The little things.

Hi All!

My line of work gives me the opportunity to listen to a lot of people speak. They maybe young learners or seasoned professionals. I remember some of these speeches for a long time. I have tried to find out what makes some of them memorable and others fleeting. There is the content of course. Anything with a 'Wow! I did not know that!' would automatically be remembered.

Other than that, one thing that is common to all those memorable speakers is clarity of speech.

Clarity comes from the little things.

1. Using simple words
2. Enunciating words clearly - not 'gonna' for ' going to' OR 'Waterudoin?' for 'What are you doing?'
3. Pausing appropriately
4. Mindfulness in speaking -listening to what is coming out of your mouth

Above all, what I noted about the memorable speakers is commitment to the act of communication. Memorable speakers sound genuine. It is not just about the language, though it does help to have good language skills, but being what you are. If you profess to be an expert in language it should be clearly apparent in the words you choose and the skill with which you put your point across. If you are an expert on the subject, the breadth and depth of your knowledge, and your passion for it should clearly come through in your presentation.

Breezing in to your presentation not sure what is the file name of the ppt you need to use or presenting your material in an offhand manner dilutes your message significantly. It also dilutes the audience's respect for you.

If you are a statistician, keep your numbers straight and precise.
If you are a language teacher, keep your grammar tight.
If you are an accountant, better know your debit from credit.

Such a simple thing, you might say. But, of late I have been exposed to presenters who have committed the cardinal sin of not being prepared AND being offhand with their material.
Hence this strong note to you all, dear readers.

I know you will take this heart and will become memorable speakers.

My best wishes to you all!

Do keep those comments coming. You all know my mail ID - allverbal@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you.

Gayatri