How
To Rivet The Attention Of Any Audience
By: Susan Berkley
A boring speaker isn't just tedious for the audience. It's embarrassing
for the speaker. If you've ever suspected you might be putting
people to sleep, fear not. You don't need an elaborate bag of
gimmicks to liven up your talks. All you need is a little more
liveliness in your voice.
While working as a broadcaster and voice-over artist, I have
discovered that the quickest and easiest way to liven up your
voice is to liven up your body language.
With body language in mind, let's explore three easy ways to
become a more energetic, natural communicator.
1. POSTURE
Sit up straight, or even stand, when speaking on the phone.
If you habitually slump in your chair, I guarantee that the tone
of your voice is going to sound slumped and the people you call
may find it hard to concentrate on what you are saying. Why?
Because there is no energy in your voice to capture their interest.
2. GESTURE
Even though you cannot see them, successful radio personalities
use their bodies to express themselves, consciously or not. They
speak with their hands. Their body language is fluid and alive--just
as it was when you were a child. Next time you are on the phone,
pretend you are "on-the-air." Notice how energetic
gestures add life to your voice. Try using a telephone headset
so your hands can stay free and relaxed while you speak. You
don't have to look like you are conducting an orchestra. A few
expressive hand gestures will do.
3. FACIAL EXPRESSION
Do people frequently ask you what's wrong even when you feel
as though you are smiling and happy inside? If so, you are probably
a "secret smiler." Secret smilers tend to look intense
and may scowl when they are concentrating. If you are in this
group your voice may tend to flatten and sound monotonous to
others. By developing a greater range of facial expression, you'll
develop a more interesting and captivating voice. Here's a great
exercise to try. You will need a TV, a hand mirror, and a friend:
Step One: Turn on the TV news channel
Step Two: Watch a few news stories keeping your face relaxed
and neutral.
Step Three: Look in the mirror. Pretend you are mute and have
to express the feeling of each story to an imaginary third person.
Do this with facial expression only.
Step Four: Repeat step three looking at your friend. Can they
identify the emotion?
From "The Voice Coach" ezine by Susan Berkley.
Copyright 2003, reprintedwith permission. For a free subscription
visit http://www.greatvoice.com.Susan Berkley is a professional
speaker and international communicationsexpert. She is a top
voiceover artist and author of "Speak to Influence:How
to Unlock the Hidden Power of Your Voice, " available
at bookstores orfrom The Great Voice Company at 800-333-8108
