How to Grab & Hold Attention When You Speak_ Part 1

A vast majority communicate at an average level of effectiveness. But then you can operate at a higher orbit altogether, dazzling the listeners.

How do we do that? Does one need talent .... or can anyone build this Skill?

The answer is "Yes, everyone can!" Because, these are 'Skills' not 'Traits'. Skills can be learnt by anyone.

For Example- Learning to drive a Car. Anyone, irrespective of their education or work experience can learn to drive a car. Look around you when you stop at the Red Signal. In all probability, you will find an elderly taxi driver who never went to school besides a young post-graduate in his luxury sedan, both impatiently waiting for the lights to turn green. They both seem to have mastered the skill of driving, in spite of their vastly different educational backgrounds and age profiles.

Similarly, communication skills and techniques can be learnt to enhance your ability to grab & hold the attention of your audience.

So how does one build the ability to Grab & Hold the attention of listeners? Well, here is one technique explained for your benefit:

Technique 1- Evidence based Communication

A common mistake while communicating is that we assume the other person has understood what we are saying, and is as clear as we are, about the big point we are making. We present a ‘Thought’ and then assume the nail has been hit on the head. Reality is quite otherwise.?

Example 1:?

Say, you are giving an Interview for a top job. You are asked, “What are your hobbies?” Most people say something like “I like reading books", or "I like music". And then you assume that the interviewer is as convinced as you are.

Those are mundane answers that must be boring the interviewer to death. He must have heard those a thousand times before.?

Well, you see, you just lost an opportunity to stand out from the crowd… once again! Nothing wrong with you, we all communicate like this normally.

Now suppose if you had said, "I like reading books. I can read as many as 2 books a week. Presently I am reading this book abc by author xyz”?

This is bound to grab the attention of the interviewer, as you provided evidence of ‘Why you said, What you said’!

Evidence No 1 -?The number “Two” as in “I read 2 books a week”. That is above average. The interviewer must be thinking, "Wow that’s a lot of books”.?

Evidence No. 2 - The name of the author. The interviewer thinks, "Oh you are not faking it. Excellent".?

The interviewer now has no doubt in his mind that you indeed love reading books.

Had you not provided this evidence, the interviewer could have thought, “Hmmm, maybe he's just saying this to impress me".

Example 2:?

A person I was interviewing recently said,?“I love music…”?In the next micro-second my mind visualised a 100 songs downloaded on his iPhone. But then he continued in the same breath,?“…I am fond of playing the Trumpet, and presently am taking classes on my weekends”. That left no doubt in my mind that the person indeed loves music. The ‘Trumpet’ caught my attention! Evidence based communication, grabs attention.

Summary:

Evidence based communication makes you Authentic. Authenticity builds Trust. Trust makes you Likeable! And, this means, you win more friends, well-wishers, to support (not hinder) your progress. Be it in your Career, your Business or in Life!

How about a Test??

Suppose you are in an interview, and the interviewer asks you,?“What are your Strengths?” Just how are you going to respond to this question now??

Message me your answer on my Linkedin if you want me to process your answer for you.

I hope the technique shared supports you to stand out from the crowd, make your presence felt and grab attention of your audience.?

Wishing you lots of success in your careers.

Click here for more techniques:

Author Harish Walavalkar is an International Coach Federation accredited Academy certified Executive Coach. He coaches people on Executive Presence, How to Talk Like a CEO, Soft Skills, Building Your Credibility & Respect at Work, etc. He also coaches those looking for jobs in areas such as eg. 'How to Grab Attention in interviews'.?