Communicating Excellence: “ How to Sound More Professional” _________________ Patricia P. Kuchon, Ph.D Graduate Communication Programs Seton Hall University

Targeting Your Message Why am I speaking? What do I want my audience to know, think or do as a result of my speaking? What ideas and information should I include? What supporting materials do I need?

Organizing Your Message for Impact How should I begin? How should I arrange the content? How do I link the major points? How do I end?

Getting the Audience’s Attention Ask a question Use a presentation aid Use your voice

Choosing the Right Words Be grammatical Don’t use fillers: uh, um, ok, ya know Use powerful words: can, does, will Don’t apologize

Conclusions With Impact Summarize Share your professional view Be memorable, clear and brief

Involving Your Audience Watch your audience for feedback Use questions and answers Say it simply Eliminate distractions Be flexible

Using Media and Notes Never read your presentation Media and notes should be in outline form Media should complement your presentation, not be the presentation Powerpoint should be simple and limited Don’t talk to the screen Use large print for notes

Controlling Nervousness Be prepared Practice Remember you are the expert Think “conversation” not “presentation” Take a deep breath See your audience as friends

Delivering Your Message Look professional Sound knowledgeable Be enthusiastic/passionate Sound spontaneous Stand tall but not stiff Move when it makes sense, don’t wander

Delivering Your Message Smile Look at everyone Use gestures Make the audience want more

Your Voice Use vocal variety for interest Speak clearly Use a smooth delivery Speak slowly Be loud enough to be heard Use an appropriate pitch Project a full, rich vocal quality