Be real and authentic with your voice

OK, I stepped outside the box on this final ‘non-verbal’ tip. This tip is verbal, but extremely essential as you work towards effective communication.

We’ve all been there a thousand times.

You are mired in a company meeting or small group session and you mindlessly listen to someone opine about the new ‘can’t miss’ strategy for success.

The big problem: these talks are usually presented without flair, vocal intonation, and variety. I am not recommending that you tell those treasured jokes you’ve been holding onto for ages, but I am instructing that you ‘break out of corporate speak’ and provide memorable, remarkable information for your audience.

The people in the audience don’t want monotone. They desire stories and a voice tone that ebbs and flows like the rising tide.

Be real. Be authentic. Get your message across with an energy, variety, and believability that will have your audience saying: ‘I really liked that presentation. It was simple to follow and easy to remember’.

When you are constructing a talk for a large/small group session, answer this question:
How will my audience best be persuaded, informed, or motivated by what I communicate? Typically, you’ll find ‘the answer’ evolves around being confident, colorful, and engaging in all that you say and do.

Until next time,

Dan Naden

Show them you care through your posture

Ok, so you’ve fully digested non-verbal communication step #1, eye contact. Now, it is time for #2.

Posture.

When talking to a group (whether in a small or large setting), it is essential that you ‘own’ the stage.

Much of this ‘ownership’ emanates from your ability to non-verbally communicate confidence, poise, and transparency.

Watch the great speakers and you’ll see no fear, doubt, and a posture that magnetizes. The shoulders are back, the body is relaxed, and there’s a slight lean towards the audience – the exact group you are trying to influence, persuade, or inform.

These learnings don’t just have to be put in place for large group presentations. In small one-on-one (seated) meetings, follow this posture prescription:

1. Don’t slump in your chair. It makes you look tired, disinterested, and unprofessional.
2. Uncross your arms and legs to communicate an open, connected message.
3. Keep your body facing the person(s) to whom you are speaking. Slightly turning your body away from the audience tells them that you aren’t important and you’ve rather be doing something else.

Owning the stage and sending off the right non-verbal message through your posture takes practice, yet its mastery will help you build better relationships, and tell a more convincing message.

Want more? Non-verbal tip #3 is right around the corner.

Until next time,

Dan Naden