Effective Speaking

The ability to be an effective speaker and manager is a quality tool that can be used in every day communication as well as more formal settings. Managers need to be effective speakers to communicate information to employees.  If the information is delivered effectively each employee should be motivated to produce quality work and take action to be sure that the policy turns into action.

         Important steps must be taken when preparing a speech to ensure success. Some variables that need to be considered are: the audience, decision makers and leaders within that group, the appropriate technique to capture their attention, and the audience response. Considering all aspects known about the audience will enhance the speech to help it become more effective.

          The speaker needs to consider the most important points for the presentation and make sure that each point is clearly emphasized. They need to take into consideration that some in the audience will be verbal learners while others will be visual learners. An oral presentation is enhanced by graphics and will make the presentation interesting. However, the speaker needs to keep in mind that the graphics presented are to enhance the speech and not for the speaker to hide behind or to prevent interaction with the audience.

          Effective speaking is important in all forms of communication but particularly within the workplace. Without effective speaking skills the goals and objectives of management cannot be fulfilled and employees cannot produce quality work when they lack the tools to be effective.  

“Management Communication: Principles and Practice,” Hattersley and McJannet, McGraw-Hill Irwin, Third Edition, 2008.