Speaking Mastery for the online world

The world has changed. The days of international travel for business meetings is a thing of the past. Sure, when the pandemic is over people will travel again. Business meetings and conferences will once again happen. But will it be the same?

Today meetings and conferences are being held online. While it might not be the same it is cheaper and less time consuming. So, get use to the online world. In fact, embrace it! It’s not going anywhere and what we are actually seeing is an evolution of the industry.

Now I know what you are thinking. But I hate it. I am not comfortable sitting in front of a camera and microphone and communicating with others.

Don’t worry. I am here to help.

Having an online presence either internally or externally is the new skills set you can master that gives you the winning edge in the post pandemic business world.

I kid you not. Right now, a boy named Ryan Kaji has an estimated annual revenue of 28 million from his YouTube videos.

Now I am not saying get yourself a YouTube channel. Trust me it’s not that easy. But everyday more and more of your competition is going online and producing content that is accessible to employees, clients and the world.

So, let me share some advice on embracing online.

You are the star

I am not trying to feed your ego here. But it doesn’t matter if it’s an online meeting, sales video or conference presentation you need to be the focus. To accomplish this, you need to start by looking at three areas. Vocal skills, acting skills and your setting.

Vocal Skills

For years I have been working with business executives shaping their voices to hold the focus and attention of an audience. The online world is no different. In fact, your voice and the way you use it is even more important in this medium. Here are the five areas you should be working on right now.

1. Speed of speech – Ever notice when you get nervous that you start speaking quicker? There are a few reasons why this is happening, and they can all be rectified. Science has shown us that a word per minute rate of between 145 and 175 is the best to connect with an audience. Once again doesn’t matter if it’s online or speaking in a boardroom to colleagues.

2. Pausing and phrasing – This goes hand in hand with speed of speech and is a strong tool in winning people and getting them to take action. Remember, if you want people to think about what you are saying you need to give them time to think. Pause, breathe and then go on with your thought.

3. Volume – This one is actually easier online. Make sure your settings are correct and no one will ever ask you to speak louder again. Of course, if it’s not set right people will tune out in seconds. Caution using volume for emphasis online, your mic can only handle so much volume.

4. Tone – This one is tricky. Once again here’s where those nerves can get in the way. You’ve probably noticed that people have a musicality to their voices. They go up and down the musical scale as they speak a phrase. Put someone in front of a microphone and watch the panic start to set in. Suddenly they are speaking in a monotone and the human listener’s brain will tune out in about 15 seconds.

5. Articulation and voice quality– Ever listen to a speaker with bad articulation? You spend so much time trying to figure out what they are saying that you miss the message. Ever try to listen to someone with extreme nasality? After about 30 seconds you will start to notice that the speaker has become irritating. Most articulation issues are easily corrected but you need to work with a professional.

Acting skills (for non-actors)

Tom. Are you telling me I have to be a performer? Well let me burst your bubble. You are a performer. Sometimes you may play the role of a parent, teacher or leader. You are already doing it. There is some good advice you can take from the broadcast world. Imagine you are talking to a friend. While it’s a good start I would suggest taking it further. Use: parents, sibling and, children as the people you are talking to.

The setting (you on screen)

Take a look at any news channel who now remotely connect with experts and pundits for their programing. Ever start reading the titles on that bookshelf to see what they are reading? Ever take a look to see how clean that kitchen is? And watch that expensive artwork. It’s either more impressive than you are or so vibrant with colour that I totally forget there is someone speaking.

Now you will need some sort of background and, no surprise, your viewer will be looking at it. Pick something that will reenforce you the speaker and your message. Books on the topic you are speaking on work well. If you just wrote a new book it should be prominently displayed. Also look at having items that show you in a positive light. Ever notice how many wedding or family photos are seen online. While they will draw some focus, they will quickly become what they are meant to be. Background.

Now you are ready to turn that computer on and enter the world of online. But wait. Now I have to deal with technology. Next time we will look at the equipment you will need to become successful and how you can upgrade as your online presence grows.