Speech Effective Business Is Not

Speech

Effective business is not something you are born with - you must work at mastering each of the characteristics. There are many facets of effective speaking and the best speakers are expert in all them. The characteristics of an effective business speaker can be broken down by category. There are key written elements and then there are key vocal elements. There is also body language, which we will address as part of the vocal elements because it is incorporated with the physical act of speaking. An effective business speaker will master all of these traits. For evidence, we shall analyze the Inauguration Speech by President Barack Obama.

In terms of the written speech, it must have a strong introduction that immediately engages the audience. It must be written with a keen understanding of the audience so that the speaker can better relate to their needs and concerns. The speech should incorporate clear, unequivocal wording. The message should be made relevant to the audience. Lastly, the speech should have a strong conclusion that ties together and reinforces the salient points.

In terms of the speaking, there are several elements to master. Eye contact must be held with the audience at all times. Work your eyes around the room, to engage all of the audience members. The speech should exude confidence. This will flow in part from having strong written material, but a great speaker can make weak material sound strong simply with confidence and diction.

The speech should have steady, even pacing. Make judicious use of vocal inflection. Flatness is never recommended, but fire and brimstone theatrics are often equally undesirable. The speaker should control the mood of the room. If the topic demands cool confidence, the speaker should display that; if the topic demands anger and a call to action, the speaker should reflect that fire in their body language and diction.

Lastly - and it is often overlooked - do not forget to stand up straight and tall. Posture is important!

When we analyze the Inauguration speech of President Barack Obama, we can see how he has mastered all of these traits. The speech begins with a pause to settle the crowd down, then launches into setting the scene. Even from the very beginning, Obama is making eye contact with different parts of the crowd. His first words address the audience - "fellow citizens" - and the rest of the speech keeps with that audience in mind. His diction is firm, and the words are clear. The metaphors used are simple, so as not to distract the audience from the core message.

Through the 6 to 6 1/2-minute mark we can see an increase in the firmness of tone, more clarity of speech and an increase in volume. This marks a point in the speech where Obama has been building to his first emotional rise. In a speech of this length, such rises break up the potential monotony and allow the speaker to keep command of the listener's attention. Notice that throughout the speech, eye contact is constantly maintained, as is a relatively even tone of voice. Also note the limited use of hand gestures. Obama does not make grand gestures or spastic movements - his body language says that he is in control.