Page 134 - Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders

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to deliver the presentation as a disembodied voice from behind a curtain à la
The Wizard of Oz, you need to put some physicality into your speaking. Steve
Jobs is an accomplished public speaker. Strolling or even prowling the stage,
alone or with a strategic prop (a new Apple product), he projects a sense of
confidence and knowledge. His physicality underscores the power of his mes-
sage because it says subconsciously, “I know what I am talking about and I am
in control.” GREAT COMMUNICATION SECRETS OF GREAT LEADERS
Visualize a speaking style. How do you see yourself delivering the pre-
sentation? From behind the podium, walking the stage, or moving into
the audience? Ideally, polished presenters do some roaming. But until
you are totally comfortable, it is better to use a podium where you can
mount your speech or notes. Teleprompters, where words are projected
on television monitors out of the audience’s sight line, free the speaker
to wander the stage without having to refer to notes.
Get involved physically. At a minimum, you must do a few simple
physical things:
Make eye contact with the audience.
Periodically shift your gaze from one side of the room to the
other and from back to front. Actually, the process is remark-
ably similar to the one you use when you drive as you shift your
gaze from the road in front of you to the rearview mirror and
sideview mirrors.
Look up from the podium. Keep your nose out of your notes.
Do not read the words in your visuals (if you have them).
Instead, interpret what it is you have to say. (An exception is
cartoons. They are little stories, so it is acceptable to read
them.)

Use gestures for emphasis. Use a hand motion or wave an arm. When
you are more accomplished as a presenter, get out from behind the
podium. Move about the stage or speaking area.
Get your shoulders in motion.
Stand still momentarily, then stride to one side of the room.
Make grand gestures occasionally.
Engage the audience with an occasional question, e.g.,
“Wouldn’t you agree?” or “Am I clear?”

If all of this sounds theatrical, that’s because it is. If you do not feel
comfortable doing it, then do not force it. Too much animation is
wearing not only on you, but also on an audience. But gradually,
over time, you can get physical to a degree that is comfortable for
both you and your audience.