This is one for those of you working in international business and having to address (in one language) an audience that has does not have that particular language as their first language, maybe not even as their second language.
You may be giving an important presentation to colleagues/staff/clients at an important meeting or conference; or just simply talking in a room, on Skype or even just on the phone.
The most important thing about any form of live communication is not just to be heard, it is to be understood. Here's a simple idea that you can learn easily and with practice it becomes natural.
When you are talking you think it is like this, with separate words.
You may be giving an important presentation to colleagues/staff/clients at an important meeting or conference; or just simply talking in a room, on Skype or even just on the phone.
The most important thing about any form of live communication is not just to be heard, it is to be understood. Here's a simple idea that you can learn easily and with practice it becomes natural.
When you are talking you think it is like this, with separate words.
But some (or all!) of your audience may just hear it like this:
It all just merges in to one 'thing' and that is a tough challenge for your listeners. Start like that and can you really blame them if they tune-out very quickly. It is hard work separating out the words from that sentence, especially if you are by nature a fast talker. You are on sentence number nine whilst people may be trying to work out sentence number one. I'd give up, wouldn't you? This is happening all the time all over the world. Let's try something.......
Say this out loud in your normal voice at your normal pace:
It's essential that we leverage our latest sustainability data so that clients fully understand the direction we are heading in.
Okay, now say it again but pause between each word. Sounds at best strange, at worst patronisingly stupid right? Well not if you get used to minimising the gap.
Let's aim for one-tenth of a second, just putting the smallest gap between each word AND enunciating each word a little more (just a little...). Think like this:
Say this out loud in your normal voice at your normal pace:
It's essential that we leverage our latest sustainability data so that clients fully understand the direction we are heading in.
Okay, now say it again but pause between each word. Sounds at best strange, at worst patronisingly stupid right? Well not if you get used to minimising the gap.
Let's aim for one-tenth of a second, just putting the smallest gap between each word AND enunciating each word a little more (just a little...). Think like this:
It is surprising how you can get used to this, because eventually you can make it so natural that you actually switch in to this mode automatically when the situation arises. When you get good at this skill you will find that afterwards people will approach you and say thank you for being understandable. So you enhance your reputation and people listen. And your message, so carefully crafted, has the chance for much more impact.
One you learn to do this you have a skill for life. Go in, try it.
GOOD LUCK!
This is an abridged version of the full article. Number 107 of 144 of Simple Bright Ideas.
Copyright © 2015 by Steve Boyle
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Permission to re-publish this article can be obtained by sending an e mail to [email protected]
One you learn to do this you have a skill for life. Go in, try it.
GOOD LUCK!
This is an abridged version of the full article. Number 107 of 144 of Simple Bright Ideas.
Copyright © 2015 by Steve Boyle
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Permission to re-publish this article can be obtained by sending an e mail to [email protected]
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