Karnataka - Bangalore

How to talk your way to success

Special Correspondent

`Don't try to elaborate or use jargon; be straightforward and clear' `Don't try to elaborate or use jargon, be straightforward and clear'

Bangalore: Speaking at office meetings and being able to convey usable ideas can make your career whether you are a fresher or some way up the corporate ladder and aiming to go higher.

"Communication skills often have to be cultivated and improved upon... even the most talkative among us get tongue-tied in front of a group of seniors," says management consultant K. Panduranga. He suggests practising beforehand if that is possible and saying it aloud in front of a mirror. You could also time it so that you don't speak too long or repeat yourself.

Maintain eye contact

"Look people in the eye when you speak to them and when they speak to you. Trying to overcome shyness by looking down will create the wrong impression. If your superiors are going to be in suits and neckties, dress the same. They will take you more seriously," says former human relations head M.K. Rao.

Important people expect you to be dressed formally at meetings unless you are in an advertising or marketing forum where informal dress may be the norm. It helps to improve your posture and sit or stand straight; slouching or bending to a side does not go well. Even if you feel nervous, don't fidget with your fingers or fiddle with a necktie or a ring.

While speaking slowly is accepted , too many "uhs" and "you knows" will convey the message that you are not articulate enough or cannot collect your thoughts quickly enough.

"Of course spur-of-the moment ideas cannot be practised and have to be spoken out at the first opportunity... unless you are chairing the meeting. Do ask for permission to speak and explain what you want to say and then speak as precisely as possible. Don't try to elaborate or use jargon, be straightforward and clear and you will be heard with more attention," says Mr. Panduranga.

Making presentations

There may be other meetings where you are expected to make a presentation about a specific project or your team's performance. Since such meetings are planned days or weeks ahead, prepare your presentation with care after finding out how much time you are given. Powerpoint presentations should be carefully prepared with appropriate visuals that are not too complicated.

"Be prepared for questions and interruptions; have your answers ready... keep a hard copy of the presentation with you or make copies available to all attending the meeting; they may want to refer to it later. Ten minutes is an ideal time limit for a presentation; any longer and you lose the attention of those who matter," says Mr. Rao.

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