YBI Newsletter

Effective Communication

Have you ever met someone you could listen to all day? Their communication skills are delightfully entertaining. Their voice is easy to listen to. Their mannerisms and gestures are pleasant to watch. Their grammar and dialect are easy to understand. Becoming a good speaker takes training and practice but it is well worth the time and effort. Every time you open your mouth someone is forming an opinion about you; this month’s newsletter will help you make it a positive one.

I had the pleasure of attending a presentation given by Kenneth C. Crannell, PhD, Professor of Communication, Emerson College, Boston, - author of Voice and Articulation. I highly recommend his book for an in-depth look and exercises for remedying every aspect of your communication skills. The following information that I will share with you is based on Dr. Crannell's lectures and his book.

Speech

It has been said: “Your speech is a mirror to your soul. A first impression is formed in less than ten seconds, thirty-eight percent of that first impression is based on your speech.”

Dialect

Dialect is the general pronunciation practiced in a particular region. Probably the only person who does not think you have some type of regional accent is you. Because we are so accustomed to listening to the dialect of the region we live in we don’t hear it. Be aware of the slang and accent used in your region of influence. Make a conscious effort not to succumb to it. Try to eliminate any accent and slang from your daily vocabulary.

Vocal Dynamics

Truly effective communication must include vocal dynamics. Add “color” through inflection, pace, pauses and emphasis. A listener will overlook a great many speaking faults but boredom is the number one sin. There are a number of reasons why a speaker may be monotonous; the most important one is a lack of variety in thought and emotion. Our eyes and ears are more alert when a pattern is broken.

Voice

Vocal Fry

Vocal fry is when the speaker runs out of breath before he or she is finished speaking. The voice pitch raises and quality is unsustained. The words sound scratchy and the speaker sounds strained to finish the sentence. Vocal fry is a breathing problem often caused by excitement or stress. Developing breath control will eliminate vocal fry.

Glottal Shock

This occurs when there is so much tension in the vocal area the words are stopped or cut off. Getting rid of tension (easier said than done) will help eliminate this voice problem. Relax, breathe deeply and slow your speech.

Optimum Pitch

Find the best pitch for your voice; the best sound is produced with the least effort. Your natural pitch is determined by your physical structure. It takes constant attention to train your voice to project at a pleasing pitch. Women have more of a problem with pitch then men. Try lowering your pitch just a bit; you will be surprised by the response from others.

Projection

Projection is the act of controlling loudness. Do you know someone who is “so loud they give you a headache,” or the opposite, you have to “strain” to hear what they are saying? Controlling your volume is very important to having a conversation one-to-one or speaking to a group. It is important to find a balance, not too soft, not too loud. Learn to project when speaking to an audience and tone down the volume when having a pleasant conversation with a small group or just one person.

Nonverbal Communication

A very important component in communication is nonverbal, a kind of action language. Body movements, gestures, facial expression and stance all send a message. The nonverbal portion of a spoken message can be as high as sixty-five percent!

Kinesics

Kinesics is the study of body movements in communication. Gestures or upper body movement are used to amplify the speakers thoughts. Most people have a natural tendency to use their hands and arms to help them get their message across. In general these gestures are not a bad thing if they are natural and do not invade another’s space. Gestures become a negative aspect of speech when they have an autistic mannerism (twirling hair, cracking knuckles, clicking a pen, repeated touching of clothing or body), revealing nervousness and interfering with the communication process. Some gestures are offensive in particular regions or countries. Be sure you know what you are saying nonverbally before you do it.

Countenance

Countenance actions are movements of the head, face and particularly the eyes (“the orbs of the soul”). It is through the use of the eyes that the proper relationship between the speaker and the audience is established.

Making direct eye contact with your audience is perhaps the best advice I can give you. If you are speaking to a group, try to make eye contact with everyone, not just one person. Lack of eye contact will be perceived as nervousness, not listening, dishonesty or a lack of self-confidence; it is never positive.

Facial expression can tell an enormous amount about what you are thinking. Be aware of your facial expressions. My favorite facial expression is a smile. Try it - even during a phone conversation - it will make a positive difference in your voice and the attitude you are projecting.

Another trick I enjoy is the head nod. Nodding your head in a positive, up and down direction gives a "yes I am in agreement" message and will cause your audience to reply with a yes. Nodding your head in a negative, left to right direction gives the "no, I am not in agreement" message and will cause your audience to reply accordingly.

Body Stance

The final aspect of nonverbal communication is your stance and posture. Your attitude, self-esteem, interest and more, are transmitted through stance. Slouched shoulders and hanging arms show lack of self-confidence. On the other hand, standing too erectly, chest out, arms crossed, communicates an arrogant attitude. Both are a turn-off whether you are speaking to one or to hundreds.

The master of stance is the professional motivational speaker Zig Zigler. If you have ever seen him speak you know what I mean. When he comes to the edge of the stage, kneels down on one knee and leans forward, you KNOW he is going to say something you NEED to hear!

Conclusion

Not sure what communication skills you are lacking or need to change? Ask those who listen to you every day, they will tell you. Record yourself speaking formally and informally. Watch yourself speak in a mirror or anywhere you can see your reflection, even your shadow.

Changing your communication skills may require seeking a professional speaking or voice coach. Just becoming aware of your speech is the first step. It may be that just a few simple changes can make you an effective communicator.

Repetition establishes a habit. To change your speech and voice will take time. But with conscious effort and practice, your communication skills will notably change.

Contact us if you have questions or would like more information about any of our services. Can't wait to hear from you!