As salespeople, we communicate for a living, so every once in a while it is a good idea to check the fundamentals of one of our most important advantages . . . our voice.
We all know the differences between an engaging speaker and a boring speaker when we hear them, although we may not stop to think about the ingredients that are spelling those differences.
Here are a few tips for your consideration when conducting a self-assessment.
- Think about the pace you use when speaking. We can start talking pretty fast during a sales call, so be sure to keep your pace under control.
- The same goes for volume. Use varying volume to emphasize key points. You can even lean in and whisper something as if it was an important secret.
- There is a lot of power in the “pregnant pause.” Trial lawyers love to use a pause before delivering a particularly dramatic point to a jury.
- Try not to jump on a question. Let it hang there for a moment, be sure the other person is finished, then give your answer a little thought before responding.
- Think about role models you like to listen to that fit your preferred style.
Last but not least, rehearse and practice from time to time. Try a new technique. Experiment. It will keep your voice in top shape and your audience will appreciate the work you put into it.
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