Leadership Communications Skills
Leaders, especially executives, need excellent communication skills so they can effectively persuade, inspire, and move others; and get their teams excited about their vision and plans. Skilled executives and leaders know that the power of their voice and words can galvanize and engage their organization.
Bonnie Gross is a speech-language pathologist, former TV and radio host, and founder of SpeechScience a company devoted to strengthening their clients’ capacity to be influential leaders, professionals, and communicators through the development of dynamic speaking and communications skills. She has 4 quick tips that will help you speak with greater impact on video calls or in person:
Tip #1
Facial Expression – make sure your facial expression (and body language) aligns with the words you are saying and the impact you want your communication to have on your audience. Online, look right at the camera, in person look into the eyes of your audience, make it clear that you are talking to them, your audience.
Use your facial expressions to communicate your message in combination with your words. For example, smile to express joy, hopefulness, excitement, anticipation, delight, gratitude, etc. Use a neutral face to express concern, sadness, contrition. Think about what the appropriate facial expression and body language should be to align to your message. Subtle changes in expression add believability whereas exaggerated facial expressions might detract from your message, unless done intentionally for humour.
Practice in a mirror or on video to ensure you look the way you think you look when you are saying your message.
Tip #2
Voice Tone, Intonation and Pacing – Pay attention to the sound of your voice and change the tone and intonation to align to your message. Stress the words that carry the greatest meaning and support your main message. Avoid a monotone sound; aim for inspirational intonation and inflection on the important words and phrases. Pace your speech as well, if you talk a bit faster and louder it will convey excitement or something big and important. Speaking slower and softer will encourage your audience really pay attention, just for that moment. The trick is to vary the tone, intonation, and pacing of your speech to keep your audience engaged; and align each to the words you are saying to ensure it all make sense to your audience.
Tip # 3
Avoid Filler Words and Sounds - Watch out for the “ums” and “ers” plus other fillers words such as: “well,” “like”, “you know,” “actually,” “I mean,” “believe me,” “okay,” and “so.” We use filler words for many reasons such as to show we are thinking, to fill silence, to stall for time, to collect our thoughts, to make a statement less harsh, to emphasize or de-emphasize, or to include others. Intentionally and artfully placed in your speech they might be powerful, or provide humour, however if they are habitual behaviours, they may detract from what you are saying. You can get rid of these words and sounds just by focusing on them. And using silence can be powerful when you are speaking, it allows the audience to ponder what you just said or it builds anticipation. In coaching we learn to “let silence do the heavy lifting”, this is true when you are giving a speech as well, silence is a powerful tool.
Practice, practice, practice and pay attention to every word you say so you become aware of the fillers that show up when you speak and can become intentional about when and how you use them.
Tip #4
Record yourself when you practice and try different techniques throughout your speech to improve the delivery of your message. Notice if you are creating dissonance between your words, facial expression, tone, intonation, and pacing.
If you want to become a skilled and masterful speaker, reach out to Bonnie at SpeechScience for a free consultation and to learn how her one-on-one programs can help you.
Visit Her Website: www.speechscience.com