Monica Lunin* reveals 10 savvy ways to boost your influence at work by becoming a better speaker.
Would you like to improve your influence with those around you? Perhaps your co-workers? Your boss? If you can master the art of persuasion, you can change people’s minds whilst at the same time improving your power base. Here are 10 practical steps you can take right now to begin your journey toward eloquence.
- Just say YES
The first step is to maximise your opportunities to take to the stage. If you are invited to speak or if there is a call for volunteers, then grab it.
- Understand the impression you create.
If you are going to improve your speaking skills you will need to establish a benchmark – a jumping off point- from which to build.
Ask for feedback, watch yourself in video and make a list of what you like and what you could improve.
Remember, when it comes to presentation you need to focus on what others see and hear which might be different from what you intend.
- Define and refine your style.
Can you articulate your speaking persona?
Are you the visionary, the teacher, the storyteller or the coach?
If you’re not sure, look to the speeches of others who you think might be similar to you.
Next, consider how you might enhance your natural style for your next presentation.
You will improve much faster by amplifying your natural strengths rather than obsessing about your flaws – we all have them.
- Take time to plan.
This does not mean immediately opening PowerPoint.
It does mean that you should start with audience analysis.
Who will be listening to you and what might they be expecting?
What do you know about the context of your speech? – you might be part of a bigger program, the setting might be formal or informal.
Once you are clear about expectations you can choose the right approach – to fit in or challenge convention – it depends.
- Set a clear purpose.
This is really the crux of communication influence.
Ask yourself what you want the audience to think, feel or do differently as a result of listening to you.
Resist the mistaken assumption that you are just there to share information.
So what?
To be influential means you have the power to effect change.
The most influential speakers know they must aim to make a difference – no matter how small.
- Structure your talk.
Your presentation should be organised in such a way that it is easy for you to remember and easy for listener to follow.
Consider a simple framework with a clear beginning, middle and end.
With that, build out your content so everything hangs together in a logical fashion, all in service of your purpose.
- Start strong.
Begin by capturing the attention of your audience with a hook.
You could use a question, a quote or an image.
Get creative but make sure that your hook is relent to the rest of your talk and appropriate for the context.
- Connect with your audience.
Once you are in delivery mode you should think of your presentation more as a conversation.
Your audience is no longer theoretical, they are real people right there in the room with you.
Practice eye contact, check for understanding and if possible, encourage questions.
Your goal is to engage everyone in the room.
Make sure your non-verbal communication, including body language, gestures and movement enhance your delivery.
- Finish strong.
Make sure to end with as much power and impact as possible.
Leave your audience with a clear take away that they will be willing and likely to talk about with others.
Don’t let your presentation just Peter out and try not to run over time.
Your goal is to project control all the way to the finish line.
- Build a lifelong practice.
Communication is a cornerstone skill and you cannot build influence in your career without mastering the art of persuasion.
That means you should be constantly looking for ways to improve.
Review each performance – what impression did your create? Were you successful in inspiring change?
There are many factors that will contribute to your success, but the ability to influence others will always be at the top of the list.
*Monica Lunin is the author of What She Said: The Art of Inspiring Action Through Speech and director of the leadership and communication consultancy MOJOLOGIC.
