Public Speaking Archives - Communication and Beyond

3 Simple Phrases That Make Every Conversation Less Awkward, According to a Communications Coach

Communication, Gravitas, Public Speaking, Speaking Skills / Archana Parmar

Discover how to effortlessly navigate conversations with these three simple phrases recommended by a communications coach. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, awkward pauses can be a thing of the past. Learn how phrases like “Tell me more about that,” “How does that make you feel?” and “What are your thoughts on this?” can transform interactions into engaging, meaningful discussions. Mastering these tools not only keeps the conversation flowing but also deepens connections with others.

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Storytelling for tech leaders Archana Parmar

Storytelling was never this easy!

Communication, Gravitas, Public Speaking, Uncategorized / Archana Parmar

In the dynamic landscape of leadership, the fusion of technical skillset with the art of storytelling creates an ultimate combination that transcends traditional boundaries. For individuals with a technical background, embracing storytelling is not a departure from their analytical roots but a strategic evolution toward more impactful and inspiring leadership. In this article, we’ll delve into the importance of storytelling in leadership, drawing insights from a personal anecdote, and provide three practical tips for individuals with technical backgrounds to harness the narrative power effectively. The Power of Storytelling in Leadership: A Personal Odyssey Leadership, often associated with strategic decision-making and goal-setting, extends beyond the realm of analytics. It is fundamentally about human connection, and storytelling serves as a bridge between the technical and emotional facets of leadership. A vivid example from my professional journey underscores the transformative impact of storytelling in leadership. Several years ago, during a challenging phase for our company, I had the privilege of working under a leader, let’s call her Gurvinder . Rather than resorting to a conventional approach of presenting strategies and updates, Gurvinder gathered the team for a meeting that would leave an indelible mark on our collective psyche. Gurvinder , a masterful storyteller, commenced by sharing a personal narrative from her early career. Her story encapsulated the themes of resilience, perseverance, and ultimate triumph over adversity. As her words unfolded, the room underwent a palpable transformation. The tension in the air gave way to a shared sense of purpose and unity as each team member connected with the human experience embedded in Gurvinder ‘s story. The impact was profound. Gurvinder ‘s storytelling went beyond the immediate challenges we faced. It cultivated a shared narrative, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and commitment within the team. It was a pivotal moment that showcased the ability of storytelling to inspire and unite individuals on a deeper, emotional level. Three Tips for Technical Leaders Embarking on Storytelling: 1. Find the Human Element in Data: As someone with a technical background, you likely navigate through data, statistics, and facts routinely. To infuse storytelling into your leadership, seek the human side of your technical achievements. Share anecdotes about the people behind the data, illustrating how their work has made a tangible difference. By incorporating the human element, you create a more relatable and engaging story. Example: Instead of presenting project milestones in a sterile manner, share how overcoming a technical hurdle directly improved a customer’s experience, highlighting the human impact of your team’s work. 2. Craft a Compelling Narrative Structure: Storytelling isn’t just about anecdotes; it’s also about the structure of your narrative. Use a classic storytelling structure to guide your message. Introduce the situation, build tension by highlighting challenges, and conclude with a satisfying resolution. This structure creates a cohesive and memorable narrative, capturing your team’s attention and keeping them engaged. Example: Begin with the background of a complex technical problem, describe the hurdles encountered, and conclude with the innovative solutions devised, showcasing the collective effort and skills of your team. 3. Use Metaphors and Analogies: Technical concepts can be intricate and challenging to convey to a non-technical audience. Use metaphors and analogies to simplify complex ideas and make them more accessible. Draw parallels between technical challenges and everyday experiences to help your team and stakeholders better grasp the significance of your work. Metaphors create mental images that stick, making your technical stories more vivid and memorable. Example: Compare a complex coding process to building a house, where each line of code is like a brick, emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation and meticulous planning in both scenarios. In the convergence of technical acumen and storytelling lies the key to unlocking unparalleled leadership potential. The personal anecdote of Gurvinder ‘s impactful storytelling journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of narratives in leadership. For individuals with technical backgrounds, incorporating storytelling isn’t a departure from expertise but an enhancement of communication skills. As you embark on your storytelling journey, remember that authenticity and vulnerability are your allies. Let the human side of your technical endeavors shine through, and in doing so, you’ll lead not only with expertise but also with a compelling narrative that inspires and motivates your team. By embracing the art of storytelling, technical leaders can forge stronger connections, foster a culture of collaboration, and guide their teams toward unprecedented success in the ever-evolving landscape of leadership. Want to work on your storytelling skills? Book your call with me and let’s churn stories together.

