Happy New Year from Corporate Speech Solutions! Start 2016 off right by keeping these three simple, but essential communication resolutions:
Eliminate Filler Words: Most people don’t realize how often they use words like “um”, “uh”, and “like” in a professional situation. Filler words like these can create an air of insecurity and significantly damage your credibility. Take the time to identify which filler words you use and how often (you should be using no more than two filler words every two minutes!). Then, when you feel the need to use a filler, simply pause instead; you’ll sound much more professional and eloquent.
Commit to Clarity: It doesn’t matter how intelligent you are or how remarkable your ideas may be if your listener can’t understand you. Mumbling, dropping sounds, and running your words together not only makes it difficult for your listener to understand your speech, it also makes you sound lazy and unprofessional. Don’t rush your speech, pause between ideas, and take care to pronounce each sound, particularly at the end of words.
Keep Your Voice Healthy: A strong, dynamic voice is essential in professional communication. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that they have habits that are damaging to their vocal cords. Dehydrated vocal cords can be easily damaged and decrease the quality of your voice; drink plenty of water, especially before speaking for a long time or in front of a group. Avoid habitual throat clearing—each time you clear your throat, your vocal cords slam forcefully into one another, which can cause inflammation and injury over time. Avoid talking at a level that is uncomfortable—if you need to speak in a noisy environment, use a microphone or eliminate background noise as much as possible.
Want to learn more? Give me a call at 212-308-7725 or send me an e-mail at info@corporatespeechsolutions.com. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have!
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