How to Coach Yourself and Others How to Influence, Persuade and Motivate | Page 283

Volume
Obviously you're not going to be very persuasive if no one can hear you.
You've probably experienced the aggravation of straining and struggling
to hear a speaker. Before your presentation, test the room to ensure you
can be heard from all parts of the room. Also, test to see whether you're
going to need amplification. If yes, be sure this equipment is available and
properly set up prior to beginning.
Certainly, the converse is also true: Be sure you are not yelling or
shouting at your audience. This understandably is just as aggravating for
the audience, or even more so, as struggling to be able to hear.
Raising your voice for impact or dramatic effect is not as effective as
lowering your voice. The technique can work, but you must be very
careful about how you use it. Additionally, people who keep a calm and
steady voice in emotional moments are often considered more credible
and competent.
Articulation
Clearly articulate every sentence, phrase, and word. When your speech is
clear and coherent, it conveys competence. When your articulation gets
sloppy, it suggests lack of education and laziness. Consider how lawyers,
doctors, supervisors, lobbyists, and the like must be articulate if they are
to survive professionally. Good articulation conveys competence,
experience, and credibility. Another practical reason to have good
articulation is simply because it is so much easier to follow. As previously
discussed, people will comply with you more if you are easy to
understand.
Pauses
Treat your pauses like gold. Well-timed pauses attract attention to a
particular part of your presentation, give others time to tune in and
process your message, and help you gain poise and confidence if you're
rattled. Use intentional pauses for the points you intend to drive home.
Not only does a pause increase comprehension, but it also helps to
highlight important points. Use pauses to create attention, emphasis, and
mood.
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