You walk a fine line when you find yourself in a meeting with superiors. You need to be bold in your delivery, but also reactionary during the times when you recognize differing communication styles. Because there is a lot going on and a lot at stake, you need a good Public Speaking Course to show you what to watch out for and how to adjust your delivery for success.

 

Clear and Concise

 

There are inherent distractions that can sabotage your success, from having a shaky start, to rambling, to being cut short. Getting to the point can be elusive when you feel compelled to prove yourself and inevitably speak too much. Your Public Speaking Course will cover how to distill a large amount of information on your topic of expertise, and communicate it in a more concise and digestible form. First, you have to organize the information; filter it through your perspective and make sure you deliver a bold opening statement. This technique guarantees a very strong start, by saying what you need to say right up front. Even if they cut you off, you will have made your point and given your superiors a solid takeaway.

 

Recognize Communication Styles

 

Your bosses and managers may utilize one (or more) of the less than desirable communication styles when responding to you. Aggressive communicators use intimidation; complaining is a passive-aggressive approach; submissive communicators avoid confrontation and sulking works for manipulators. Although they may have found a way to get what they want with these forms of communicating, your goal is to remain assertive and clear. Your Public Speaking Course will make you aware of what to look for. You can then begin to recognize whether your bosses are responding out of habit or based on the actual presentation of your ideas.

 

Senior Level Visibility

 

My favorite definition of Executive Presence is a speaker who projects that they know where they’re going, and they’re willing to take their listeners with them. Developing it is a combination of clear thoughts, confident body language, understanding meeting dynamics and clear perspective on perceptions. The work you do behind the scenes and prior to any meeting prepares you to speak with knowledge but you need to prepare yourself to deliver like a CEO. Your pace should be controlled and measured. Breathe after each sentence. This will project the sense that you are considering the importance of everything that you’re saying. It will also connect you to the impulses that lead to appropriate, supportive gestures and body language.

 

All In a Day’s Work

 

You can assume that your superiors are hearing from many people in the course of their busy day. Respect their time by giving them a clear overview with solid takeaways.