Page 168 - The Voice of Authority

Hammer Them with Humor

I’m not suggesting that you become a stand-up comic. Just
don’t take yourself too seriously. If a funny story makes
your point, tell it. If a one-liner says it all, toss it out there.
If Sunday’s comics capture your message, use them. Hu-
mor grabs attention, keeps people tuned in, elevates the
energy level, and rewards people for listening all the way
to the end.

Beware the Backdrop

Anticipate reactions to your message before you deliver it.
Will their concern be money? Loss of face? A short dead-
line? Shuffling of priorities? If so, do you need to recon-
sider your phrasing? Add details? Clarify other issues?
Consider the physical and emotional surroundings—the
metaphorical context and timing—and modify your mes-
sage accordingly.

Delivering Your Message: Split Personalities

Have you ever felt like interrupting a presenter to ask, “Is
that you? I don’t recognize your voice.” The strangest thing
happens when some people stand up to present ideas and
information before a group—particularly an executive
group. They sound like someone else.
It’s as if they have two voices or communication styles.
They have a talking mode and a “delivery” mode—and can
move back and forth between them on cue. In their talk-
ing mode, they sound like a person engaged in conversa-
tion: natural, believable, engaging, connected, clear, ani-
mated, passionate, interesting. In their “delivery” mode,

156 The Voice of Authority