Have you ever watched someone give a speech or presentation who did not move a muscle and spoke in a monotone voice? It is pretty devastating to be subjected to such an ordeal but it happens. And, when it does, you can only pray that it will last 10 minutes and not 50!
The problem with lack of emotion in speaking is that it puts your audience to sleep or sends them to their iPhones. Your goal in public speaking is to engage your listeners. Without the expression of emotion, you are not engaging. And that is a waste of your time and theirs.
If you are unsure of how you look and act when you are presenting, I suggest you video-record yourself by introducing yourself as if you were at a Chamber of Commerce meeting. Be critical.
- You must see what you look like and how you sound. That is the only way you will successfully make a change.
- If your delivery is less than stellar, I want you to stand and record yourself, saying I want to go as if you were disappointed that you were not going. Try frowning and shaking your head no.
- This time say I want to go by nodding your head and laughing as you say it.
- Next say I want to go as if you are asking a question. Your brow should furrow and the pitch of your voice should rise at the end.
If you will try the above exercise, you should see and hear 3 different expressions. I also suggest you do this when you are alone. Part of your lack of expression is because you are keeping your emotions inside when you speak; and, I seriously doubt you are going to allow yourself to make the change if someone else is in the room.
What is fascinating about the above exercise is that when you play it back, you will notice that when you are frowning or laughing, your delivery will look natural and normal; whereas, your delivery without expression will not.
You are the only stumbling block which is keeping your expression from being seen and heard. Give yourself permission to be expressive and you will be on the road to captivating your audience.
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If you would like to improve your delivery skills and discover your ‘real’ voice in the process, join me in Mt Laurel, NJ, for my next Voice & Presentation Skills Workshop, March 22 & 23, 2019.