4 Dangerous Myths When Speaking to Groups – Myth #2
In working with speakers, trainers, coaches and consultants, I have found that they often believe 4 dangerous myths about speaking in front of groups:
Myth #2: “Caring about my onstage presence means I’m being fake or having to be someone I’m not”
Truth: You are communicating a huge part of your message via your image & presentation and that is just as important as what you say. Learn this visual language and you can make sure your onstage prescence fully reflects who YOU are, not someone else.
If you break it down, 55% of your message comes from your Appearance (hair, makeup, clothing, jewelry, nails, purse, shoes…) and 38% from your Presentation (body posture/stance, eye contact, hand gestures, affect, posing, facial expression, energy & activity). This means that 93% of your message is taken in by your audience with their EYES. Then, 7% is what you say and how you say it.
As far as feeling resistent to having to pay some attention to your appearance and presentation, let me ask you:
- “How important is your message?”
- “Do you want your audience to really hear it and take it in?”
If yes is your answer then just use your appearance and presentation as a communication tool…the same way you would use enunciation, varying your tone, descriptive words and other tips for being an effective speaker.
If you are concerned about being fake, I would recommend first becoming clear about your message and why YOU are the one that needs to deliver it. Then, consider who your ideal client is…the person you are so eager to reach. When you know that, ask yourself, what is the best way to communicate with this person visually AND verbally?
If you perform this exercise and really tap in to who you are and where your message comes from, then chances are that in order to attract your ideal client, you just need to be you. Of course, I recommend a “you” that demonstrates you matter by showing up for yourself and investing some effort into your Appearance and Presentation.
For more information and a FREE teleclass recording, visit www.splitsecondperceptions.com.
Question: When have you experienced a Speaker that seemed to have the whole package together: Content, Appearance & Presentation? How did that make you feel as a listener?
NEXT: 4 Dangerous Myths When Speaking to Groups – Myth #3
This so true Brandy! When working with someone on image I will even remind them that their nail color (yes, their nail color) should be fairly neutral and clean. When speaking we want the audience to focus on the speaker and not distracted by crazy colors (unless the speaker is an artist
) or jewelry that makes noise. Being well put together, which includes clothing that does not constantly need to be adjusted allows the speaker to concentrate on presentation and their “communication tool” as you say and not on how she looks!