Non-Verbal Communication. Use of English B2+

Albert Mehrabian is frequently quoted during discussions of nonverbal communication. His research in the 1950s revealed the importance of body language and voice when … . He judged that the total impact of a message is about 7% verbal (words only), 38% vocal (including tone of voice, inflection, and other sounds) and 55% non-verbal.

Although you may argue about the percentages, there is little doubt that effective presenters need to manage aspects of voice and body language effectively in order to get their message … .

Tips for fast speakers

If you're a fast speaker, then you will probably have to slow down a little.

Remember, fast speakers … by some as energetic and dynamic, and by others as rather individualistic, aggressive and arrogant.

Relax and use more pauses between words and sentences. Practise speaking more slowly by speaking aloud paragraphs of text more and more slowly.

Tips for slow speakers

Slow speakers can be seen by some as analytical and prepared, and by others as uncreative and boring.

Think less analytically and become more tolerant of using the wrong word or making a grammatical mistake. Practise speaking faster by saying aloud paragraphs of text at increasing speeds.

In many ways, the secret is to ensure variety of tempo: faster in explanations and slower when making the really key points. And don't forget to control any stress you … , as it causes most presenters to speed up a lot!

Tone

The tone of your voice - whether you sound interested, bored, angry, nervous - has an enormous emotional impact on the listener. Again, there is no perfect model.

Enthusiastic speakers will energise some audiences, but irritate others who may see this speaking style as unprofessional and self-promoting. A more serious voice with a … intonation will communicate expertise to some, but might send others to sleep.

Cultural differences add to this complexity. In the end, you should aim for a tone of voice which expresses professional expertise, personal warmth and a positive outlook: which could mean … injecting … reducing energy, according to your natural style. Ask people who know you well for their assessment of your voice and how you might communicate to a range of different audiences.

Chunking

We develop impact when presenting by … sentences into chunks of meaning which we then emphasise with stress and pausing.

Try reading aloud this presentation extract to see how chunking enhances a message. Pause slightly at the end of each line and stress the words or parts of words in … text.

There are two big issues which we must talk about today.

Firstly,

there is the issue of product range and how new and fierce competition presents a real threat.

Secondly,

we should look at marketing, and where we've succeeded and failed

in the last two years

so we can build a really strong action plan to support us in the short

and

in the long term.

Articulating words effectively makes you easy to understand. Be precise and controlled in your pronunciation. Hot tips:

• Relax and breathe calmly in order to be able to speak effectively

• Drink plenty of water before and during a presentation to hydrate the vocal chords

• Experiment with different volumes, tempos and tones when you … your presentation - this will give you more confidence to control your voice

I am … to have the opportunity to speak to you today…

A common fault of presenters is not speaking … .

Two tips: firstly, always check with people at the back of the room that they can hear you; secondly, continue … at the right volume for these people. If you're using a microphone, don't have it too close to your mouth. Experiment with different distances before the presentation.