How you speak is a huge component of the impression you make on others. 

Being well-spoken typically means having the ability to speak clearly and professionally. There are several characteristics that can contribute to being well-spoken, such as having an extensive vocabulary or strong personal confidence in your speaking. 

Speaking in front of a group of people makes people anxious. And there’s nothing more frustrating than having great ideas, but every time you try to speak up you lose people’s attention because you’re too long-winded or go off on rambling tangents. When our fight, flight, or freeze instinct kicks in, our muscles tense up, our heart rate skyrockets, and we breathe short, shallow breaths. So, when the adrenaline starts pumping, resist the urge to breathe into your chest, and try breathing into your belly instead. 

Strategies for transforming your public speaking

1. Collect and prepare – Collect your thoughts in advance. Write down the key points you want to communicate–not a full script–and practice presenting them. This process can help you refine your message and focus your enthusiasm.
2. Rehearse and record – One of the most effective ways to evaluate your speaking skills is to record yourself then listen to it. 
3. Know your audience – focus on what is important to your audience, and avoid technical jargon – it alienates your listeners. Be clear on their needs and current knowledge. Keep your eyes and ears open. Be aware of body language – are they engaged? 
4. Tone and volume – the tone and volume of a speaker can affect how their audience members react and retain information from their speech.
5. Favour stories over data – Stories can inspire people to take action. Numbers and data are important if they support the ‘why’. Deliver a clear message with a clear purpose. 
6. Engage in positive self-talk – recite affirmations. Engaging in positive self talk can build confidence. 
7. Slow your roll – All too many presenters speak too quickly Say each word clearly and accurately. Articulate your words. Pronounce each syllable individually. Pause between phrase and thoughts. This gives the listener time to process what you’ve said. Slow down, but not to the posit of sounding like a robot. 

Speaking smoothly, clearly & confidently

can make it much easier to communicate ideas accurately. 

Unleash the novel inside you

with compelling characters,

intricate worlds,

and fine-tuned prose.

“Linda has published twenty books. She blogs about the publishing world, posts useful tips on the challenges a writer faces, including marketing and promoting your work, how to build your online platform, how to get reviews and how to self-publish. She has mentored many authors and edited their work.” 

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