How Leaders Speak

Book excerpt: Senior executives, professionals, politicians, entrepreneurs, and educators are increasingly being evaluated by how well they speak - how credibly, how naturally, and how enthusiastically. They're being judged on their presentation skills. In today's communication-saturated age, the ability to address others effectively has become the essential mark of a leader. How Leaders Speak covers the seven keys to speaking like a leader: preparation, certainty, passion, engagement, and commitment. It's a personal handbook for planning and conveying presentations that will engage and inspire others, from overcoming nervousness to handling difficult questions from listeners. How Leaders Speak: Getting Ready to Present: Know Your Audience Find and Create ‘The Nugget’ (something your audience doesn’t know) Make a Video Rehearsing your Presentation Be Prepared for Anything Don’t Rely on PowerPoint (have a print out as well ) Test your Technology Have a Checklist of Materials Before You Leave the Office Pre-Presentation Jitters are a Good Thing! Know Your Environment Beforehand (schedule a run through the day before) Eat and Drink Lightly Just Before Your Presentation How Leaders Speak: During Your Speech Have Water Handy Keep Language Short and Simple Have Your Speech Printed at the Top of Your Page To Keep Eye Contact Connected Most Nervousness Doesn’t Show Draw in Your Audience Via Names and Anecdotal Info Ask Questions to Involve Your Audience (and to Relieve Pressure) Speak with Passion!