Page 80 - Effective communication Skills by Dale King

Details are very important. They are what draw people in and stimulate our

senses. It is why some are great storytellers, whereas others will put you to
sleep. Don’t confuse this with saying a lot of stuff. It isn’t about length. What
it is about is meaning what you say and saying it well.

Keep Your Spine Straight but Remain Relaxed

Being eloquent isn’t just about the way you use language. It’s about using
body language, too. How your back is positioned creates the foundation for

your body language and is the root of your eloquence.

Slumping tells others you lack confidence in your words and yourself. If you
go too far and stand “at attention” straight, this is saying you are in “fight or
flight” mode. If your back is straight but relaxed will put you in a physical
and mental state where words will flow easily and smoothly.

Chin Up

The way you hold your head is as important as the way you position your
spine. This fact can be reflected in many expressions like: “Hold your head

high” means to show determination and pride. Saying someone is “downcast”
tells others that you are being beaten down.

Keeping your head up is needed to be eloquent for physiological reasons, too.
If your neck is tense, it will strangle your words and keeps you from clearly
speaking.

Focus on the People Who Are Listening

Eloquence is only meaningful if people listen to you. They aren’t going to
listen if you think about other things or if your eyes are darting all over the
place. If people aren’t paying attention, you are just giving a speech.

Two things to remember: Don’t glance sideways: this makes you look
dishonest. If you have to check notes, look down without moving your head
down. Only move your eyes.

Learn to Project Your Words

To have the maximum eloquence, you have to speak loud enough so the
people in the back of the room can hear, but it isn’t too loud for the people