The King’s Speech is a contender for Best Picture when the Oscars are announced next month, and it offers us more than great entertainment. In the business world, just about everyone has to present and many dread it. While the world isn’t listening as it was to King George in the late 1930s, it can feel like it. And while most of us don’t stammer like “Bertie,” we share the fear behind his affliction, the fear that others will judge us harshly. How the King overcame his speech problem can help us commoners speak better:
1) Focus on your audience: Like many CEOs, the King didn’t mix with his audience. They were like a sea of faces. His coach had the King look at him, speak to him as he spoke to millions about going to war. It’s always easier to speak to someone you know and like, so if you are speaking on a phone paste a few pictures of your employees on your desk, and on stage, pick 3 encouraging faces in different parts of your audience and speak to them.
2) Pause: You’ve heard the saying, “take it one step at a time.” The King slowed down and began to take his speech just a few words at a time versus looking at an eternity of copy. He marked his script for those frequent pauses, slash lines for breaks. Frequent pauses allowed him to breathe more regularly and that in and of itself helped calm him. Pausing can help you become a smoother and more effective speaker; it adds gravity, and allows your audience time to digest what you’re saying.
3) Project: Speak up. The King’s coach would provoke him, rile him until he shouted even swore. The provocation prompted him to project. It uncapped and tapped the energy he was holding inside. It smoothed his speech, and again, improved his breathing. Before taking the stage many professional speakers will stand in a room, speak loudly, do a few pushups, versus sitting quietly mouthing words. So speak up. You’ll speak better.
4) Practice: I know you’ve heard “practice makes perfect,” but who has the time? Well, the king of England knew that to lead effectively, he had to speak like a leader. He committed to daily practice, speaking more slowly, pausing, and projecting. It worked for Bertie. Ironically, his father lamented, “We kings used to have to simply look good and wave,” but then came radio. Now there is 24-7 TV and social media.
Make 2011 the year you’ll become a communication king.
Hi Mary, just read your book with Arlene Matthews called Communications Counts.
My name is Adolya Khakimova and I am originally from Uzbekistan although I am now living in the UK as I am married to a Scotsman. I have had quite a few situations when I have had to speak in public and felt really nervous about it. In addition, I have to translate from Russian to English and vice versa at times and that makes it even harder. Your book is really informative and I cant wait to try all the techniques you recommend when I am next speaking in front of a large audience. Thank You very much!
Posted by: Adolya Khakimova | March 05, 2011 at 04:38 AM
Adolya..Let me know how your speaking goes..what techniques work best! Mary
Posted by: Mary Civiello | April 04, 2011 at 07:53 AM