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Master the Art of Communication: choose the right words

Communication, Public Speaking / Archana Parmar

Words have a powerful impact on the way we communicate and are perceived by others. Whether we’re speaking to an audience of thousands, chatting with a friend, or sending an email, the words we choose can make or break the message we’re trying to convey. The power of words lies not only in their ability to communicate our thoughts and ideas but also in their ability to influence the emotions and actions of others. Studies have shown that the words we choose can have a significant impact on how others perceive us. In a study published in the Journal of Language and Social Psychology, participants were asked to rate the competence and confidence of two speakers who gave the same speech with only minor differences in their word choice. The speaker who used more confident language was perceived as significantly more competent and confident by the audience. Another study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that leaders who use more positive language are more effective at inspiring their followers and achieving their goals. The study showed that leaders who use more positive language are seen as more charismatic and inspiring, and their followers are more likely to feel motivated and engaged. The power of words can also be seen in real-life examples. Consider the famous “I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King Jr. His words were powerful and inspiring, and they continue to resonate with people around the world more than 50 years later. King’s words were carefully chosen to convey his message of hope and change, and they continue to inspire people to take action and make a difference in the world. Another example is the way that Apple markets its products. Apple is known for using simple, concise language to describe its products, focusing on the benefits rather than the features. This approach has helped Apple build a brand that is synonymous with innovation, design, and quality. To sum it all up, the words we choose when we speak have a powerful impact on how others perceive us and on our ability to influence their emotions and actions. Whether we’re speaking to an audience, chatting with a friend, or sending an email, we should always be mindful of the words we use and the message we’re trying to convey. By choosing our words carefully and thoughtfully, we can become more effective communicators and make a positive impact on those around us. Share your thoughts on this with me at archana@archanaparmar.com

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Your Voice Can Fail Your Communication

Communication, Public Speaking / Archana Parmar

Voice is a powerful tool that we use to communicate with others. The way we use our voice can impact the way we are perceived and the message we are trying to convey. The five components of vocal foundations- speed, volume, pitch, tonality, and pauses- are essential for effective communication. In this article, we will discuss the importance of these components and how they can be used to communicate effectively. Speed is the rate at which we speak. It can be fast or slow and both have different meanings. Speaking fast can indicate excitement, urgency, or enthusiasm, while speaking slowly can convey a sense of thoughtfulness, deliberation, or seriousness. For instance, when you are telling a story or sharing an experience, speaking slowly can help the listener to imagine the scene better, while speaking fast can add to the excitement and make the story more thrilling. Volume is the loudness or softness of our voice. It can be high or low and can convey different emotions. Speaking softly can indicate intimacy, vulnerability, or secrecy, while speaking loudly can convey confidence, assertiveness, or anger. For instance, when you are giving a presentation, speaking with a louder volume can help you to command attention and show your confidence in the subject matter. Pitch is the melody or intonation of our voice. It can be used to convey different emotions and create a musical effect in our speech. A higher pitch can indicate excitement or enthusiasm, while a lower pitch can indicate seriousness or authority. For instance, when you are asking a question, a rising pitch can indicate curiosity, while a falling pitch can indicate a statement of fact. Tonality is the emotional tone of our voice. It can be used to convey six core human emotions- happiness, sadness, discouragement, fear, anger, and surprise. Different tones can be used to convey different emotions. For instance, a happy tone can be used to convey joy or excitement, while a sad tone can convey grief or disappointment. A fearful tone can be used to convey anxiety or worry, while an angry tone can convey frustration or irritation. Pauses are the breaks or silences between words or phrases. They can be used to emphasize a point or to give the listener time to process the information. Pauses can also be used to add drama or suspense to our speech. However, it is important to note that there is a difference between pauses and fillers. Fillers such as ‘um’, ‘ah’, or ‘you know’ can detract from the message we are trying to convey and make us appear less confident. In conclusion, the five components of vocal foundations are essential for effective communication. By using speed, volume, pitch, tonality, and pauses correctly, we can convey our message with clarity and impact. It is important to practice using these components to improve our communication skills and be more effective in our personal and professional relationships. With practice, we can learn to use our voice as a powerful instrument to connect with others and convey our thoughts and emotions effectively. Here are three case studies that illustrate the importance of the five components of vocal foundations: Barack Obama’s Speeches:Former President Barack Obama is widely known for his exceptional communication skills, particularly his speeches. One of the reasons why Obama’s speeches were so effective is because he mastered the five components of vocal foundations. For instance, he was able to vary his speed, volume, pitch, tonality, and pauses depending on the message he wanted to convey. When he wanted to emphasize a point, he would speak slowly and softly. When he wanted to express his passion or excitement, he would speak loudly and with more intonation. Obama’s mastery of the vocal foundations helped him connect with his audience and convey his message effectively. Steve Jobs’ Presentations:The late Steve Jobs, former CEO of Apple, was a master presenter. His presentations were not only informative but also engaging and captivating. Jobs’ presentations were so powerful because he used the five components of vocal foundations to his advantage. For example, he would vary his speed depending on the complexity of the message he was delivering. He would use pauses effectively to build anticipation and emphasize certain points. He would also use tonality to convey his passion and enthusiasm for the products he was presenting. Overall, Jobs’ mastery of the vocal foundations helped him deliver powerful and memorable presentations. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Speeches:Civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. is widely regarded as one of the greatest orators in American history. His speeches were instrumental in advancing the civil rights movement and inspiring millions of people. One of the reasons why King’s speeches were so effective is because he used the five components of vocal foundations to convey his message. For example, he would use his pitch to create a musical and rhythmic quality to his speeches, making them more memorable and impactful. He would also use pauses effectively to emphasize certain points and build tension. King’s mastery of the vocal foundations helped him deliver some of the most powerful and inspiring speeches in history. Would you like to work on your vocal foundations? Write to me at archana@archanaparmar.com

