I would appreciate a show of hands.
How many of us wish our children did not use the word “like” with the kind of abandon that should be reserved for breathing in and out?
And why are they still trotting out the same old filler word anyway?
Perhaps the texting generation has been too busy shortening phrases to worry about letting go of the slangy coattails worn by generations before?
OMG. LOL.
But I (um) digress.
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of having my book; “Balance Your Work and Family with Less Stress and More Fun,” featured as a Product Spotlight at the NAPO-NY meeting (National Association of Professional Organizers.) The Key Note Speaker was Jane Latz, President of Corporate Speech Solutions.
All I can say is; where were you when I was (like) in middle school, Jane? With your help I wouldn’t have had to learn enunciation, projection and communication through trial, error and a few years of therapy. But I (you know) digress.
Of course there’s a part of me that feels that at this point in my life, if I “actually” too much, speak too fast or drop a syllable here and there – who cares?
On the other hand, if we’re not moving forward, we are moving backwards and we don’t want to mumble our way into middle age, do we? Of course not!
Plus, your children are listening to what you say and how you say it. (Do as I say just don’t say it the way I said it?)
So, ever since hearing Jane speak, I have put my own little spin on her tips and strategies and you know what? It’s working.
So why not give it a try? Yolo!
Coach Me Quick Tips for Speaking with C L A R I T Y:
1. Think of a phone message as a triple-decker sandwich.
The first layer is where you state your name and number. This way, if the person listening is not able to call you back immediately, he or she will not have to listen to the entire message again when they are ready to call you. Use the word zero for the number 0 instead of O which is a letter. The second layer is your message. The third layer is your name and number one more time with a cheery goodbye.
2. Make communication a meditation.
Slow down. The goal is for us to speak AND for someone to hear and understand us. Have you ever tried to listen to someone speaking so fast, you were still trying to understand his or her first point as they were winding up the third point? Like the driver who cuts you off to save 3 seconds of a 40 minute commute – speeding through what you have to say simply frustrates people.
3. Really, I have to breathe?
Sound is made by breath. We have to remind ourselves to breathe throughout the day to avoid tense shoulders, panic attacks and face lifts before 40. Well, if we want to be heard without straining or yelling, we have to get some oxygen in the belly for that too. Practice breathing and speaking. You will be amazed at the volume you control.
Aiming for Zero Communication Issues in L.A.,
Jamee