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Gather examples, stories and analogies that will make your points informative and interesting. Refer to expert opinions, testimonials, quotations and facts that will make your points convincing.
get your listener’s attention, maybe with a question (“Did you know that…?”) or a statistic. Leave your listener with a convincing summary (“Keep this in mind: X% of pets that have regular den- tal care…”).
Voice Adapt your voice for quiet private dis- cussion or projection to a larger group. Practice enunciating clearly. There is
not much worse than trying to hear a presentation that is mumbled or not pro- jected. Are you pronouncing those tech- nical words properly? What about your intensity? Leave the monotone for those who are boring. Add enthusiasm. Raise and lower the decibels to emphasize what is important. If you speak with an accent, be sure you are speaking slowly.
Body language Researchers vary on the statistic, but
all say that much of human communica- tion (ranging from 60% to 93%) is deliv- ered subconsciously through nonverbal posturing, such as facial expression, stance, arm movement or positioning. Be aware of the movements, gestures
and facial expressions you use when you present ideas and information. Are they appropriate for the occasion? Do you engage your listeners with good eye contact? How do you dress? Research suggests
that clients’ trust and confidence in their veterinarian is associated with profes- sional dress. How should you dress if you are the receptionist or the conference speaker? Do you have a dress code in your clinic? Revealing attires and untidiness are
not only distracting but cause clients to question the competence of your practice.
Visual aids “A picture is worth a thousand
words.” You have heard that many times. You have also heard of “death by Power- Point.” Think about when visual aids will enhance attention and understanding or
merely be decorative or, worse, distract- ing. A chart, a picture or a model might be just what you need to get something across, or it may be in the way.
Attitude Do you praise, scold, castigate, con-
demn or encourage? Choose the words that convey positive attitudes: “I want to do the best for your pet,” or “I care about you.” Select your words (and nonverbal pos-
turing) carefully. Ask for feedback from colleagues, or watch yourself on a vid- eotape. How do you come across? Does your listener know that you care?
Research and materials Gather examples, stories and analo-
gies that will make your points infor- mative and interesting. Refer to expert opinions, testimonials, quotations and facts that will make your points convinc- ing. Where appropriate, use charts and graphs with statistics.
Delivery Do not rush. Maintain good eye
contact. Pause (“chunk and check”). Speak clearly.
In sum Even if you are one of those veterinary
professionals who avoided public speak- ing in the past, you can be a confident presenter in the future. The best way to gain confidence is through preparation and practice. By tending to the preced- ing factors, you will be on the path to confidence. Thus, we say, “Forewarned is forearmed,” and if you are forearmed (prepared), you will be an effective pre- senter. n
Carolyn C. Shadle, PhD, earned her doctoral degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo in interpersonal and organizational communication. She now provides writing and training through ICS, Inc. (
icsworkplacecommunication.com).
John L. Meyer, PhD, earned his doctoral degree from the University of Minnesota in communication studies. Through ICS, Inc., he writes and provides training in interpersonal communication as well as speech arts.
Trends magazine, November 2012
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