Choose Your Language Carefully

Words To Inspire and Motivate

When giving a presentation, sales pitch or seminar it is important to choose the right words to engage and interest your audience. Many people worry about how they will look or feel when speaking in front of a group of people, but by getting the language right you can improve the chances of connecting with the audience and making the experience of speaking in public enjoyable rather than stressful. It doesn’t have to be hard work to get the language right; by following a few simple guidelines, you can pick the words that will inspire and motivate your audience.

Research

If you know who your audience is and the type of language which will appeal to them, you can tailor your content to their tastes. Some audiences require informal language and a lighthearted delivery style to engage them; others need the reassurance of terminology and content that demonstrates an authoritative grasp of the subject matter. However it is always a good idea to avoid acronyms, jargon and slang. This is particularly the case if you are not very familiar with the topic or audience. Language which is sector-specific should only be used if you are absolutely certain the audience is a group of sector experts, otherwise always keep it simple, direct and focused on the key messages you wish to convey. In an increasingly global business world it is also very likely that audience members will not all be native English speakers so choose clear language which can engage everyone.

Plan

It may sound like a simple thing to deliver one or two key messages during a presentation, but it can be harder than you think. It is therefore important to plan your content carefully and ensure the language you are using does not detract from those key messages. Before drafting your content, decide what the main points are that you wish to get across and choose the language carefully to give those points the maximum impact. If you need to add more background or illustrate the significance of those key messages do so in a way which tells a story or takes the listener on a journey with you. Re-emphasize the key messages throughout the presentation and ensure that they are summarized again at the end of the presentation.

Practice

The best way to improve your delivery is to practice it. It can also be a great opportunity to check the language you have chosen. Have you expressed yourself in a way which is easy to deliver out loud? If you are stumbling over some of your phrases or wording then change them to make the delivery as straightforward and direct as possible. Practice with other people who can give feedback and listen to their suggestions or opinion. If you find it difficult to practice with other people or if you feel you need more professional advice then arrange a coaching session or attend a presentation workshop to help you refine your approach.

Be Genuine

An audience will quickly identify if you are using language you are not comfortable with or if you are trying to portray yourself as someone different than your true self. There is no point trying to fool people into believing you are an expert or from a particular community if you are not. Use language that suits you, which you are confident in speaking and which has the genuine, heartfelt conviction of someone with whom the audience can trust and build a relationship.