It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It

Have you ever heard, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.” This statement is untrue. In fact, it’s both! Delivering a powerful message is a unique blend of what you are communicating along with the tone and finesse of your delivery. If not done with precision you will lose your audience… period.

As a Business Coach, Leader, and Speaker I’ve had the pleasure of delivering many powerful and engaging presentations that improved with practice. However, I have also been a disheartened audience member. Many times, I have left a meeting or presentation researching how to unpack the unclear message provided by an unprepared speaker. Yes, it happens!

Before we venture down the yellow brick road of presentation prep, it’s important to assess exactly where you are NOW with “how” you speak. Furthermore, most people write exactly how they speak, so perhaps you should start there. Speaking well is a skill that is vital to Business owners, Leaders, and Salespeople. Poor speaking habits can impact your credibility in your community, and it’s paramount in the delivery of compelling presentations.

“If you can’t communicate and talk to other people and get across your ideas, you’re giving up your potential.” – Warren Buffet

Good news, speaking proficiencies can be improved. Here are a few tips to get started:

• Are you an optimist? (Ask for honest feedback without becoming defensive)
• Speak in tendencies of the cup being half-full vs. half-empty
• Speak clearly and annunciate your words
• Speak with inflection
• Expand your vocabulary daily
• Slow down to improve the clarity of your thoughts
• Use relevant examples or tell a story to make your point
• Review all written documents for tone and grammatical errors before sending

As a professional becoming self-aware of your strengths and areas of opportunity is fundamental to your growth and development. After you begin to notice your improvement in several of the suggested speaking proficiency tips, it’s time to schedule and prepare for an internal or external presentation.

Now we are venturing down the yellow brick road to delivering presentations. Here are several points to get you well on your way to creating a powerful message.

1. Preparation:

• Schedule the presentation to give you enough time to formulate your talking points, strategy, tactics, or analytics to include.
• What’s your time limit?
• Who is your audience? Know your audience.
• Interview and question several attendees to gauge interest and any pain points.
• Prep your personal story, tone, humor, and speed of your delivery.
• Are you scheduling a Q & A session before you close your session?

   2.  Critical Questions to Answer:

• What is the point I want to make?
• Is my point clear?
• Will I be engaging?
• Is my personal story nailing the point?
• What will influence the audience?
• Is my delivery the best it can be?
• What is the “Call to Action” for the audience when I’m finished?

Answers to these questions will strengthen your performance and make it great. Your objective is to deliver the message in such a powerful way the audience is inspired to take action.

 

Finally, never undervalue the significance of a Coach. If you are struggling to deliver powerful messages in your business, perhaps you should consider working with a Professional Business Growth Coach. This partnership will empower your professional growth, and those of your team.

Author: Lisa Morgan Mosley is a Certified Business Growth Coach practicing in the United States and Canada.
https://www.212degreescoaching.com
lisa@212degreescoaching.com