Say what you mean – and mean what you say

A number of high profile events including the London Olympics, the Leveson Inquiry, UK political party conferences, and the American presidential election took place in 2012 – and all of them attracted acute public scrutiny through TV, newspapers and on-line coverage. These kind of events give the media ample opportunity to dissect speaker performances with a forensic eye, with the focus inevitably falling on party leaders and other well-known personalities – not least the Mayor of London!

Being able to get your message across succinctly and sincerely is a talent that everyone in a company should try and develop, whether you are involved in front-line delivery or back office management. In terms of internal communications, a charismatic and fluent manager, director or CEO will help to ensure that messages regarding company values and goals are consistent and well-delivered. This ensures that staff members feel included – by being kept ‘in the loop’ – and motivated to achieve even more.

Public speaking opportunities – whether arranged or impromptu – are also a good way to establish your company as a valued voice within its chosen industry sectors. From meeting potential new clients at an exhibition or industry networking event, to giving a formal ‘talk’ at a seminar or conference, or a face-to-face interview with a journalist, time spent on honing your presentation skills will not be wasted.

Seeking the advice of a neutral partner, such as a PR or communications agency, is a good start, as they can give an unbiased view and help you to polish both your delivery and your key messages. The audience you will be addressing will provide a useful steer as to the content you should include, and the tone of voice you should use. As a rule of thumb the main things to remember are: do your research, know your subject inside and out, keep to a few, select, key messages, and speak with commitment and clarity. From the shop floor to the boardroom, broadcast media and beyond, saying what you mean and meaning what you say is a valuable skill that can be developed and improved.