If you want to have more influence, you need to be a confident, credible speaker. What makes a credible speaker? You need to communicate your message clearly through three different channels at the same time; verbal, vocal, and visual.
First, verbal; this is the “what you say,” the words you choose, the text of your message. Being factually correct is important, but it isn’t enough. For example, you need to explain your core message differently if you’re speaking to experts or non-experts, adjusting the vocabulary and details. It’s also important to beware of fillers, and you may need to be extra diplomatic sometimes.
Second, vocal: This is part of “How you say it.” It’s the sound of your words as they come out of your mouth. It indicates things like your confidence level, the difference between sincerity and sarcasm, and your overall mood. Vocal factors include things like your volume, speed, intonation, use of pauses, and even how crystal clear or fuzzy you sound on videoconferences.
Third, visual; This is also part of “how you say it.” It’s your physical communication: your body language, facial expressions, and posture, even how you’re groomed or dressed. You read a lot
into what someone is saying based upon what you see: whether or not they smile, gesture too much or not at all, and make eye contact. On video, your camera angles and lighting also make a big difference, such as whether you are centered and well-lit, or hidden in shadow at the bottom of the screen.
When all three of these channels are conveying the same message at the same time, you’re in alignment. The listener only has to pay attention to one single, three-dimensional message.
In contrast, if one or two elements are out of sync, you send mixed signals that confuse the listener and erode your credibility. Without credibility, there is no influence.
Be conscious of your verbal, vocal, and visual messaging so you can master the three C’s: command the room, connect with the audience and close the deal. For more information about how to master the art of speaking to influence, go to vocalimpactproductions.com.