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Speak so people listen

I attended 3 days worth (about 8 hours in real learning time) of training.  Purpose was to train me or at least make an effort to get some ideas in my aging, thick skull of what it takes to conduct effective communication.

The tool used was a video capture of yourself speaking.  Use that to critique style, tone and body language.

The teacher/educator was a lady with degrees in psychology and speech pathology and experience talking to people about why their messages reach a dead end.

The idea is also to use the critique of other attendees from corporate world to help learn the dos and don'ts of addressing an audience of one or many.

Some basic takeaways -

Use short sentences.

Breathe.

Use pauses to highlight a point and also to think.

Use your arms and palms open face to convey outreach.

Do not move around like a maniac so as to distract your audience.

Look at people.  Avoid staring at the imaginary clouds and angels.

Use energy to articulate and project your voice.  It is a powerful tool.

And if you can pull it off - Smile!

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