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6 Things you must know about articulation

Communication, Gravitas, Presentations, Public Speaking, Speaking Skills / Archana Parmar

If there’s is something that amazes me the most, it is the power of being articulate. “How some people achieve dramatically different results than others with what seem to be the exact same ingredients.” –Phil M Jones It is as simple as the art and love for cooking. Same ingredients, same quantities yet the taste differs. It seems craftsmanship is the word of the day for me. Effective communication of your needs, desires, and emotions is a skill that can significantly improve many aspects of your life. Being unable to speak clearly can make it difficult to communicate your ideas. Filler words might divert attention from your main points and force you to rephrase your arguments three or four times. Fortunately, with a little time and work, you can learn to talk clearly. What is articulation? When we refer to someone as being articulate, we mean that they speak clearly and concisely enough for others to comprehend what they are trying to say. That implies that the speaker’s actual words are understandable to the listener as well as that the words accurately convey the speaker’s meaning. Wondering where is the dividing line? Have you ever listened to a professor from college, a lawyer, or even a priest who talked quite clearly? You heard every word they said, but you had no understanding what they were trying to express. Perhaps since there were so many words, their relationship wasn’t immediately clear. Even if someone uses big words, lots of qualifiers, and modifiers, they may not necessarily be well-spoken. A certain degree of articulateness depends on the audience. Before determining whether or not someone is articulate, stop and consider your assumptions. Context is crucial. An articulate speaker can talk clearly to their target audience and is at ease with their own voice. When needed, they can speak more slowly while still using good language and pronunciation. Their speaking abilities enable individuals to vary their enunciation and emphasis according to the subject, environment, and audience, rather of consistently speaking in the same tone. However, did you know that articulation encompasses more than just our speech? Outstanding speakers convey more than just what they say. To be most effective, our body language abilities must be in sync with our spoken communication. Making eye contact and using the appropriate hand gestures can be challenging, but they both help to show how articulate we are. It may take some time to get your verbal and body language in sync. As you establish your objectives, you might begin by determining your strengths and weaknesses. Advantages of being articulate- Here are six advantages of improving your verbal skills. Take note of the fact that these advantages apply to both your personal and professional lives. Being eloquent makes you come across as more knowledgeable and competent. Your ability to speak clearly can increase your comfort in any situation where you must interact with others. Explaining your viewpoints and defending yourself will make you feel more confident. Being able to speak clearly can help people regard you as a leader. If you can speak more clearly and concisely, getting (or providing) feedback won’t be as difficult. In relation to your other friends and co-workers, you’ll stand out, which may be advantageous for employment chances. Speaking clearly is essential for all part of your life. Even though articulation is a skill that is always in demand, it can still be challenging to acquire. Speaking clearly can help you stand out both personally and professionally. The advantages of articulation for your job are countless. For instance, speaking well can improve the presentations you deliver at work. Additionally, it might aid in strengthening your relationships with clients and co-workers. Being a great speaker benefits not only your career but also your personal life. It can improve your relationship with others and your sense of self-worth. Pay close attention to the first time you held eye contact during a discussion or the first time you learned a new term and used it well. Although there will be a learning curve, keep in mind that you are honing a skill that will benefit you for the rest of your life. Are you prepared to work with a coach to guide you on your journey? Write to me at archana@archanaparmar.com and let’s get started.

