The Ten Commandments of Speaking -- Part 2

#4 – Thou shalt not be monotone.
The only thing worse than listening to a boring speaker, is to listen to a monotone speaker. Speaking to an audience in a monotone voice is the quickest way to ensure that the audience “tunes you out.” Your content may even be outstanding but outstanding content delivered in a flat, monotone voice ensures that you will be an ineffective speaker. Your speech should include voice inflection (soft segments as well as louder segments), enthusiasm, energy, a change in pacing (faster and slower segments), and clear enunciation (be willing to even emphasize individual syllables).

#5 – Thou shalt avoid all verbal tics.
Thom Singer writes: “Many who are nervous or inexperienced about speaking in front of an audience are scared of pauses, and they fill in the gaps with filler words – ummm, ahhh, you know, etc. They often do not know they are doing it, and have no idea how the continuous use of such ‘verbal tics’ can cause the audience to lose track of their message.” There are several ways to know if you are making this type of mistake. First, you can have a friend “grade” you as you speak. Second, you can record your speech. Or third, you can video tape your speech. If you determine that your speech is full of verbal tics, practice reducing those verbal tics in your everyday speech. You may be surprised how this will aid your public speaking proficiency. And remember – do not be scared of a pause in your speech, even if you are searching for a word. Pauses are much shorter than they seem and can even be used for emphasis.

#6 – Thou shalt not have thy feet in concrete.
Do not forget to walk around while you are speaking. Nobody wants to watch a statue speak. Use as much space as you can. Get out from behind the podium. Walk into the crowd. Look into the eyes of the audience. Use movement to your advantage.