Nick Morgan shows how anyone can be an effective speaker by presenting
an image of authenticity and respect for their audience, whether in a
group presentation or a one-on-one conversation. He presents a four-step
process, perfected in his teaching at Harvard, that enables the reader
to use their own personal speaking style while becoming a more
persuasive and charismatic communicator and leader. The basis of this
process is the fact that when words and body language are in conflict,
body language wins every time. This isn't easy to overcome, because
normally body language is immediate, while the words lag slightly
behind, and even a momentary conflict is perceptible to the audience.
The key to success is to train your body language to unconsciously align
with your message.
The four steps:
- Form the attitude and intent to be open, and then let your body
naturally express that intent. This feeling of openness will naturally
affect the content of what you are saying, and it's that natural
evolution that is at the heart of the process.
- Become connected to your audience. This creates a mutual energy, and
you will naturally begin to think in terms of what the audience wants
and needs in shaping your content.
- Ask yourself, what's my underlying emotion? Why does this matter to
me? Becoming passionate about what you have to say naturally makes
your audience care about it too.
- Really listen to the audience. Understanding their needs and reactions
will enable you to direct your communication in mutually beneficial
ways.