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Archana parmar why is impromptu speaking important

7 Impromptu Tips and Tricks to deliver a Great Speech

Communication, Presentations, Public Speaking, Speaking Skills / Archana Parmar

What is impromptu speaking? Impromptu speaking is giving an unprepared talk. In any situation when a person simply takes the floor, selects a subject, and begins, the twist to the tale is that the ideas voiced are unrehearsed and unprepared. The typical characteristic of this form of speech is the unprepared delivery and the suddenness with which a person is confronted with a speech situation. Impromptu speaking is often conducted at those times when a person is called upon without warning ―to say a few words mostly at social/professional gatherings. Many people assume that impromptu speaking is easy. In reality impromptu speaking is extremely difficult. There are methods, however, which if used properly, will enable a person to perform acceptably on the spur of the moment. The thought of public speaking intimidates many people. This fear can be reduced to a good extent when there is time to prepare and practice before getting up in front of an audience. How does impromptu speaking work? What happens, though, when there is no time to prepare? When you are asked to speak without notice? This can make the most confident presenters very nervous. The key to success in these situations is to have strategies you can use to compose your thoughts quickly and communicate the message clearly. Becoming skilled at impromptu speaking can give you the self-confidence you need to give a last-minute presentation, sail through a challenging meeting, or convince others of your ideas. You can build your personal brand when you learn to speak effectively under pressure. It can also equip you with the techniques to conduct a successful question and answer session or make important connections at a networking event. By developing this skill, you can learn to speak with eloquence, humour and confidence, and you’ll ensure that you can communicate your messages clearly. This can be very advantageous as you pursue future leadership roles within the association. Sign up to gain access to Free Webinar Webinar on Assertive Communication, now for FREE Watch the webinar now Loading… Thank you! You have successfully joined our subscriber list. How can you deliver an impromptu speech successfully? The easiest way to prepare for impromptu situations is to anticipate. Anticipating situations where you may be asked to speak unexpectedly. However, it certainly is not practically possible to anticipate every possible situation in your personal as well as professional life, so having a couple strategies to deal with those unexpected situations or to be able to handle those situations effectively is another way you can be ready when an unforeseen opportunity to speak. While preparing for these impromptu conversations, consider the two most common scenarios that people face: a. Being asked to share your thoughts, answer some questions b. Give an update on a project without being told ahead of time. How would you feel if you face either of these situations? How do you deal with these? What do you do? What do you say? How do you say it? What if you can’t think of anything worthwhile to say? ***** Being asked to share your thoughts. Let me take you through this, for that, start with brainstorming… You may have many ideas, thoughts, expressions, fears, anxiety and opinions running through your mind when you are chosen to speak in front of a group. The first thing you must must and must do is to calm yourself down in order to convey your thoughts in a coherence and cohesion. 1. Take a deep breath or two. That should always be the first thing to do. A common mistake most people make is that they start speaking before they have gathered their thoughts. Give yourself enough time to absorb and observe the question or topic you are supposed to talk about. These deep breaths are strategically put to help you collect yourself and your ideas. It slows you down, relaxes you, and makes you appear more in control of the situation. As a personal brand you don’t want to project yourself as overly anxious/nervous/perplexed. In this short time span, or this window of opportunity, try to interpret what is being asked in the question or request. Why is this person asking you and what is the intention? Is this an attack, a legitimate question for more information or a test? 2. Repeat the question yourself before answering or better if you can rephrase the question or change it slightly into what you want to answer. Ask for clarification if you have not understood the question, it will help you be more specific about the answer. At this point you may even for a definition to make sure your understanding of the terminology is the same as the person asking the question. At a time just deal with one aspect/one point of view/ one topic and one supporting piece of information. Under pressure, you run the risk of sharing too much information. Remember: This technique gives you focus and allows you to answer accurately and with conviction. 3. Say it clearly Do remember: the way you say something is almost as important as what you say. • Speak in a confident voice (not just a loud voice!) • Use pauses strategically to emphasise a point • Avoid sounding monotonous • Maintain the eye contact with your audience When you convert your thoughts into coherent speech you are making a conscious effort of making yourself heard. You come across as being confident, persuasive and trustworthy. So by now, you might have had a fairly good idea how to handle situations where you are asked to respond to a question/situation extempore. B. Moving on to the situation where you are being asked to deliver an extempore speech. Naturally you cannot prepare for an unknown topic, but you can prepare a method of attack on surprise offerings from your audience. One system of doing this is to have in mind various orders by which to develop your ideas. For example, you are asked to talk about

