Speak Softly, Get Attention

I'm something of a political junkie, someone who enjoys watching politicians speak. And, among their speeches I find leadership convention speeches among the most interesting. No doubt you've heard the political analysts explain how often leadership races depend on the delivery of keynote speeches.

Let’s talk about delivery, and one technique that good speakers use. Of course it’s used not only by politicians, but by anyone who wants to deliver a persuasive message in a speech or presentation.

Lower the volume! Many speakers do just the opposite, of course. They raise their voices in hopes of adding emphasis.

But, the people who study speaking tell us to lower the volume. Consider what happens when you do that.

First, you force members of the audience to listen more closely. If you speak at one level, then drop the volume quickly, we in the audience focus more intently than we did a moment before. We have to; otherwise we wouldn't hear what you say.

In addition. the audience will pay more attention to your facial expressions and body language when your voice drops. Automatically, audience members look for other cues to find out what you're saying.

Third, in reducing the volume you'll automatically slow down, too. That, too, triggers audience awareness that something has changed and we need to be more alert than we were.

It's not something you do a lot; rather, it's something you do infrequently because if you use it a lot, it loses its effectiveness. You use lower volume when you want to emphasize a point.

You'll also find it helpful to lower the volume when you want to shift directions in your speech or presentation. It catches the attention of audience, and as a result, members of the audience will be paying attention and will know that you’ve moved on to a new topic or new section.

Try it for yourself, even in simple one-on-one conversations: Lower your volume and see what kind of effect it has on the other person.

Robert F. Abbott is an online writer and publisher specializing in consumer information sites, including a QuickList on Cuisinart Food Processors , and business communication, including articles that help you increase your communication skills and knowledge.