Welcome and Introduction

Overview of the Session

• Brownie from Localised introduces Matt Kohut, managing partner at KNP Communications, highlighting his expertise in public speaking and professional communication.

• Matt has trained various high-profile individuals including CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and political figures, showcasing his extensive experience in the field.

• The session will cover best practices in public speaking for about 20 minutes before opening up for questions from the audience.

The Importance of Changing Habits

Key Concepts in Public Speaking

• Matt emphasizes that improving public speaking skills involves changing small habits, which can be challenging yet teachable.

• Authenticity is crucial; speakers should aim to present themselves as a comfortable yet forceful presence recognized by their peers.

• Communication skills are applicable across various contexts—one-on-one interactions, webinars, or large presentations—all requiring similar techniques.

Why Should Anyone Listen?

Understanding Audience Engagement

• The core question addressed is why an audience should listen to a speaker; this hinges on credibility and trust. Credibility relates to expertise while trust involves shared intentions with the audience.

• Emotional responses play a significant role in how audiences perceive speakers; it's not just about content but also feelings conveyed through delivery methods.

Channels of Communication

Decoding Speaker Emotions

• Three channels help decode emotions during speeches: visual cues (posture, gestures), vocal elements (tone, pitch), and verbal content (the words used). Each channel contributes to how emotions are interpreted by the audience.

Understanding Credibility and Connection in Communication

The Importance of Emotional Consistency

• Effective communication relies on three channels: visual, vocal, and verbal. All should align to convey a strong message.

• Audiences seek emotional consistency in both the message and its delivery, regardless of whether the emotion is positive or negative.

Defining Credibility

• Credibility stems from demonstrating capability, which combines skill (competence) and will (assertiveness).

• Capability allows individuals to influence their environment; assertiveness ensures that knowledge is acted upon.

Connection with Others

• Connection involves sharing intentions and concerns with others, fostering relationships based on common viewpoints.

• According to social science, capability and connection account for approximately 80% of how we judge one another.

Balancing Capability and Connection

• A thought experiment illustrates the tension between being capable yet cold versus being connected but incompetent.

• Individuals who are capable but lack warmth can evoke fear; those who are warm but not capable may elicit pity.

The Ideal Combination

• The most effective leaders balance capability with caring, inspiring admiration rather than fear or pity.

• Leaders often fall into two categories: those we admire for their capabilities combined with care versus those we fear due to their cold competence.

Developing Skills Across Channels

• It’s essential for individuals to develop both capability-oriented skills and connection-oriented skills.

Understanding Posture and Virtual Presence

Importance of Physical Presence

• The speaker encourages the audience to stand up, emphasizing the importance of physical presence and posture in communication.

• A visualization technique is introduced where participants imagine their heads being pulled straight, promoting relaxation and awareness of body tension.

• The speaker highlights that understanding how to occupy space is crucial for both in-person and virtual interactions.

Connection Through Posture

• Connection with others involves being relaxed and approachable; posture can convey engagement or disengagement.

• Different cues contribute to a sense of connection, including how we physically present ourselves in conversations.

Chair Posture Techniques

• The speaker discusses alternative ways to use chairs, suggesting they be treated more like stools to maintain good posture.

• Demonstrating proper chair posture allows individuals to take up more space, enhancing their perceived capability during interactions.

Signals Sent by Posture

• Posture acts as a dial that can be adjusted based on whether one is presenting or listening; this dynamic helps communicate attentiveness.

• Visual examples are provided showing how different postures signal who is speaking versus who is listening, reinforcing the power of body language.

Enhancing Virtual Presence

• The discussion shifts to virtual presence, addressing common challenges faced during online interactions.

• An example of poor virtual presence illustrates the impact of lighting and background on perception; Nicholas Kristof's setup lacks effective lighting and organization.

Effective Virtual Communication Strategies

• In contrast, Rob Bonta demonstrates effective virtual communication through good lighting and an engaging demeanor while speaking directly into the camera.

