The 4 Cardinal Sins of Public Speaking
Steve Jobs' Understated "It" Factor
Do have the “It Factor” in your presentation skills? Do you have an air of confidence that great communicators have? BusinessWeek’s article, “Actions Do Speak Louder Than Words Of All The Bad Habits And Nervous Traits That Can Ruin A Speakers’ Image And Presentation, Four Cardinal Sins Stand Out. Here Are Some Simple Cures” by Carmine Gallo outlines the four cardinal sins of public speaking, along with quick fixes to remedy the problem.
The Role of Body Language in Leadership
What role does body language play in the development of a leader? Gallo wanted to know. So he asked Commander Matt Eversmann, who teaches leadership at Johns Hopkins University. Gallo states that Commander Eversmann believes that,
“Great leaders have an air of confidence,” he replied. “Subordinates need to look up to somebody who is still standing strong, like an oak, regardless of events around them. You need to convey a feeling that you will always be in control despite the circumstances, even if you don’t have an immediate solution…someone who doesn’t lose focus, doesn’t cower, doesn’t waffle. The air of confidence must come out.”
The 4 Sins of Public Speaking
Gallo offers a short list of public speaking problems with “quick fixes,” identifying four common problems he sees, as a communications coach. Gallo contends that correcting,
“These issues will help you develop a command presence, whether you’re interviewing for a job, climbing the career ladder, occupying the corner office, or running a small business where in-person customer interaction is vital.”
- Fidgeting, tapping, and jingling: “The quick fix: Move with purpose. Videotape yourself for five minutes giving a presentation. Watch yourself and write down all the mannerisms that serve no useful purpose, such as rubbing your nose, tapping your fingers and jingling coins.”
- Standing rigidly in place: “Walk, move, work the room. Most business professionals who come to me for presentation coaching think they need to stand like statues. But movement is not only acceptable, it’s welcome.”
- Hands in pockets: “This one’s too easy: Take your hands out of your pockets! I’ve seen great business leaders who never once put both hands in their pockets during a presentation. One hand is acceptable as long as the free hand is gesturing. Which leads us to the next common problem.”
- Lack of hand gestures: “Use gestures, just don’t overdo it. Although gestures leave listeners with the perception of confidence, competence, and control, the minute you try to copy someone else’s hand gesture, you risk looking contrived, like a bad politician. Worse yet, you might look like a joke.”
If these presentation habits sound familiar, start practicing today. Check out the most successful business leaders, such as Oracle’s Larry Ellison, Cisco’s John Chambers, Apple’s Steve Jobs, and former Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) CEO Carly Fiorina, who all have authoritative body language.
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