How To Speak Effectively
Learning to Speak effectively is important. It potentially has a direct impact on your career.
If you cannot clearly communicate your wishes to your manger, clients, suppliers and colleagues, you may not be as respected by them as you might wish and you will perhaps not get what you seek.
You must learn to speak effectively whether the language is English, Vietnamese or any other language. It is that simple.
To achieve this, practice the following 5 Effective Speaking Rules.
#1 – think about what you are going to say – plan it.
- The first thing you say to someone is very important – it sets the first impression;
- Everyone’s mother has said this – “next time, think before you open your mouth.”
Plan what you are going to say. Think I, B, C.
- Introduction – build a story – 1 or more sentences;
- Body – sufficient detail to justify your position;
- Conclusion – a strong finish – 1 or more sentences.
#2 – engage the listener in your first sentence.
- Why would anyone listen to what you say after first the sentence if it is not interesting?
- You must capture the listener’s interest. Don’t say anything unless it has impact;
- All children Story Tellers know this – “Once upon a time…”
Engage the listener – how do you do this? Build a story – think me, B, C. Sometimes it is better not answer questions directly. Aim for 4 sentences.
#3 – keep your sentences short.
- Make it easy for the listener to listen;
- The shorter your sentences, generally the more impact you have and the less chance you will make a Grammar error.
#4 – slow down – leave lots of pauses.
- Make it easy for the listener to listen;
- It gives you time to think and additionally you will make less Grammar errors.
#5 – most of what you say is communicated with body language.
Approximately 7% of what you communicate is with words, 37 % with voice tine, modulation and pauses and a massive 55% with body position, movement and subtle body language.
When young we all learned to read body language effectively. As we get older, we as humans play more sophisticated games which most of us only see in our subconscious. We know something is wrong, but we are not clear why and worse we do not act upon it.
This is where reading body language becomes important. Read the body language first when you enter a meeting and then act upon what you see. For example, if participant’s arms are folded, do or say something to get people to open them first before you start.