Understanding Voice in Professional Contexts

The Importance of Capability and Connection

• Discusses the dual concepts of capability and connection in professional communication, emphasizing their significance.

• Highlights the importance of being conversational to engage listeners effectively, contrasting it with monotonous speaking that fails to connect.

• Emphasizes the role of emphasis in communication; effective emphasis is about clarity rather than volume, ensuring key points are memorable.

Techniques for Effective Communication

Managing Voice Dynamics

• Suggests maintaining an appropriate volume and a steady tone while emphasizing important messages without shouting.

• Describes how variation in pitch and rate can enhance engagement; monotone delivery leads to disengagement.

Breathing and Speech Control

• Recommends controlling breath during speech as a technique for managing voice dynamics effectively.

• Introduces tongue twisters as a practice tool for improving clarity and slowing down speech.

Preparing for Effective Communication

Clarity Through Planning

• Stresses the importance of preparation before engaging with others; knowing your purpose helps convey clarity and conciseness.

• Encourages having an "elevator pitch" ready—summarizing your main point succinctly for quick understanding.

Establishing Connection through Listening

• Discusses listening skills as essential for connection, highlighting that asking questions fosters better understanding between parties.

The Power of Storytelling

Using Stories to Enhance Understanding

• Explains how storytelling can lower defenses during discussions, making complex ideas more relatable and easier to understand.

Presentation Skills and Gestures

Overview of Presentation Techniques

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of using various storytelling methods, such as case studies and user stories, to engage audiences beyond simple bullet points.

• Acknowledgment of the need for connection through visual, vocal, and verbal channels in presentations is highlighted as a key aspect of effective communication.

Engaging with Audience Questions

• The moderator expresses gratitude for the presentation's clarity and practicality while inviting audience questions related to job interviews and creating impressions.

• Viewers are encouraged to ask questions about hand gestures during presentations, indicating its relevance in communication.

Hand Gestures in Presentations

• A question arises regarding excessive hand gestures during presentations; the speaker notes that this is a common concern.

• Cultural differences impact how gestures are perceived; there’s no universal standard for "right" or "wrong" amounts of gesturing.

Effectiveness of Gestures

• Research indicates that presenters who use gestures tend to be more compelling than those who do not gesture at all.

• Effective gestures should support the message rather than distract from it; qualitative assessment is suggested for improvement.

Self-Evaluation Techniques

• A practical coaching technique involves recording oneself speaking using a smartphone camera to analyze gesture effectiveness without sound.

• Observing oneself can reveal unconscious habits; disconnect between gestures and speech may indicate distraction.

Adjusting Gesture Habits

• Overly forceful or emphatic gesturing can detract from a presentation; awareness of one's style is crucial for adjustment.

• Building new habits around gesturing takes time (60 to 90 days), emphasizing practice as essential for improvement.

Advantages in Virtual Settings

• In virtual environments, presenters have an advantage as they can gesture off-camera without distracting viewers, allowing natural expression.

• Animated body language can enhance engagement while maintaining professionalism on-screen.

Continuous Practice in Presentation Skills

• A question about practicing presentation skills when opportunities are limited leads to discussions on alternative training methods.

Practicing Public Speaking: Techniques and Tips

Importance of Practice

• Practicing public speaking is essential; it allows individuals to make adjustments by observing themselves in the mirror, such as correcting facial expressions.

• Public speaking is a learned skill akin to playing an instrument; consistent practice is necessary to maintain proficiency, even without formal opportunities.

• Engaging in practice sessions for fun or with friends can help keep skills sharp, similar to informal musical jam sessions.

Creating Opportunities for Practice

• Organizing casual presentation events can provide a platform for practicing new ideas without the pressure of formal settings.

• Virtual settings can also be utilized for practice; connecting with colleagues through online platforms can facilitate this.

Overcoming Nervousness

• For nervous speakers who struggle with filler words like "um" and "ah," practicing tongue twisters twice daily can improve clarity and control over speech rate.

