Page 707 - Encyclopedia of Business and Finance

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Speaking Skills in Business

transition statement might be: “Now that we have stud- useful when you must pause to collect your
ied…,” or “Let’s take a look at…” thoughts or calm your nerves.
People are most readily persuaded by what they heard 7. Talk to someone. Before your talk begins, talk to a
frequently and recently; therefore, a summary should friend in your audience. Or talk to several. The
include a capsule of the key points in brief sentence form. more people you have a chance to meet before the
This review drives the message home to the listener.
talk begins. the more easily you will be able to treat
Most trainers apply the formula T ¥ 3 (tell them your audience as a group of friends.
three times) when delivering a message:
8. Introduce yourself. Talk a bit about your back-
Preview: Tell them what you are going to tell them. ground. Let your audience know something about
your interests. Even frightened speakers have the
Body: Tell them.
ability to introduce themselves with style.
Summary: Tell them what you told them.
9. Speak deeply. Let your comments flow from deep
The last point to impress on an audience is how they within your body. Your voice will sound more force-
can use the information presented to bring about mean- ful as a result.
ingful change in their lives. The “To Do” of a message can
10. Position yourself firmly at the lectern or table. Rest
be accomplished by using statements such as: “I challenge
you to…” or “I encourage you to…” your hands firmly but comfortably at the edge of
the lectern or table. As your hands gently grasp the
Memorizing a presentation is a bad idea because
lectern, you will boost your sense of command and
stumbling or forgetting one word might cause the whole
confidence.
speech to fall apart. Memorized words also tend to sound
cold and lifeless instead of warm and genuine. Reading a 11. Remember that physical action often softens fear.
speech is not a good option either, because doing so pre- The more you are able to move your body or your
vents having eye contact with the audience. Instead, a major muscle groups, the more likely you will
speaker should write the main points on note cards and induce a sense of calm.
rehearse the speech at least five times, striving for spon-
12. Modulate your voice. Enunciate carefully, pause
taneity, variety, and naturalness in delivery.
when appropriate, and accent important points with
To assure a successful presentation, follow these sug- a change in volume.
gestions:
13. State your case. Good presentations are forceful pre-
1. Practice mental imagery. Imagine yourself tri- sentations. Do not hesitate to express your view-
umphantly succeeding. Tell yourself, over and over point firmly or offer provocative ideas to the
again, that you have something important to share audience. The more you are able to express strongly
and that you will do a great job sharing it. held views, the more you will feel in control of the
2. Rehearse privately in front of a mirror and on tape. presentation.
Critique the pace and tempo of your presentation, 14. Enjoy yourself. You need not be a polished celebrity
as well as your enunciation, articulation, and pro- to deliver a quality talk. Enjoy the experience. To
nunciation of words. Ask a trusted friend to critique
relax yourself and your audience, do not forget to
your delivery.
smile!
3. Type your talk in large, bold type and number all
SEE ALSO Communications in Business; Listening Skills
pages/cards of your presentation. If you drop them,
visible numbers will help you put them back in Business; Reading Skills in Business; Writing Skills
in Business
together again in the correct order.
4. Conduct extra research. Conducting detailed
research on your topic helps you gain a tremendous BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gelb, Michael J. (1988). Present Yourself! Rolling Hills Estates,
feeling of mastery and confidence.
CA.: Jalmar Press.
5. Dress comfortably, but in good taste, and tuck away
Ensman, Richard G., Jr. (1993, Winter). “Stage Fright Bites the
a lucky symbol on yourself. Dust.” Communiqué, 17-22.
6. Bring along some handouts. Cartoons, objects, or Filson, Brent (1994). Executive Speeches. New York: Wiley.
memorabilia that can be passed around the room are Hargrave, Jan L. (1995). Let Me See Your Body Talk. Dubuque,
very effective interest grabbers. They are especially IA: Kendall/Hunt.

684 ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE, SECOND EDITION