DEVELOP AN ATTRACTIVE PERSONALITY Eighteenth Factor: EFFECTIVE SPEECH "The person who cannot stand on his feet and speak with force and conviction, on any subject within range of his knowledge, is under a great handicap as far as the attraction of people is concerned. The same applies to the man who cannot express himself forcefully in ordinary conversation in a small group gatherings, such as business conferences. There is a general acceptance of the belief that the ability to dramatize words and express them forcefully at all times, under all conditions, is among the greatest of human achievements. In fact, some people place this power at the head of the list of all personal achievement. By far the most important factor of effective speech is through knowledge of the subject on which one speaks. No amount of dramatic techniques will ever take the place of self-assurance a speaker feels when he knows his subject! Someone whose hobby was terseness of speech once said that while course on public speaking could be taught in one sentence; "Know what you wish to say and say it with all the feelings you can command, and the sit down!" THE LAST TWO WORDS ARE IMPORTANT. The ability to dramatize speech comes through habit; therefore one should begin this habit by speaking forcefully in ordinary conversation! People wish to hear about subjects that help to solve their daily problems, subjects that aid them in their struggles for the necessities and luxuries of life. People will listen to the discussion of other subjects, but they will be more greatly influenced when discussions are made interesting by dramatization and illustrations. All people resent the use of words which they do not understand, no matter how correctly they may be used. Remember then, that the effective speaker must not only use illustrations within the range of his listeners, but he must describe them in words which anyone of ordinary educational advantages may understand. Gestures can do only one of the two things to a speech, either add to, or detract from, its effectiveness. If they do not add, they detract. Gestures should therefore be harmonized appropriately with the content of speech. One should avoid distracting personal gestures, such as RUNNING THE FINGERS THORUGH THE HAIR, SHOVING THE HANDS DOWN IN THE POCKETS, AND FUMBLING WITH WATCH CHAINS, OR RATTLING COINS. Also, one should avoid slouchy posture of the body. Such mannerisms may imply familiarity and take the mind of the listeners off the speech. The effective speaker must remember to make the expression of his face fit the feelings he wishes to convey. It is difficult for anyone to close his mind against the enthusiastic speaker, or to keep his mind from being penetrated by the thoughts of one who speaks with the fire of enthusiasm back of every word. ETHUSIASM IS VERY CONTAGIOUS! It is a form of feeling that gives power to words as nothing else will. The starting point in the development of enthusiasm is SINCERITY OF PURPOSE AND COMPLETE BELIEF of the speaker in the thought he is endeavoring to convey to others. We have no trouble in giving feeling to speech when we believe what we are saying!" Dale Carnegie & Napoleon Hill
Posted on: Sun, 18 Aug 2013 22:12:53 +0000
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