 Think
& Speak On Your Feet
By Michael
Kelly
As you may have discovered, speaking accurately,
fluently and flexibly, especially when under pressure, can be difficult.
You may be prepared to present a proposal or sell an idea, but unless
you can quickly translate your ideas into speech and language, your
message will be undermined.
People who can think and speak on their feet solve
problems faster. They are perceived as more confident and creative, more
persuasive and as a person who can be trusted. Here are techniques that
will help you have speech and language at your ready disposal, for
everyday use in your work and personal life.
1. Take time and develop self-trust.
Slow down your body movements. If you have to rise from a seated
position, do so slowly. Take in a slow two-second breath before you
speak. While doing these 'take time' techniques, plan internally how
you'll structure your speaking. By slowing down your body movements,
you'll help your mind to become calmer and better able to access
thoughts and ideas.
When you begin to speak, do so at a slower speed and
use shorter words until you're speaking fluently.
For self-trust in the difficult moment, silently say
to yourself, "I can do this', or something similar that is a
positive reinforcement of your ability.
2. Your Audience. There are three specific steps
for using the audience.
First, you can repeat part of the question that an
audience member might ask you. For example if someone asks you 'What are
the key components of this system?' You can say, 'John, the key
component of this system are...'
Second, ask yourself if the question is appropriate.
If a question is not relevant at the time, tell the person you'll cover
it later, or on a one-on one basis after the presentation. Make sure you
do this clearly or you'll lose credibility.
Third, prior to you responding, ask other members of
the audience if they'd like to respond. By being observant you can
identify people in the audience who are the people who are keen to help
you out. While another is giving their view, you have time to formulate
your thoughts.
3. Practise. Have people
fire questions at you in rapid succession and use the above strategies.
The way you get proficient at thinking on your feet is by giving
yourself lots of practice attempts, so when the real situation occurs
you'll have trained your mind and mouth to respond.
About the author: Michael
Kelly teaches “Speak & Listen for New Results”. He is a media
commentator, keynote speaker and seminar leader. Delighted blue chip
corporate clients including Icon Recruitment, Credit Suisse, First
Boston and Pfizer. Michael is the director of Kelly Speech
Communication. He has a clear insight into powerful speaking and
listening techniques – to help his clients keep on winning more business
and achieving fresh results in their careers and their lives. Visit
http://www.kellyspeech.com.au
for more information. |