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7 Easy Ways to Improve Your Verbal Communication Skills

Communication, Presentations, Public Speaking, Speaking Skills / Archana Parmar

It’s easy to get people’s attention, what counts is getting their interest.” — A. Philip Randolph If you haven’t been snoozing the past couple of years, you have likely also noticed an overabundance of electronic tools that are designed to steal your attention and interest. Social media platforms Facetime, Skype, zoom, Webex, teams whatsapp Video games, YouTube, and satellite or cable TV Email, blogs, vlog, podcasts and what not! All of these above-mentioned tools promise to give you a better choice to communicate effectively. My question to you is- What percentage of these attention-grabbing distractions also engages your sincere interest and make some meaningful contributions? Effective verbal communication Physical interaction is an inevitable part of life, and you have verbal interactions with hundreds of people every day. However, verbal communication in the office is very different from verbal communication in any other setting simply because you need to uphold a certain standard of decency or professionalism. Therefore, understanding how to enhance verbal communication abilities can be really beneficial. The word communication means sharing the same ideas. Or, the exchange of information, including facts, ideas, views, sentiments, and attitudes. The foundation of management is communication. Without good communication, the fundamental tasks of management (planning, planning, staffing, monitoring, and management) cannot be completed successfully. Transferring information or messages from one person or group to another takes place during two-way communication. This process continues with a minimum of one sender and recipient involved in the message transmission. These messages may take the form of any concepts, fantasies, feelings, or thoughts. It can be in any form, any medium. But nothing beats the impact that you make with verbal communication. There is no denying the significance of verbal communication. We don’t get much practise, though, in a time when it’s much simpler to pick up your phone and send a nameless text than to drive to a coffee shop for a face-to-face conversation. Sign up to gain access to Free Webinar Webinar on Assertive Communication, now for FREE Watch the webinar now Loading… Thank you! You have successfully joined our subscriber list. How can you improve your verbal communication skills in this hybrid world? Let me put forth some of the crucial techniques you may use on a regular basis to help you understand the elements of verbal communication and ensure that you make the most of the situation. These are the 7 methods for enhancing verbal communication: 1. Pay attention without distraction. Put your phone aside when someone is speaking to you. Even if you’re a master multitasker, pay close attention to what they’re saying and maintain an uninterrupted discussion. 2. Structure your thoughts. Speaking without a structure or mindlessly while communicating is perhaps the worst thing you can do, and you may not even be aware that you are doing it. When you are among family or close friends, it is perfectly acceptable to do this, but when you are working, it may be quite costly. Therefore, even though a moment of silence between two professionals can be a little unpleasant, taking a moment to reflect before responding or making a comment can actually help you communicate better. This little pause enables you to take in what is being said, process it appropriately, and formulate a response. 3. Keep it clear and concise. Written and verbal communication are very different from one another in a number of ways. One of the key distinctions that must be noted is that while redundancy is used in written communication, it is not used in vocal communication. This means that you should always attempt to communicate your ideas clearly and concisely anytime you are speaking with someone. Most of the time, you might only have a short amount of time to convey a message to an audience or your boss. Being brief helps because you don’t want to take up their time at that time. The easiest approach to achieve this is to first ask yourself some questions to understand how you can present this message/information in the least possible words. 4. Practice outside of your workplace Spend some time socialising with people outside of the workplace. The greatest method to improve your communication skills is to practise, so find a weekly activity in your community that involves interacting with new people. Instead of concentrating on just one social skill, it will automatically assist you in developing all of them. 5. Maintain Eye Contact for effective verbal communication When speaking to others, keeping eye contact is crucial. Even if you’re not self-conscious or disinterested in the discussion, if you can’t make eye contact with the person you’re speaking to or your eyes are darting all over the place, it can give the impression that you are. So, keep that in mind when conversing with others to look them in the eye. 6. Pauses are okay We’re taught to avoid awkward silences, although pauses for contemplation and thought are a common feature of the flow of discourse. If your conversation partner pauses, give them a moment to collect their thoughts before you speak to break the ice. To respond thoughtfully rather than with the first thought that enters your mind, don’t be scared to take a moment to yourself. 7. Keep Your Tone in Check Whether you are aware of it or not, your tone has a significant impact on verbal communication and how your audience responds to you. Always keep your voice cheerful, light, and warm, and always finish your sentences with a smile. This will emphasize your friendliness. On the other hand, watch out for sounding robotic or uninteresting. This is a simple way to turn off your audience and come out as uninterested in the subject at hand. Refining your communication abilities takes time. Furthermore, there is no ideal, universal approach to doing so. But the saying “practise makes perfect” holds a lot of merit, and improving your vocal communication abilities is no exception. Your tone, when combined with correct pronunciation, communicates the message with

