One of the common mistakes in public speaking is that we often underestimate the importance of the form in the message we try to convey.
Unlike written pages, oral communications are a bloom of conscious and unconscious signals coming out from our body, like voice tone and modulation, gesticulating, glances with the public, dialogue speed and so on.
Each of these signals carries a different value that can alter the substance of the message, even in an unsuccessful way.
As diplomacy is essentially communication, a good deal can be reached only after smart negotiations and persuasive talks.
Hence, creating the right empathy with our listeners could add further value on the outcome of our agreements.
In an article published on the popular magazine Mental Floss, the American journalist Cindy Fisher Crawford has tried to summarize 5 effective steps to becoming a better public speaker from “Toastmasters International” and other public speaking experts:
1. MAKE YOUR SPEECH CONVERSATIONAL
As tempting as it may be to type up a speech and read it word for word, refrain from doing so.
Audiences listen better when the speaker talks to them instead of reads to them.
2. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
A great way to ensure your speech goes smoothly is to rehearse what you’re going to say.
3. CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE
If they’re yawning, you need to infuse a spark in the conversation.
4. DELIVER YOUR SPEECH WITH PASSION
The best way to get your audience to care about what you’re saying is to show how much you care about the topic.
5. TAKE YOUR TIME
Your presentation is not a race. Take your time as you interact with the audience and slow down if you make a mistake.
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