I know what you want. You want some quick tips to success. In these days of time pressure and job insecurity, who could blame you? So I will give you the ‘tips’ most frequently sought. At the same time, I will remind you that it takes more than a ‘tip’ to change your behavior. You might review what you already know about the word “practice” to use the following tips.
To Sound More Intelligent:
Speak just a bit slower than you normally do to give yourself time to select your most appropriate vocabulary and to give the impression of thoughtfulness.
To Sound More Powerful:
Use short, simple declarative sentences. You say what you mean and you mean what you say. Cut out any useless connectors, adjectives and adverbs, especially superlatives (Fantastic! Outstanding!, etc.).
To Sound More Polished:
Avoid answering a question with a blunt “yes” or “no”. Append a short phrase of clarification. For example, “No, I did not see it.” “Yes, I know Mary.” Doesn’t that sound more courteous?
To Sound More Articulate:
Make a special effort to pronounce the final sound in a word and use its energy to carry over to the following word. Readers of my book will recognize the principal of ‘linking’. Pay special attention to final “t”. (I can’t_ever count_on him.)
To Sound More Confident:
Carry your body in an upright posture. Hold your head as if you had a crown on it. Don’t let your arms and legs have side to side motion when you move. Keep your elbows and knees close to the midline of your body. Think “CEO” or “King” and you’ll probably get it right.
Pick just one of these tips to work on each day (or you’ll feel like the famous centipede who became paralyzed with too much thought). If you need more support or information in using these tips, you’ll find the information in my book, It’s the Way You Say It.
If you want to learn more about how Dr. Fleming can help you improve your communication skills, please call her at telephone 415.391.9179 or send her an email at [email protected]
Carol Fleming, Ph.D., is the author of “It’s the Way You Say It”! Becoming Articulate, Well-spoken and Clear. A comprehensive guide to vocal development and improvement of communication skills. For people who want to make their speaking more impressive.
