Active Speech
According to scientific evidence, what we say accounts for only 7% of what is believed. The way we say it accounts for 38%! What others see accounts for 55%! Incredibly, more than 90% of the impression we convey has little to do with what we say!
The late Steve Jobs employed three specific body language techniques: eye contact, open posture, and gestures. Jobs perfected his presentations by rehearsing weeks in advance. This aided him in internalizing the content which made it easier for him to connect with his audience. Hand gestures were often used to emphasize a point.
Tom Antion, a professional speaker and trainer, suggests that when making an important point the presenter needs to move toward the audience. Your movement should have a purpose. Remember; by standing up you instantly command authority and attention. You are your presentation’s most important visual aid.
Movement also keeps the audience attentive, while relaxing the presenter. Always face your audience when you move, as this adds to a more personal connection.
One of the major hurdles to using actions in a presentation is…the presenter!
The most effective use of action is in its naturalness. Your movements should flow naturally with a conversation, and that’s what you are having, a conversation. For instance, when you tell a story to a friend you freely use gestures and movements to add flavor and entertain. Presentations work much the same way. Your body language needs to look natural, unrehearsed and confident. This takes practice. Remember, actions do speak louder than words! 93% of how you said it is absorbed by your audience.
A challenge to you would be to complete Project 5, Your Body Speaks, from your Competent Communication Manual.
By the way, Toastmasters is a great place to practice!
Resources: Active Speech
• Toastmaster Magazine September 2007
“Body Language Myths” by Dave Zielinski
• Toastmaster Magazine March 2010
“Be Unforgettable” by Emily Osburne
• Canadian Business Magazine August 2010
“The Key to Exuding Power? Acting!” by Joe Castaldo
• Public Speaking for Wimps by Rich Mintzer
• Wake’Em Up! Business Presentations by Tom Antion
• Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs by Carmine Gallo
• Everyone Communicates Few Connect by John C Maxwell
• The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking by Dale Carnegie
• Competent Communication Manual by Toastmasters International
The late Steve Jobs employed three specific body language techniques: eye contact, open posture, and gestures. Jobs perfected his presentations by rehearsing weeks in advance. This aided him in internalizing the content which made it easier for him to connect with his audience. Hand gestures were often used to emphasize a point.
Tom Antion, a professional speaker and trainer, suggests that when making an important point the presenter needs to move toward the audience. Your movement should have a purpose. Remember; by standing up you instantly command authority and attention. You are your presentation’s most important visual aid.
Movement also keeps the audience attentive, while relaxing the presenter. Always face your audience when you move, as this adds to a more personal connection.
One of the major hurdles to using actions in a presentation is…the presenter!
The most effective use of action is in its naturalness. Your movements should flow naturally with a conversation, and that’s what you are having, a conversation. For instance, when you tell a story to a friend you freely use gestures and movements to add flavor and entertain. Presentations work much the same way. Your body language needs to look natural, unrehearsed and confident. This takes practice. Remember, actions do speak louder than words! 93% of how you said it is absorbed by your audience.
A challenge to you would be to complete Project 5, Your Body Speaks, from your Competent Communication Manual.
By the way, Toastmasters is a great place to practice!
Resources: Active Speech
• Toastmaster Magazine September 2007
“Body Language Myths” by Dave Zielinski
• Toastmaster Magazine March 2010
“Be Unforgettable” by Emily Osburne
• Canadian Business Magazine August 2010
“The Key to Exuding Power? Acting!” by Joe Castaldo
• Public Speaking for Wimps by Rich Mintzer
• Wake’Em Up! Business Presentations by Tom Antion
• Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs by Carmine Gallo
• Everyone Communicates Few Connect by John C Maxwell
• The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking by Dale Carnegie
• Competent Communication Manual by Toastmasters International
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