How The Three Little Pigs can make you a better speaker
08/01/12 17:07 Filed in: Presentations
It’s not always what you say, but how you say it...
A surefire way to bore people when you speak is to talk in a monotone voice. You may think you’re speaking with expression, but unless you make a conscious effort, you probably aren’t. The good news is that most people can ramp up their vocal variety with just a bit of practice.
Here are three simple techniques to try:
Read out loud. Put the speech or presentation aside and open a children’s book. Choose one with lots of dialogue for best effect. Then tell the story. (Child participation optional)
Mimic broadcasters. These people are pros at using vocal variety. Listen to them deliver the news. Pay close attention to radio newsreaders who have nothing else to work with except their voice and timing.
Argue with a two-year old. Although this technique is highly effective, it is only recommended if you can accept the most likely outcome. Your vocal variety will get a great workout, but the two-year old will win. Good luck. :-)
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Are you flying by the seat of your pants every time you put together a presentation? If so, join me for a day to learn how to plan, organize and write a compelling script and coordinate it with simple visuals.
For details visit Make An Impact: Presentation Design for Non-designers - May 31, 2012 or go to www.echeloncomm.ca to for info about all the workshops scheduled for 2012
A surefire way to bore people when you speak is to talk in a monotone voice. You may think you’re speaking with expression, but unless you make a conscious effort, you probably aren’t. The good news is that most people can ramp up their vocal variety with just a bit of practice.
Here are three simple techniques to try:
Read out loud. Put the speech or presentation aside and open a children’s book. Choose one with lots of dialogue for best effect. Then tell the story. (Child participation optional)
Mimic broadcasters. These people are pros at using vocal variety. Listen to them deliver the news. Pay close attention to radio newsreaders who have nothing else to work with except their voice and timing.
Argue with a two-year old. Although this technique is highly effective, it is only recommended if you can accept the most likely outcome. Your vocal variety will get a great workout, but the two-year old will win. Good luck. :-)
~~~
Are you flying by the seat of your pants every time you put together a presentation? If so, join me for a day to learn how to plan, organize and write a compelling script and coordinate it with simple visuals.
For details visit Make An Impact: Presentation Design for Non-designers - May 31, 2012 or go to www.echeloncomm.ca to for info about all the workshops scheduled for 2012