To speak is to express, to create a firsthand impression of thyself. Speaking is an art, either an inborn skill or an acquired talent. Yet, it’s an art
Respected Staff and dear friends, I will be talking on the topic, To Speak, To Survive.
Have you ever heard a presentation and later realized how attracted you were to the presenter? No, not that kind of attraction. I mean that you felt connected and uplifted while you were listening. You came away feeling happier. The speaker was so eloquent that you were touched in some way.
Even if the presentation was about selling shoes!
That quality you experienced is called charisma. Webster defines charisma as “that special spiritual power or personal quality that gives an individual influence or authority over large numbers of people.”
A charismatic speaker leaves an impression on the audience, large or small, that makes them want to come back for more. It’s just what you want if you are trying to sell or influence a customer. Charisma is not just for selling; the best university professors are often charismatic speakers as well.
We associate charisma with preachers, like Billy Graham, or old-time politicians, such as Winston Churchill.
I have been always fascinated at those who have the gift of the gab. Yadda Yadda, Jabber Jabber. I still find it difficult to manage talking in front of a public audience, keeping in mind the way I pose, the way I use my hands, the way I make eye contact, the way I check my stage fear, and still manage to keep the message I wanted to deliver loud and clear. Huge!
Speaking always fascinated me, but never let me take command of it.
Charismatic speakers look good, they have a stage presence.
I’m not suggesting that you do something about the size of your nose. The good appearance that you associate with a charismatic speaker is something different and has inner and outer qualities. From the outside, dress your best, always in conservative, modest clothing
A good speaker doesn’t mean he just knows how to mesmerise the masses, he is a good listener too.
A successful speaker also knows how much information the audience can absorb in one sitting without losing interest. The presentation must be cogent with a logical beginning and an appropriate ending.
The voice is probably the most valuable tool for any speaker. The listeners may have difficulty and feel uncomfortable hearing voices that are too fast, too loud, too soft, etc. A good speaker knows how to modulate his voice without changing the original nature of his voice.
Experienced speakers lower their voice to draw the audience in, and raise their voice to stress a point. A voice that carries fear can frighten the audience, while a voice that sounds humorous can get the audience to smile and remain cheerful.
Your body communicates different impressions to the audience. People not only listen to you, they also watch your body language. Adopting a good posture tells your audience that you know what you are doing and you care deeply about it. Also, a good posture helps you to speak more clearly and effectively
Speaking is like a battery source with double extra reserve. Quickens your day, and to where you land up at the end of it. Mannerisms, speaking not only gets people here or there, it also defines his mannerism, the way he carries himself, the way he keeps his head, etching his status and stand in society, apparently it goes a long way in being important compared to his Rolex, Raymonds or Rolls Royce.
Mark Antony’s speech over Caesar’s death bed is the best I have known so far, the way he captures the attention of the people and the way he instigates them to work his whim is hugeness. The craftiness, play and deliverance. Simply Brilliant.
At the end of a speech, the audience should be able to feel the impact the creator had put upon them, assuring that yes, he did make an impression today. And that is a really good speaker. With the proper pinch of Charisma
