Getting People to Listen
Whether you are making a presentation to a large audience or just talking one-on-one, you want people to listen and understand what you are saying. Remember, just because your audience is quiet doesn’t mean they are really tuned in. Here are some guidelines to help make you a better speaker:
Know exactly what you want to say. This sounds obvious, but aren’t there times when you listen to someone else speak and you don’t have any idea what they are trying to say?
It is important to be completely clear about what you are trying to communicate. If you’re giving any sort of speech, you should start by writing down the major points you want to make. Then be sure that everything you say addresses these points.
Keep it short and simple. People can only absorb so much at a time. When you speak, limit yourself to two or three major points. Any more and your message will get lost. Say what you have to say and then let others comment or ask questions.
Be positive. Never start a sentence with a negative or an apology. If you say something like “This might sound like a crazy idea,” your audience is apt to agree.
Use your voice effectively. There are many tricks that professional speakers use to keep an audience attentive. First, try to keep your voice pitch low. This is especially important for women, whose voices are naturally more high-pitched. A low, resonant voice commands respect and attention. And change your volume during the course of your speech; contrary to what you might think, talking softly is one of the most effective ways to get people to listen. No one wants to feel as if he/she is missing anything, so they’ll perk up when you speak softly.
Use power words. People who study language have learned that certain words have a strong, persuasive power. The list includes: you, free, money, proven, guarantee, easy, now, results, healthy, safe, love and benefit.
It is important to be completely clear about what you are trying to communicate.
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