones of Scotland and rural Ireland.

Invest in yourself and consider hiring a coach who will help you to enhance your speaking, presentation and interviewing skills. Use recordings of your voice to assess your progress. You will empower yourself, achieve more confidence and adopt skills that will last a lifetime.

Many people use the words lectern and podium interchangeably. There actually is a difference. A lectern is most commonly defined as a slanted stand that serves as a support for a speaker’s notes. It often has a microphone and a light attached.

When watching a speaker present, how well do you listen?

Do you…

1) Tune out people with whom you don’t agree, thereby being prejudicial?

2) Form a rebuttal in your head, while the presenter is still speaking?

3) Give the appearance of listening when you aren’t? e.g texting, emailing.

4) Daydream during the talk?

5) Mentally criticize or condemn the speaker’s clothes, jewelry, shoes, hair, glasses?

6) Allow yourself to be distracted by something going on in another part of the room, or outside?

7) Jump to conclusions without hearing the presenter out?

Allow emotions or nerves overtake your enjoyment of the message?

Do you do some, or all of these things, occasionally, often, most of the time? Hmm…it may be time to re-evaluate your listening skills, which can positively impact your communication skills.

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Speaking in public? Have a crucial presentation coming up?

Not to worry, here are 5 Quick Tips to enhance your success:

1) Are your stilettos too wobbly? Save them for your evening out clubbing. Are your earrings jangly? Wear attire that is flattering to your figure and appropriate for the audience and the occasion. As a speaker/presenter, you should always be more dressed up than your audience. Keep in mind that chandelier earrings can be a distraction and necklaces can interfere with the microphone and sound. Consider options that accessorize well and still allow for superb sound. Gaping blouse or hanging hem? Use two sided tape (www.galpal.com) and never worry about showing anything that is best left covered. Great to travel with, too!

2) Coach yourself by practicing often in front of a mirror or using a video camera. If possible have a friend video tape you, so that you can move around and use gestures and expressions to enhance your talk and minimize distractions.

3) Cultivate a pleasing tone and volume to your voice. Record yourself and objectively analyze your vocal qualities. A shrill, high voice is not pleasing to the ear. A well modulated voice with sufficient volume and varied pitch is pleasant to listen to and commands attention. Your voice is your tool and your cachet…use it effectively. If you have a strong accent, work on moderating it for ease of understanding.

4) Stand with weight balanced on both feet, to suggest comfort, power, presence; don’t cock a hip, or cross your ankles while standing. Use expansive, open, welcoming gestures, rather than closed body language. Ensure that your gestures and language support your message at the appropriate times.

5) Stride confidently and smoothly to the stage…this is not the time to make a dramatic entrance to the stage, windmilling arms, while tripping over the strap of a handbag left in your path. (I saw this happen once…showing knickers was involved!)

For more information about how to prepare for a talk, cultivate an attractive voice, or make an entrance with assurance and pose, contact CML International.

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