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Assertiveness for emerging leaders

Communication, Gravitas, Public Speaking / Archana Parmar

If I had to choose one skill for most leaders to work on, it would be assertiveness. Not because assertiveness is such a great quality in and of itself. Rather, because of its ability to accentuate a wide range of other leadership qualities. When people associate assertiveness with being aggressive and demanding, it gets a poor reputation. But that shouldn’t deter you from understanding how to put it to good use. Every leader wants to be more self-assured, but very few know how to assert themselves. Being assertive lies somewhere between being passive and aggressive. You might come across as submissive if you don’t speak up when you have anything to say. And if you’re adamant about your point of view, you might appear unfriendly or, worse, a bully. You can express yourself without being passive or confrontational if you learn to be assertive, and you’ll have a better chance of receiving what you want. For all the emerging leaders, assertive communication is a key talent to master. It enables you to communicate confidently, deal with challenging situations with ease, and engage with others more authentically. I’ve been on a journey to learn how to be more assertive, and it’s has a changed my life significantly on both fronts personal as well as professional. Today, I am sharing the seven powerful habits to become more assertive in your life. Decide what you want Be clear with about the end goal that you wish to attain. Whether is it to be loved or to be respected? Avoid sitting on the fence Sitting on fence will leads to delayed decisions and added confusions. Delaying not only prevents problems from being solved, it can create new ones. Understand the context Consider the context in which you find yourself. How is assertive behavior going to be viewed? Build relationships When we don’t feel comfortable around people, we are often afraid of what others think. Get to know the people you are dealing with over coffee or outside of work. Social barriers may limit your assertiveness. Use “I” statements Saying “You do this” or “You didn’t do that” can sound aggressive. Describing how you feel about the situation states your position on the matter while opening up the dialogue. Maintain confident body language Our body language can have a big impact on how we are perceived. Facial movements, hand gestures, and standing tall and straight or hunched over are examples of nonverbal communication. Adjust your speech It’s useful to record yourself to hear how you sound and listen for too many filler words like “um.” Talking too fast can also be an issue and can cause people to either disengage or be uncomfortable because of your perceived nervousness. Did you check this course on Assertiveness ?

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Speaking is controlled breathing. Did you know?

