Advice

When it comes to crafting and presenting a speech, it is crucial to pay attention to detail and enjoy the process to achieve an impressive end result. However, achieving clear and effective communication can be a challenge. It requires dedication, repetition and consistent work.

In this section, we will explore some of the most common mistakes that can negatively affect first impressions and offer smart solutions to learn from them and prevent their occurrence in the future.

Nonverbal language: To demonstrate that you have mastered the topic you are going to explain, it is important to pay attention to your body posture. If you lower your gaze, slouch, or gesture too much or too little, you may convey insecurity. To correct this, follow these simple steps:

• Straighten your posture until you feel your shoulders are straight.

• Make sure your legs are parallel to your shoulders.

• Take a small step back with your left foot.

• Place your toes in a triangle shape, as if you were putting your toes together. Once you have adopted this position, use natural and appropriate gestures to complement your speech.

Sincerity: Sincerity in conveying emotions is critical. If you are not authentic in showing your emotions, people may notice. To focus your energy in the right way, follow these steps:

• Choose a key word in the sentence and give it a particular gesture and intonation.

• For example, when saying 'Vibrations are very important', you can emphasize the word 'vibrations' by gently placing your hand on your chest as you say it.

• Be sure to convey the message with the appropriate emotion. The same phrase can have different meanings depending on whether it is said with joy, sadness, indifference, etc.

Reflection: Have you ever had difficulty understanding someone who speaks too fast? It is important to keep in mind the right pace when expressing yourself:

• A slow pace can generate interest and is suitable for encouraging reflection and expectation.

• Don't speak too slowly - the goal is not to unnecessarily lengthen what you could have said in less time.

• A fast pace is appropriate to motivate action, as when we say: "So now we are all going to create a habit and we won't stop until we get it". We will say this phrase faster to emphasize its urgency.

Voice volume and intensity: How to use your voice to capture and hold the attention of your audience:

• The volume of your voice: Just like the brightness of your mobile device with a 100% battery, your voice should project, vocalize and be loud and clear at the start. It's not about shouting, it's about being heard.

• The intensity of your voice can diminish as the speech progresses, but say goodbye with the same strength or even more than you started the presentation.

Common mistakes: How to correct common mistakes when giving a speech?

• Structure your speech and elaborate a story that involves your audience to avoid improvising and forgetting important details.

• Avoid using "ehmm, this... that is".

• Memorize your speech or at least be clear on the main ideas and arguments.

• When introducing the presentation, refer to the problem identified and the needs expressed, focusing on the past and asking yourself: Why did I have this problem?

• In developing the speech, focus on the present: I have this problem.

• In the conclusions, the future will dictate: What will I do or how will I solve this problem?

Practice: Improve your vocalization and pronunciation:

• Speak clearly: Articulate clearly when speaking to avoid errors when pronouncing diphthongs or triptongs due to poor vocalization.

• Practice: You can improve your vocalization by practicing with tongue twisters or by placing a wooden stick between your teeth. Strive to pronounce words clearly and correctly to communicate effectively.

• Adopt good posture: Good posture can help you speak more naturally. Practice with friends and family and integrate it into yourself so you don't sound fake or hypocritical.

• Evaluate your progress: Record yourself and work on improving any aspect that needs attention, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Focus on only one aspect at a time to better concentrate and do your best.

• Simulate real conditions: If your speech will be made standing up, practice in that position so you can remember certain important gestures or words and speak fluently without having to stop and think about what to do.