The Five P’s of Speech

IT’S NOT WHAT YOU SAY, IT’S HOW YOU SAY IT!

Speaking in a virtual meeting or virtual presentation requires more attention to how we sound than when we are speaking in person.

We are all familiar with inexperienced hosts who, when speaking into a microphone, can’t be understood because they have poor pronunciation, speak too fast, ramble, don’t take a breath, or have a squeaky voice or a low rumbling tone. These speakers often lose the interest of their audience.

When conducting yourself through a virtual meeting or presentation these same “Microphone Rules “ apply:

• Project your voice -don’t be lazy, and use good posture

• Pause- let people digest what you say, appear unrushed, allow time for people to ‘think’

• Pitch- modulate your pitch so that you are not too high or too low

• Pace- slow down the speed of your speech, you are the only one with a script, breathe

• Pronounce- speaking clearly and succinctly is a sign of knowledge and confidence

Extra tip: Before you present a webinar or presentation have a dry-run with an honest friend.