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your approval or agreement will not impress your audience. Even if
you’re bashful or self-effacing, speak in bold, unambiguous terms.
Don’t drop subtle hints when the situation calls for you to speak up
and be specific.
If you want to persuade others, realize that they’re more likely to
follow you if you’re simple and direct. Don’t waste words. Beware of
giving too much information when trying to explain a point. Filter
out extraneous data so that you only talk about what matters most.
Here are three ways to speak with power:
Emphasize action words: Before making an important point, iden-
tify the action word in your sentence. Then pause for a half-second
or so just before and after you say it. Action drives meaning, so don’t
rush over your verbs.
Vary your volume: Powerful speakers are not monotones. They
whisper to entice others to listen and raise their voice when they’re
excited or surprised. Keep tweaking the dial on your voice volume to
reflect the ebb and flow of conversation.
Paint word pictures: Speak in visual terms to captivate listeners.
Rather than tell them what to think, describe what you see in precise,
colorful language.

“The finest eloquence is that which gets things done.”
—David Lloyd George

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