It's Time to Make a Statement!
Think back to the last time you were an audience member. What made you want to listen? What enticed you to tune-in and stay connected? Or, conversely, what made you shift your thoughts to elsewhere, check your watch, and wonder “When will this end?”
If you are a presenter, a teacher, or a facilitator of any type, you do not have to change your content, create new homework assignments, add an activity, or infuse technology for this to work. You can make a statement that goes beyond anything your shoes or clothes might communicate. No longer do you have to straddle the line of being compelling and interesting or serious and informative. You can accomplish both. All you have to do is watch what your voice does, and listen to what your body language says.
Spelled out below is precisely what your voice should do, what your body should say, why both are important, and how you can make small but incredible changes to positively impact your audience members' interest and engagement and enhance your overall presence as a powerhouse at the front of the room!
Does your voice …
convey excitement via occasional bursts of rapid speech?
lower in volume to place emphasis on certain information?
change tone and rate of speed throughout the session?
For when it does, your voice is able to …
compel others to nod their heads and influence your listeners to lean in;
easily clarify for listeners which pieces of information are most important; and
move students to stop what they are doing so they can hear and hold on to everything you have to say.
Do you …
stand straight with shoulders back at the front of the room to address students at the start of each session?
use appropriate hand gestures, facial expressions, and other nonverbal communication?
move about the room throughout the session?
If you do, then your body language says …
you want to stand in a position where you can see everyone at once and demonstrate you are ready to engage in the business of learning and thinking;
you are passionate about the topic and will bring personality to the session content, which can be infectious; and
you are intent on raising the level of attention among your audience members.
From the first minute until the last, command the room with the sound of your voice and the message from your body. Keep in mind if you look and sound frazzled, dispassionate, or agitated, your audience members will respond in kind. If you look and sound confident, enthused, and engaged, your audience members will also respond in kind.
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Did you enjoy this post? Get more communication strategies in the award-winning REAL TALK: What Other Experts Won't Tell You About How to Make Presentations That Sizzle.
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