Speak Publicly

Oftentimes we find ourselves as presenters saying the same few phrases over and over. I once had a dance teacher that said, “do you know what I mean?” so often, that it became “yowamean?” Someone who didn’t know her well might not have understood the phrase at all because of how evolved had become from its origination. Do you know of any problem phrases in your presentations? Being aware of your diction is important. It is especially relevant when in front of a new audience, because the people you are presenting in front of don’t know your nuances. Your time will be much more productive if your audience can spend less time deciphering what you’re saying and more time listening to your message.

 

Intentionally attack key phrases

Spend some time seeking out the ways your vocabulary can be tailored in a way your listeners will understand best. Once you have identified your problem phrases, either switch words around to avoid tongue twisters, or prepare yourself for those known roadblocks. If there is no way around the problematic phrase, practice that phrase over and over until it can be said without a stutter or stammer. Then, practice it 10 times before you give each presentation. The more aware of these problem areas you are, the better you can master them. Properly enunciating all of the words in your presentation may take time. Start small with a short list of phrases you wish were more fluid and work from there