When you start to prepare for a pitch or a presentation, what do you do first? If you are like most people, you will turn to your computer, fire up Powerpoint and knock out a quick outline. And while that can work for some, this approach often means that you overlook the nuances and potential of a good story.
But even if you DO have a good story … what happens next? Tim Noonan suggests that we need to pay more attention to our most powerful and persuasive tool – our voice.
In his excellent Your Voice PDF, he outlines the seven strategies you can use to achieve vocal brilliance:
- Record Every Speech You Give
- Review With Eyes Closed!
- Build Trust and Understanding through Sincere Delivery
- Speak WITH, not TO, the Audience
- Warm Up Your Voice
- Smile as you Speak!
- Play your Instrument and Express your Passion!
These are not mere words or suggestions – as a blind man, Tim is acutely aware of the power of your voice – and has been known to do “readings” where he is able to tell a lot about your personality simply by asking a few questions and listening to the response. It makes me think that there is great opportunity for these skills when it comes to online conversation. I have always believed that we give away more than we know in all this text/writing. Perhaps only those who are truly attuned to the rhythms of our voices can really tell.
Great post. This tracks a recent water cooler discussion about how tone and voice inflection are missing from email, so the recipient often make assumptions. Not good. A compliment can just as easily be taken as a slight in email.
I love it. I started recording my speeches and it has helped so much. I should be speaking at a mashable event on the benefits of social media marketing soon.
So true, Michael. Though it is amazing what a difference emoticons can make!
I will let Tim know. He will be pleased that you find it useful!
Gavin,
I started to write a very lengthy comment, but instead your post inspired me to write a blog post of my own. The senses have always fascinated me and this really struck a chord on a Friday afternoon.
Thanks.