Practical, helpful tips for better communication.
If you deal in any capacity with people such as in sales, insurance, education, or clerical your communication abilities may have more impact on your job than you realize. Many people dislike speaking in front of a group or in public. Since it is a process that is unavoidable in numerous situations, why not find out less stressful ways to do it? Let`s take a look at a few obstacles in public speaking and what can be done to overcome them.
1. Nervous in Public
2. Forget Information
3. Feeling Unorganized
Our counteractive skills will be:
A.- Approach
This entails how you come to a presentation, are you prepared? How long are you expected to talk? Preparation is one of the greatest tools you have available in putting yourself in a better position for your delivery. Preparation means not only knowing data, but being able to discuss and answer questions pertaining to what you are talking about. Anxiety is minimized greatly dependent upon your preparation practices. You should research and know your subject matter well. It’s helpful when you have a personal passion for the topic, then sincerity comes across to the audience. It’s much easier to sell or promote something that you enjoy and have found beneficial. Practice your presentation at least 3-5 times. This will allow you to iron out the wrinkles. Ask a friend or associate to critique as you practice. Video cameras are also an incredible tool to review and observe your delivery in the same manner your audience would.
B.- Body Language
What you do with your body language (hands, expressions, posture, etc…) convey to an audience confidence or confusion. Good eye contact is essential to clear communication. Scan slowly across the room, while avoiding staring. Looking at the floor or ceiling is undesirable, since these actions send a message of distrust and uncertainty to the onlooker. A nice smile will put your audience at ease and allow for more approachability. A smile has the capacity to relax a tense situation. Don’t cross your arms over your chest, that tends to give an impression of defense and protection. Relax your arms and use natural gestures with your hands. For example, use hand gestures to reinforce your point when talking about a small rock or a LARGE boulder.
C.- Communicate
To communicate basically means: Taking the thoughts and ideas that you have and convey them to an individual or group and maintain the intent of purpose. This may sound simple, but how many times do messages get received different from the intent of the transmission? Just as with a radio station there must be a transmitter and receiver. Your audience is the receiver, are they tuned to the station you are transmitting? This simple adjustment should key you in on the needs of your audience. This will aid you in delivering information that an audience is eager to learn about. Practice these ABC’s every opportunity you have when talking in family, social, and business settings and you will be on your way to more confident public speaking.