Presentations, Public Speaking, Speaking Skills, Uncategorized / Archana Parmar

Breathe in- Breathe out Rather I should be saying stomach in- stomach out. That’s how we were designed to breathe by default. The rhythm of breathing creates electrical activity in the human brain that enhances emotional judgments and memory recall, scientists have discovered for the first time. These effects on behavior depend critically on whether you inhale or exhale and whether you breathe through the nose or mouth.—study results (Northwestern University). Why am I talking about respiratory system today? Well, we all have seen, heard, experienced the benefits of deep-breathing ever since this pandemic happened. It might seem a common thing to discuss. But today, I am discussing this with reference to leadership communication. Yes, you read it right. Breathe Well You’ve been breathing since birth; it’s just that a majority of us breathe from lungs, including me, till a few years ago when I came to know of lungs’s functioning. The only thing that stuck with me – lungs- the main respiratory organs, I forgot the diaphragm’s contribution. The diaphragm is a thin skeletal muscle that sits at the base of the chest and separates the abdomen from the chest. It contracts and flattens when you inhale. This creates a vacuum effect that pulls air into the lungs. When you exhale, the diaphragm relaxes and the air is pushed out of lungs. –www.healthline.com My involvement with communication studies got me notice the role our posture, voice, and breath plays to make it effective. While working with my clients, I realized most people are completely unaware of what they’re doing with their breathing system, again because, they never cared just as we don’t pay attention to our feet while walking, or our teeth while chewing or even our heart while it is pumping. Breathing is so much more than just an auto programmed feature of our bodies. So if you want to sound inspired and inspiring, read on, and be ready to boost your influence. Speaking is controlled breathing Every time you speak your exhale. Hold your hand next to your mouth and speak- did you feel the warmth of your breath? Now, try to speak something as you inhale from your nostrils- see! Breathing well is the first step of speaking well. It means you need enough air in your lungs to breathe out words and sentences. This means that you need to breathe in adequately before you speak. It also helps you in producing a good and confident voice- we will be talking more on voice quality later. Check your breathing There is a very simple way to check your breathing pattern for yourself. Stand straight, place one hand on your belly and another hand on your chest. Watch yourself in the mirror. Breathe naturally and calmly, and notice which part of your body moves the most. If you breathe well you should find that most of the movement is in your belly. As you breathe in, your belly should expand outwards. Stomach out As you breathe out, your belly should retract. Stomach in That’s how the babies breathe. If you find a great deal of movement in your chest rather than your belly, or if your shoulders rise and fall as you breathe, this means you are not breathing effectively and indirectly it is preventing you from using your voice properly. How to breathe? Lie down on your back, knees bent up. Place one hand on your belly and another hand on your chest. Breathe out all the air from your lungs and close your mouth. Do not breathe in again until your body tells you to. Feel the vaccum. Now, let your body to breathe in for you, it will happen automatically. With this breath, you should start to feel your belly rising up and you may find that the breath you take is somewhat deeper. Breathe it all out again immediately and notice how your belly drops back to its original position. Wait for the next in-breath. Practise technique for about 10 minutes, and observe the sense of release and freedom in your belly as you breathe. You should start to feel calmer and more relaxed. Gradually you will practice this breathing pattern when you are sitting, then standing and then 24*7. Belly-breathing or diaphragmatic breathing gives you a skill, essential for successful and authoritative speaking. Breathe in- Breathe out Stomach in- stomach out Did you get your copy of my book- ‘Business English and Leadership Communication’? Available versions- kindle and paperback.

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Did you know avoiding eye contact kills your speech?

1 Comment / Communication, Presentations, Public Speaking, Speaking Skills, Uncategorized / Archana Parmar

Body language is very important when delivering a speech. Have you ever seen our great leaders fidget or make unnecessary movements while addressing the nation? Since you are the center of attention while making the presentation, you should mind every move that you make so as not to bore or distract the people listening to your speech. So you already have a speech prepared, you know the topic well and you are now standing in front of the audience. They are in for a treat because you have prepared a great presentation, yet you also know that they have a very short attention span. How would you keep them interested with what you are saying? The answer is to maintain eye contact. This is one public speaking technique that great speakers use whenaddressing a large group of people. Here are some tips on how you can use this “trick” to keep your audience interested while delivering a speech: Once you have already started speaking and have delivered yourintroduction, take a look at your audience. Do not be nervous if you see one or two people frowning as you are not sure of exactly what they are thinking. Instead of looking out for unfriendly or blank faces, search for the people who are smiling and nodding their heads. Try to focus on this person for a couple of minutes and look him or her in the eye. This way, you would have an immediate “friend” in the audience to whom you can look at and gain confidence from. This will not just increase your confidence but also relax you in the course of your speech. Gaze steadily at your audience, moving from one part of the room toanother. This way, you would immediately grasp their attention. Never read your speech. Just make an outline of the important points that you can expand on. If you have visuals, do not read the bullet points word for word as this might imply that your audience cannot read that themselves. With this, you are instantly creating a “bond” with your audience as aspeaker since you do not have to keep on looking at your notes through the course of your speech. The key to delivering a great speech is to just breathe, relax and make eye to eye contact with your audience. Thus, you are not just making a physical connection with them but you are also ensured that you come out as a sincere speaker who wants to inform and interact with the audience through your speech. I hope these tips will help you communicate more confidently from now. It’s just about consciously avoiding these mistakes. Connect with me on Linkedin for everyday posts on skill development. You can also get on a call with me at a time convenient to you. Just click here and choose your slot.

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