• Regularly practicing tongue twisters helps develop muscle memory, allowing speakers to manage their pace better when nervous.

Techniques for Managing Nerves

• It's natural to feel nervous while speaking; learning techniques to manage these nerves beforehand is crucial.

• Warming up before speaking engagements—similar to athletes—is recommended. This could include breathing exercises or visualization techniques.

Breathing Exercises and Visualization

• A simple breathing exercise involves inhaling, holding, and exhaling for four counts each. Repeating this ten times can help calm nerves.

• Finding a personal routine that takes about 90 seconds before speaking can significantly reduce anxiety levels.

Understanding Tongue Twisters

• A tongue twister is defined as a challenging phrase that often contains repetitive sounds making it difficult to articulate clearly.

• Examples include phrases like "She sells seashells" which are designed to trip up the speaker's articulation skills.

Last Resort Techniques for Nerves

Visualizing Success and Managing Expressiveness

The Power of Visualization

• Visualizing moments of success can help reduce nerves and enhance performance. Reflecting on times when one felt exceptional can create a positive mindset.

• Expressiveness during presentations is generally beneficial, as it conveys emotional signals that clarify the speaker's intentions and feelings.

Balancing Expressiveness in Different Cultures

• While expressiveness aids communication, excessive emotion may hinder clarity. Warm-up techniques can help manage emotions before speaking.

• Authenticity is crucial; expressive individuals often engage audiences effectively. However, self-awareness about one's expressiveness is important for effective communication.

Cross-Cultural Considerations

• Cultural backgrounds influence levels of expressiveness. For instance, people from different regions (e.g., MENA, India, Spain) may exhibit varying degrees of animation compared to those from less expressive cultures like Prague.

• When interviewing across cultures, it's essential to balance authenticity with sensitivity to the other person's comfort level regarding expressiveness.

Strategies for Managing Expressiveness

• If feeling overly expressive or emotional during a conversation, focus on calming techniques such as taking deep breaths and adjusting body language without overthinking it.

• Long-term relationships allow for adjustments in communication styles based on feedback; however, immediate changes should be minimal to avoid increasing anxiety.

Using Notes vs. Memorization in Presentations

Finding the Right Approach

• There’s no universal method for using notes versus memorization; preferences vary among individuals regarding how they prepare for presentations.

• Starting with a full script can be helpful but poses risks if one loses their place; transitioning to bullet points or key sentences is advisable.

Effective Preparation Techniques

• Writing out content in detail initially helps clarify thoughts but should evolve into concise notes through practice to maintain engagement during delivery.

Understanding the Difference Between Memorizing and Internalizing

The Importance of Internalization

• Distinguishing between memorizing and internalizing content is crucial; internalization allows for a deeper understanding, akin to fluency in a foreign language.

• Achieving internalization requires time and repetition; it's essential to practice content in manageable chunks rather than attempting to memorize everything at once.

Effective Practice Techniques

• Break down your presentation into sections (e.g., four main parts), practicing each section individually before combining them for comprehensive rehearsals.

• Everyone has different methods for organizing ideas—whether writing from start to finish or using bullet points—what matters is ensuring prompts do not distract during delivery.

The Role of Practice in Communication Skills

• Emphasize that effective communication skills require consistent work and practice, which is often overlooked in educational settings.

• Many professionals, including CEOs, engage coaches to improve their communication skills, reinforcing that struggling with this process is normal and part of growth.

Managing Presentation Anxiety

Strategies for Overcoming Nerves

• Acknowledge that feeling nervous before presentations is common; developing a warm-up routine can help alleviate anxiety.

• Engaging in physical activities like stretching can effectively release nervous energy without elevating heart rates excessively.

Biological Factors Affecting Anxiety

• Managing biological factors such as caffeine intake, meal timing, and sleep quality plays a significant role in controlling anxiety levels before presentations.

• Being mindful of these factors can help mitigate nerves on presentation day.

Nonverbal Cues in Persuasion

Building Trust Through Nonverbal Communication

• When convincing someone to buy a service, focus on understanding their needs rather than relying solely on specific nonverbal cues.

