Posted by
GeorgeBruno on Friday, September 12, 2008 8:48:56 PM
I often speak about writing.
Someone asked me to blog/write about speaking and this is what I put together. An unbeatable combination in our present culture is to write and speak well. Success in the media is much easier when you do both well. Many bloggers lack effective speaking skills and are uncomfortable in social situations. This may help those bloggers get out of their boxer shorts and slippers and use their talent in a different way.
Why should you speak well? Here are ten compelling reasons:
1. You will convey your message in more passionate enthusiastic manner. Passion equals convincing. You don't need to survey an audience to find that they will always give better reviews to the more compelling, passionate speaker. You should have the motto, "Thou shalt not bore". Passionate and enthusiastic speakers always get invited back...so speaking well is good for repeat business and is a passive income generator.
2. It assures that you won’t be misunderstood. Take full responsibility for your message. The reality is that if you are misunderstood, it is YOUR fault, not theirs. Even in one-to-one communications, someone should never say to you, "Sorry, I didn’t get your name." The burden is on you to have everyone know your name, who you are, what you do, how you do it, and why they need you.
3. You will be chosen for more work, better work, and more often. You will be the company "smart-bomb". If a presentation has to be made, you get chosen. If a valuable sales call has to be scheduled, guess who they are going to choose? The rewards just seem to flock to the person who speaks better.
4. It makes you appear "smarter" People judge your capabilities by your speaking. Apart from the speaker's appearance (we will get to that in another article), the way you speak will have a direct effect on the impression you make to others. It may be a simple as talking to someone on a train on the way to work, the classic elevator conversation, and of course in business presentations. Intelligence and IQ are not good determiners of success. Some of the greatest leaders are known for their speaking style first and content second. I suggest getting broth of those mastered. You have heard it said that "It's not what you say; it's how you say it." It is very valuable in life, business, relationships, marriage, and parenting.
5. It leads to a more effective social and personal life. Networking events become easier. Impromptu speeches become effortless. You have been to events where someone off the cuff says to you, "why don't you stand or come up here and give us a few words about.......” These scenarios always lead to better work, more work, and more opportunity.
6. People will model after your speaking skills: boss, employees, clients, children, etc. when you speak well, you unconsciously raise the bar of conversation, speaking style, content, and everyone around you benefits. Slang and nonsense talk flee in the presence of a conscious speaker.
7. It makes you a more interesting and compelling person. People love to be around a good speaker. They love to hear what you have to say. They learn from your style, cadence, humor, and content.
8. It makes you an overall better communicator, written and verbal. I have found that the best writers are those that write in a conversational style. When you perfect your speaking and conversational style, you will find that your writing will be nearly effortless. Personally, since I have become conscious of this, I have been getting compliments on my writing for several years. This benefits in your copywriting as well. You will write better sales letters, ad copy, and marketing pieces. Your blogging will become compelling and much more attractive. Your readership will "magically" increase.
9. The better communicator always get picked over the weaker communicator in all areas of life. It is your responsibility to be the best speaker in your circles, whether it be in business, sports, church, politics, or sitting around the table with friends.
10. And the bottom line...People who speak better, earn more! The research is conclusive. Your income will increase with your improved speaking skills.
What will you do today to improve your skills? I would love to hear from you.