ENOUGH ABOUT ME…WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT ME?
Honest feedback is critical when developing or fine-tuning speaking skills. It is also hard to come by. Typically, when we ask how we did, the response is “fine”. But this is hardly useful. Specific comments and observations are required to make meaningful adjustments.
Ask someone you trust the following questions: What specifics do you remember from my presentation? With their response, you can then assess if your talking points were framed precisely, or need more colorful details… What impression did I deliver? For example, if your intention was to be seen as a Trusted Advisor, this will let you know if your language and behavior were congruent… What can I do to improve? Consider the answer as objectively as possible, and make changes as you see fit. To improve your speaking, you don’t need an entire focus group– just direct, honest observers.
Ask someone you trust the following questions: What specifics do you remember from my presentation? With their response, you can then assess if your talking points were framed precisely, or need more colorful details… What impression did I deliver? For example, if your intention was to be seen as a Trusted Advisor, this will let you know if your language and behavior were congruent… What can I do to improve? Consider the answer as objectively as possible, and make changes as you see fit. To improve your speaking, you don’t need an entire focus group– just direct, honest observers.
THE CRITICAL FRACTION
The 2000 Genome Project calculated that 99.9% of all human DNA is exactly alike. With the exception of geography and culture, that leaves only a tiny fraction that is unique to each of us.
When speaking to a seemingly diverse audience, most speakers default to general descriptions and terms. Their desire is to be inclusive and polite. But if we are overwhelmingly more alike than different, the best way to engage an audience is to use specifics over generalities, deliver personal anecdotes, and allow listeners to process our material through the filter of their experience. Since our responses and perception are dictated by shared DNA, authentic life experiences will most effectively include your audience while setting you apart.
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