As a speaker, words are the tools of our trade. Being able to string a whole lot of words together and create an interesting and logical sequence from them is what we are hired to do.
No matter how much "gift of the gab" you have been blessed with, it is important that you learn to focus on the words that you use and the ones that you abuse.
Here are some rules to using words in your speech.
- Keep your sentences short. Long winded sentences lack punch. Keeping your sentences short helps you to communicate you points in easy to understand "sound bites". You can emphasise these points further by pauses, tone and enthusiasm.
- Watch out for Jargon. We all have words or acronyms specific to our industries that we use without thinking on a daily basis. Sometimes it becomes hard to imagine that anyone "doesn't" know what they mean. A good rule of thumb is not to use any jargon, acronyms, or abbreviations in you speech. If you absolutely need to, in order to make sense, always explain what they mean or have the explanation on your handout for people to refer to.
- Don't use large words. Your speech is not your chance to show off just how good your vocabulary is. The speech should be understood by anyone, no matter what their level of education is, whether they speak a foreign language and English is their 2nd language, or if they come from a different cultural background. Pitch your speech so a group of school children could understand it and you should be right on the money.
- Eliminate "um's and ah's". When we are nervous, or just starting our speech these can creep in. They are so instinctual that most of us haven't got a clue that we even say them. The easiest way to get rid of them is just to be conscious that they exist. Ask a friend to listen to your speech and count how many "um's" creep in. You will find that they occur naturally at a point where you brain is engaged in figuring out what to say next. The more you practice public speaking the better you will get and all the "um's and ah's" will disappear.
- No Foul Language. It doesn't matter if you normally "cuss", on stage it is not acceptable. You are not Gordon Ramsay, and won't get away with it. On the stage any form of bad language is frowned upon and you should do your best not to use any phrase that someone in your audience could find offensive. It is such a small thing to do and will ensure that you get booked again and again to all sorts of different audiences.
- No Religious References. Religion should not be a part of being a Subject Matter Expert. It doesn't matter how strong your faith or beliefs are.... They should stay just that - Your Beliefs. Unless you are talking to a group that you know is a religion based group or you are hired BECAUSE you talk on faith and spirituality, do not bring religion into your speech.
Learning to use words well is a process. Every time you deliver your speech you will refine and improve it. Each time you create a new speech to deliver to a new audience, you will get better and better. Our words create pictures in people's minds. Our words can have a lasting impact and change people's lives - so learn to choose your words wisely.
Adele Howell-Pryce is the C.E.O. and founder of International Speaking Professionals Association (I.S.P.A), and an accomplished public speaker in her own right. She started the ISPA to give Topic Experts and Professionals an easy way to find speaking opportunities as well as a platform to market their Topic of Expertise for anyone looking for an Expert. The website http://InternationalSpeakingProfessionals.com caters for Experts wanting to speak for free or for a low fee in order to market their business and expertise & to get new clients.
She is the past president of her local Toastmasters Chapter as well as a member of PSASA (Professional Speakers Association in South Africa)
She is the past president of her local Toastmasters Chapter as well as a member of PSASA (Professional Speakers Association in South Africa)
