Communications experts say that face to face communication is made up of 55% body language, 38% tone of voice and 7% words used (Albert Mehrabian, Ph.D., UCLA study). Good presenters are aware of their body language and are careful with their presentation styles, but Great presenters pay more attention to, and take their cues from the body language of their audience.
To join the ranks of Great presenters you need to have an extra edge. Confidence credibility, congruency and familiarity with your chosen topic are mandatory, but Great presenters ensure that the words they use are notable.
Here are 5 tips to enhance your verbal credibility:
Paint word pictures; make your ‘story' interesting and exciting, use metaphors and analogies; use language that is not complex
Terminology must be strong - use Challenge instead of ‘problem'; I Know instead of I feel; Definitely in place of might, these and other strong words will give the impression of knowledge and confidence
Expand your vocabulary, excessive use of the phrase ‘you know', gives the listener the impression that your vocabulary is limited
Buzz- Words or Verbal shorthand is not understood by everyone so speak plainly you will reach a wider audience
Delete these words from your vocabulary - just, hopefully and only. Using I am only or I am just says that you do not place much value on yourself. Using hopefully says that you do not believe in your product or yourself
Now go out there and make that 7% work for you!
Joanna Parris, CSP is a Certified Home Stating Expert, a member of RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) & SEA (Staging Excellence Alliance) she can be reached at effectivestaging@rogers.com
Comments(1)