Key Messages
Become A Great Communicator: Learn How to Sharpen Your Presentation and Communication Skills
In order to be an excellent communicator, learning the right way to communicate can mean the difference between success and failure.
With As We Speak, you will learn how to become a great communicator, whether it’s in front of an audience or one-on-one.
The book covers topics such as why seven seconds is all it takes for an audience to switch off, why peppering an email with “I” is the wrong way to get things done, and how to keep your hands from shaking during a presentation.
You’ll also gain insights on effective communication and how it helps lead others in their roles and make important decisions.
Above all else, As We Speak teaches you how to prepare for and deliver an exceptional speech that will take your communication skills up a notch.
So if you want to become the great communicator you’ve always wanted to be – read this book!
Increase Engagement in Company Presentations by Tapping into the Power of Storytelling
When delivering a presentation, it’s important to keep in mind that the content of what you say should benefit the audience in some way.
One mistake many presenters make is that they assume their message automatically creates an emotional response and connection with the listeners.
Instead, the key to effectively communicating your message is to focus on feeding your audience’s emotional side by telling an interesting story.
Research has shown that decision-making happens on the right side of the brain, which processes emotions, humor, and stories – not numbers and statistics.
Therefore, when giving your presentation, draw people in by introducing your ideas with a creative origin story; make it fun and lively to engage them.
Use stories as much as possible in order to draw out emotions from your listeners and make sure they fully connect with what you’re saying.
The Internet has made this technique even more accessible so don’t overlook it!
Make Your Presentations Count by Grabbing Audience Attention and Structuring Content Clearly
If you want to ensure that your audience stays engaged and attentive throughout your presentation, it’s important to structure your talk in a well-organized, three-point format.
Of course, this starts with understanding the importance of having a clear beginning.
It only takes seven seconds for people to decide if they are interested in what you have to say, so start by skipping the pleasantries and take some time to grab their attention with interesting statistics, words or stories that create a bond with them.
After getting your audience’s attention, welcome them to your presentation and address any necessary housekeeping details.
Then comes the actual content of your talk.
Divide it into three categories: current situation; where do you want to go; and how long will it take you to get there?
Begin by explaining the current situation by showing charts or graph that display the company’s current market position or numbers from the latest quarterly report.
For the second category, explain where you want to go including specific goals that need be met using existing methods as well as exploring what may have been missed opportunities – both from past successes and failures – make sure you set targets here as well.
And finally explain in detail how long it will take for these goals to be reached by providing updated recruiting strategies, budget cuts or changes in marketing.
Using Your Voice and Email Wisely to Keep Audiences Engaged
Your voice is one of your most powerful tools, especially when giving a presentation.
Be sure to vary your volume and speed to keep your audience engaged.
If possible, smile as you talk – it adds a note of positivity to your voice.
For video and audio presentations, be clear about where you are going with the presentation and when it will end – this helps people stay engaged.
When writing an email, use the word “you” ten times more often than you use the word “I” in order to avoid making the email seem selfish or self-centered.
Emails should also be kept short and precise, with even shorter notes sent higher up in the chain of command.
Pay attention to what your voice is saying about you because your audience certainly is!
Make conscious decisions about how you use words and intonations while speaking or writing so that your messages are understood and be sure to keep everyone engaged in what you have to say.
5 Tips to Keep Your Cool and Show Confidence While Speaking in Public
It’s normal to get nervous when speaking in public and while we might not like to admit it, our body language can convey just how anxious we are.
To make sure your body is not distracting from your words, here are some simple tips.
If you find that your hands shake as you speak, avoid holding items like pages of paper or a laser pointer as this will draw attention to the movement.
Instead, hold a book or grip a pen for stability.
If it’s your legs that shake, try moving around as you speak-that way you’ll no longer feel the shakes!
In case of excessive sweating, keep your jacket or sweater on even if it means looking too hot-just don’t take it off!
Carry a cotton handkerchief in case of a sweaty forehead and practice deep abdominal breathing from your diaphragm instead of chest breathing-it’ll help stabilize trembling voices too!
It’s okay to use notes during a talk as long as you remember to make eye contact with your audience after making a point.
To avoid getting stuck on one note card, write numbers on them and keep them in order–in clear large handwriting using black pen.
The most important thing is to stay calm and collected even if things go awry-take deep breaths and refer back to your notes if need be.
By following these pointers, those who get nervous when speaking in public won’t have anything more than their grade A delivery skills worry about!
How to Effectively and Respectfully Communicate with Colleagues Through Direct Conversation
Having a tough conversation can be intimidating, but avoiding it can make for an even more tense relationship down the line.
In order to stay positive during such talks, it is important to define your goals beforehand.
Put yourself in the shoes of the person you are talking to – they may not even realize that there is an issue, and just need guidance or understanding.
When the conversation gets heated, listen to what they have to say and ask questions in order to further understand their perspective, then stay positive by responding positively and showing appreciation.
Reassure them that everything can work out with a meaningful solution if both sides have an open dialogue.
Rather than getting caught up in issues with a person’s behavior or attitudes, focus on addressing and tackling the problem head-on without bias.
This approach will help set expectations for future discussions and conversations when something comes up again in the workplace or otherwise.
The key is to keep communication open between all parties involved, so that all sides understand each other and find common ground.
With this aim in mind, tension won’t get too high without having solid solutions on how to tackle problems together.
Focus on the Positive and Give Your Audience a Gift of a Meaningful Presentation Despite Having a Bad Day
When it comes to delivering a presentation – whether you’re having a good day or bad day – it’s important to think of it as more than just that; think of it as a gift.
The aim of the presentation should be to provide something positive and useful to your audience.
So, rather than sinking into thoughts of panic and anxiety, focus on ways that you can positively impact those who will receive your message.
What kind of thing can you give them?
Natures Nutrition recommends that you identify the performance preparation patterns that put you in the right frame of mind for a successful presentation.
Is there certain routine or action that makes you feel confident and prepared? Do something that makes you smile – like enjoying a cup of your favorite tea – or listen to music that gets you ready for the occasion.
Avoid frantic ‘double-checking’ yourself since this can potentially sabotage your performance.
Instead, turn any negative questions into ones with positive answers: How can I use their questions to build trust? What’s my strongest idea? In asking yourself these questions, your brain will focus on taking you forward instead of backward.
Ultimately, everything we do and say sends out an important message; allow this energy and passion to turn giving a presentation into giving an amazing gift!
Wrap Up
The final summary of As We Speak is that communication is a gift to the world.
When we take the time to consider the needs of our audience, it allows us to effectively and successfully connect with them in a meaningful way.
Additionally, we must remember to always take a moment and breathe deeply before speaking to an audience.
This will help us stay focused and relaxed no matter how intimidating the situation might be.
By following this advice, anyone can become a confident speaker who can bring their message to life!
