Key Takeaways

  1. Strategic communication has visual, vocal, and verbal components. All can be improved with preparation, practice, and review.
  2. Non-verbal cues can affect the feelings and actions of others more than the words we say.
  3. The most compelling presentations combine simple, clear structure with engaging, memorable content.

Explore Further

optional exercises for further reflection and practice

DO

  • Download a voice app, such as LikeSo or VoiceVibes, to explore your vocal range and practice vocal variety. 
  • For a more extensive round-up of useful apps, review this article by Matt Abrahams. Download and try out a few apps, then let us know what you think!
  • Record yourself on video telling a 90-second impromptu story in response to the question, “What is one of your favorite childhood memories, and why?” After reviewing, write down one thing you liked and one thing you would change about your vocal delivery.  Do the same for visual delivery.

Build Your Checklist

this list grows throughout the academic quarter
  1. Create Anxiety Management Plan (AMP) and use when speaking publicly
  2. Practice and digitally record talk repeatedly, refining:
    1. Visual delivery: Stance, movement, gestures, eye contact
    2. Vocal delivery: Volume, dynamics, pace, tone
    3. Verbal delivery: Clear and vivid word choices, avoiding fillers