Dressing for presentation confidence
Using contrast to enhance your presentation impact
Great speakers have the ability to change their voice to match their message. They use their vocal chords to create emotion, consideration and action within their audience.
This might sound like a powerful skill to have. It is. It might sound like a difficult skill to master. It really isn’t.
There are four key elements to your voice that you can use to enhance your presentation delivery. They are known as the 4P's; and they provide us with all the tools we need to create different energies and moods within our audience. Read on to discover what they are and how to use them.
When you have finished this article, spend some time considering how you could apply them to your next presentation, and then get rehearsing effectively. You will be a vocal presentation master before you know it!
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What can you vary vocally to increase your presentation effectiveness?
Pitch
A voice with positive intonation is a joy to listen to. Its pitch varies and holds our attention. If you smile when you speak, your voice has naturally positive intonation and your energy sounds positive. Need to add gravity to a situation? Reduce your intonation. Lose the smile and notice your voice become more monotone. Your audience will hear the seriousness and feel it too.
Power
Power is not just volume. It's clarity and projection too. Imagine a teacher clearly, calmly and confidently calling the class to order. Use this kind of powerful voice to demonstrate confidence and the expertise to lead your audience through your presentation topic.
Pace
A fast and energetic pace suggests a positive energy or urgency. A slow and considered pace demonstrates seriousness and focus. Vary your pace at key points of your presentation to change the energy or draw attention to key points.
Pause
A long, powerful pause is unusual in everyday speech. Using it draws your audience's attention to a key point. A long, powerful pause gives your audience time to REALLY consider the point that you have just made. A long, powerful pause gives you time to think and breathe before you successfully deliver your next line. Embrace the pause for maximum presentation impact.
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