Business Speaking 10 Rules: How To Speak Effectively At Work
Who this micro-class is for
* Everyone
What you’ll learn
* How to speak effectively in a professional environment
* The crucial frameworks for business speaking
Resources
* Less than 8 minutes to complete
About this micro-class
Communication is the backbone of every successful business. Whether it’s a sales pitch, a customer support call, or an office presentation, how you articulate your thoughts is crucial. Here are the essential practices to elevate your speaking skills, ensuring clear, impactful communication across all levels.
General factors to consider
1. Audience Understanding
Know Your Audience: Tailor your language and approach based on who you’re addressing.
Empathy: Understanding their needs and perspectives is crucial for effective communication.
2. Content Structuring
Clarity: Organize your ideas logically, ensuring a coherent flow.
Frameworks: Utilize tools like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for concise storytelling and problem-solving.
3. Delivery Techniques
Body Language: Maintain an open and confident posture, making eye contact and using gestures judiciously.
Voice Modulation: Vary your tone and pace to emphasize key points and maintain engagement.
4. Active Listening
Engagement: Acknowledge and respond to the audience’s input, ensuring a two-way conversation.
Clarification: Ask questions to ensure mutual understanding.
Business speaking practices
5. Preparation
Research: Gather information about the topic or audience you’ll address.
Outline: Structure your content, ensuring a clear beginning, middle, and end.
6. Adding Value
The W.A.I.T. framework: W.A.I.T. stands for “Why Am I Talking?” Before speaking, ask yourself whether your message adds value to the conversation or helps you advance toward your goal.
7. Storytelling with STAR
STAR is a popular framework for structuring business communication.
Situation: Set the context, outlining the circumstances or challenge.
Task: Define what needs to be done or addressed.
Action: Explain the steps to take to resolve the situation.
Result: Share the (expected) outcomes and lessons learned.
8. Engaging Delivery
Body Language: Maintain an open posture, use hand gestures to emphasize points, and make eye contact.
Voice Modulation: Vary pitch and pace to maintain interest and emphasize key ideas.
9. Active Listening and Adaptation
Respond: Acknowledge feedback or questions and adapt your responses accordingly.
Ask Questions: Ensure clarity and engagement by inviting questions or participation.
10. Building Trust
Simple Language: Use simple, short words and sentences.
8-Year-Old Rule: Assume your audience does not know the topic.
Gravity: Take small breaks between sentences to look more confident and authoritative.
Data: Share data and factual evidence to establish trust and gain credibility.
Resources and useful links
- Etiquette references: professional presence, communication at work rules, positive body language, professional dress code
- Interesting reads and resources: Flesch Reading Ease and the Flesch Kincaid Grade Level readable.com