Teresa Palmer of Toastmasters International gives us a wake-up call to help engage audiences when speaking in any language
In many businesses it is valuable to be able to use a second language. Perhaps, like me, you speak some French but are not entirely fluent. In this situation, it is a good idea to take every opportunity to use the language so you build your fluency and confidence.
In my case, I decided to join the Experience French Toastmasters Club and was excited at the prospect of presenting my first speech. As a long-term Toastmaster, I had given many speeches, but this would be my first in another language.
But where to start? One new tool we have to help us is, of course, AI.
The Added Value of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT is a valuable tool for preparation and can be useful for translating your speech.
ChatGPT can organize your thoughts, create an outline, draft your intended speech to eliminate repetition, and enable you to view the speech in its totality, giving you the “bigger picture”. Most importantly, AI programs such as ChatGPT can be tailored to your own voice, to incorporate your vibe and authenticity. The simplest way to do this is to download your previous speeches and/or other writing content into ChatGPT. This allows ChatGPT to get to know you, how you write, and the words and expressions you use. This enables ChatGPT to write as you.
When it comes to speech translation from one language to another, ChatGPT can help by preserving the intention and cultural nuances of the original language while adapting idioms, words, and expressions to the alternate language. Since there is no direct translation from one language to another, the best recommendation is to read it and then review your intended speech with a native speaker.
My Experience
When the day for my speech came, I was well-prepared and had checked my pronunciation and final text carefully. Memorization is not something I am good with, nor do I consider it helpful in giving a speech. However, since I was presenting this in French, and not my native English, I thought to try it. It turned out that this was not a good idea, and it added to my anxiety. My speech started well, but within a minute or so, I could sense my audience members were struggling to stay engaged. Very soon I had completely, and irreversibly, lost them. What happened and why?
Although it is beneficial to present a speech in another language to build confidence, it is important to present a topic that lends itself to the speaker fully understanding and being able to resonate with what is being said. That allows the speaker to be emotionally invested in the speech and able to change course if the audience is not engaging, for example, by using techniques such as adding humor or a personal story to pique the audience’s interest. I was unable to do that, as I was not spontaneous in my thinking in French.
There are basic essential elements of engagement for effective public speaking, and when these elements are present, a speech in any language, whether in person or online, becomes a memorable, engaging speech that leaves the audience wanting more.
What the Audience Sees
Visibility is the initial impression you give to the audience, and this first impression is crucial for audience engagement. What does the audience see?
Are you dressed appropriately?
Clothes do not make the man (or woman), but people judge by appearance, and sloppy or inappropriate dress gives the impression that you do not care about yourself or the audience.
Are you poised and confident?
When you give a speech, you are the authority, and you command attention. Slumped posture or continuous nervous movements or standing in the background pulling away from the audience conveys fear and lack of self-confidence. It gives the impression that you really do not want to give the speech and would prefer to be elsewhere.
Do you use the space well?
When a speech is given in person, do you stand in a spot where you are visible to the entire audience? Online, are you in the middle of the computer screen with adequate lighting and a background that is not a distraction?
Do you maintain eye contact?
In my experience, it is difficult to maintain eye contact while using notes. I am not suggesting that notes never be used, but if it is necessary to use notes, be sure to maintain eye contact with an audience. Never read your speech.
Are your facial expressions and hand gestures visible?
These are both important because they are the speaker’s nonverbal communication with the audience. Does your facial expression change to convey a point being stressed, or a humorous story? Are hand gestures used appropriately and are they visible when presenting a speech online?
The way we present visibly is so important, and it is the first impression that the audience has of you. Referring back to my speech, my focus was on what I was saying, not on how I was making the audience feel. Since I was not fully competent in what I was saying, my focus was on me, not the audience.
What the Audience Hears
Just as essential as visibility is what the audience hears. To convey your message, you must not only be heard, but you should encourage active listening by keeping the audience engaged. How do you do this?
Check that the quality of your voice is loud and clear
Use a microphone if needed. For online presentations, be sure to use a headset or earbuds and make sure your audio is without feedback or other distractions. In a hybrid situation, make sure the audience in the room and the audience online can both hear clearly.
The pace or cadence of speaking
For the listener, a rapid pace can make it difficult to comprehend what is being said (as the brain takes a moment to catch up) and the audience therefore ‘tunes out’ and disengages. On the other hand, a very slow cadence can put an audience to sleep as they tire of waiting for what the speaker has to say.
Vocal variety
Pace or cadence is the rhythm of speaking and acts in conjunction with vocal variety – the subtle change of speaking more rapidly or slowing down slightly in relation to what is being said (for example, speeding up to denote excitement, or slowing down to hammer home a point). Vocal variety is also the change in pitch and tone of voice. Think of it as being on a roller coaster with the twists, turns, highs, and lows of the ride. The climax builds as the roller coaster ascends higher and higher and then plunges downward. Giving a speech is similar, as the speaker engages the audience on a ride to reach an exciting climax.
Pausing
A pause is not an interruption; it is a moment to take a breath – for you and the audience. It is a moment to digest what has been said, to reflect, or to appreciate a joke.
What the Audience Feels
In preparing and presenting a speech, how do you want the audience to feel? If it is something you have not thought about, then you need to do so. A speech needs a clear (and relevant) message delivered in a way that keeps the audience engaged. It is about audience satisfaction.
My first speech in French was a wake-up call. It reminded me that it was not about my ability, or not, to talk in another language; it was about using new tools and following the essential elements of public speaking. Had I not presented a speech in a language other than my native English, I never would have given it a thought. I hope this experience will help you take the next step in your own public speaking.