• Establishing trust through authentic connection is key; demonstrating genuine understanding of what matters to the other person fosters rapport.

Authenticity Over Technique

• It's important not to over-simplify persuasion into mere nonverbal techniques; authenticity and intention are critical components of effective communication.

Understanding Nonverbal Communication in Virtual Settings

The Importance of Facial Expressions and Eye Contact

• Discusses the significance of nonverbal cues, particularly facial expressions and eye contact, in virtual interactions like Zoom.

• Highlights the challenge of maintaining eye contact while speaking to a camera instead of directly at participants on screen.

• Explains that during presentations, looking at the camera is crucial for perceived engagement, contrasting it with casual virtual interactions.

• Suggests a practical tip: position participant video feeds close to the camera to facilitate better eye contact.

• Emphasizes that while presenting requires focused attention on the camera, there’s flexibility when interacting regularly with known colleagues.

Navigating Audience Engagement and Responses

• Addresses how to respond professionally when faced with questions you cannot answer; it's acceptable to admit lack of knowledge.

• Advises that acknowledging uncertainty can enhance credibility if followed by related information or insights.

• Encourages transparency about not knowing something rather than attempting to obscure ignorance, which can be disconcerting for audiences.

Body Language's Role in Presentations

• Reiterates that body language should support verbal communication; distractions arise only when they contradict spoken words.

• Suggests recording oneself during practice sessions to evaluate whether body language aligns with verbal messages effectively.

Engaging an Invisible Audience

• Discusses feelings of disconnect when presenting without visible audience feedback; compares it to past teleconferences where visual cues were absent.

How to Engage Participants in Virtual Meetings

Techniques for Engagement

• Pause and Ask Questions: After covering a concept, pause to invite questions. This encourages interaction and allows participants time to engage.

• Encourage Camera Use: Establish ground rules for meetings, such as having cameras on, to foster engagement. This may require influencing others even without positional power.

• Interactive Activities: Incorporate thought exercises or small tasks during presentations to keep participants involved and engaged with the content.

Making an Impression Virtually

• Adapting to Virtual Career Fairs: With many interactions happening online, it's crucial to stand out among numerous candidates by being memorable.

• Fundamental Skills Remain the Same: The core skills needed for interviews are similar whether in-person or virtual; preparation is key.

Enhancing Communication Effectiveness

• Minimize Distractions: Be mindful of your appearance and setting during virtual meetings. A compelling presence can help maintain attention.

• Voice Modulation: In virtual settings, your voice needs more energy and animation than in person due to the lack of body language cues.

Body Language Tips

• Hand Gestures: Use hand gestures effectively; avoid assertive "cutting" gestures that create distance. Instead, open gestures foster connection.

• The Concept of 'The Ball': Visualize your hands creating a 'ball' shape while speaking—this symbolizes openness and connection with your audience.

Presentation Techniques and Overcoming Filler Words

Hand Positioning for Effective Communication

• The speaker discusses the importance of hand positioning during presentations, suggesting a neutral position that conveys poise and control.

• Hands should rest comfortably in front of the body, avoiding positions that may distract the audience or signal nervousness.

• Emphasis is placed on minimizing fidgeting or distracting movements with hands to maintain audience focus.

Managing Filler Words

• The discussion shifts to filler words, with a suggestion to reframe the question about their use; fillers can be natural but excessive use can be distracting.

• While casual settings may tolerate some filler words, more formal contexts require greater awareness and reduction of these verbal pauses.

• A self-correcting technique is recommended: recording oneself speaking to identify and reduce filler word usage over time.

Transformations Through Practice

• The speaker shares observations of significant transformations in clients' speaking abilities through dedicated practice over six months.

• Improvement in communication skills is achievable with consistent effort; even those who start as nervous speakers can become proficient.

• It’s suggested to focus on two or three specific areas for improvement within a structured practice schedule to see real progress.

Commitment to Improvement