By Deborah A. Genovesi, PR Veteran & Former TV Reporter
How many times have you been in a public place, a train station, or an airplane and someone makes an announcement over the PA that is totally unintelligible? There are a few simple things that can be done to ensure that you are heard loud and clear.
1. First, there needs to be a realization that the point of speaking is to communicate something to someone else and (wait for it)……HAVE THEM UNDERSTAND what you said. Otherwise, it is wasted time for everyone. Saying the words is only half of the communication and not the most important half.
2. Back off: Many people hold the microphone too close to their mouths, sometimes even touching the mic with their lips, which is not only yucky for the next person who uses that mic, it also muffles sound and makes it tough to pronounce words properly. This is called “swallowing” the mic and flight attendants are famous for it, which is why you almost never understand what they are saying. If you are using a microphone at a speaking engagement, practice with it before hand.
3. Pacing: Often when people use a microphone they get more nervous and speed up. To improve your chances of being understood, slow down and talk at a normal pace. If you are not sure, record yourself at home and have several people listen to you. You may have to slow down, or in some cases, pep it up a bit. Don’t rush through, mumble or slur words together.
4. Cadence: Cadence is the rhythmic flow of your words or the rising and falling in your pitch. Natural conversation should have a variation of tones and inflection. Where public speakers get into trouble is when they have memorized and delivered words so often that they adopt a monotone or a sing-songy cadence that makes it tough to hear the meaning of the words. When you are giving a presentation, especially if you have given it several times before, check that you are not slipping into “zombie-speak.”
5. Feedback: I’m not talking about the constructive comments kind of feedback; I mean the high pitched squeal you get if you walk around with the microphone and get too close to the speakers. Famous guitarist, Jimi Hendrix, used feedback as part of his signature sound, but believe me, if you grace the eardrums of your audience with that noise, it will not be received as enthusiastically.
If you keep these five tips in mind at your next speaking opportunity, you will be known as a master of the mic in no time!
Deborah A. Genovesi, APR “Your Communications Copilot” is an accredited PR veteran and former TV reporter helping professional women become known as experts in their fields so they can attract ideal clients and increase income. Reach her at www.commscopilot.com.