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Did you know the way you speak and the words you use can set you apart
and give you power and credibility? That's right, words are powerful!
Knowing the right words to say and when to say them are priceless. But
the tone in which you speak and convey your messages, along with your
body language, communicates much more about you than words alone. Your
tone can convey your mood level—how much energy you have and what you're
really thinking and feeling. Verbal communication accounts for seven percent of how others may
perceive you. About thirty-eight percent of how you are perceived
depends on the tone of your voice. The largest portion of communication,
fifty-five percent, is visual or non-verbal—your appearance and how you
look. Even though only seven percent of your message is transmitted through
words, you had better believe that these words are extremely important.
No matter how well groomed you are-if you can't speak properly, you
won't project your best image. Instead, you'll be perceived as lacking
formal education, untrustworthy and somewhat incompetent, which will
probably stop you from living the life of your dreams. It's important to have the language, words and symbols to express what
you feel, believe and want in life. Therefore, don't skip over words you
read or hear in conversations that you're unfamiliar with. Instead, look
them up in the dictionary or use an online dictionary right
away-otherwise you'll miss an opportunity to open up a whole new realm
of possibilities for yourself through word power. Even if you believe
you've been mis-educated you can still learn to express yourself
eloquently and effectively with practice. Don't be shamed by looking
fabulous... that is, until you open your mouth and out spews
mispronounced words that are used incorrectly-you'll run the risk of
losing your credibility. Ask Yourself These Questions: • How is the quality of my voice?
• Can I turn the volume up and down as I please?
• Do I speak too rapidly, leaving others in the conversation to
repeatedly ask me to repeat myself?
• Do I speak too slowly, leaving others wanting to complete my sentences
for me? Your Verbal Communication Goals: • To perfect your verbal communication skills
• To come across as intelligent, confident and self-assured
• To be energetic and expressive verbally
• To use colorful words that express your feelings
• To paint pictures with your words
• To make sure your message is not distorted or ignored by using poor
diction Become a dynamic communicator by painting vivid pictures with your
words. Chloé Taylor Brown
www.chloetaylorbrown.com |
