Good Tone Habits

Can I be honest? I used to feel that public speaking was a death sentence early in my career!

I knew it was something God was calling me to pursue, but speaking in front of a camera or others, in general, would create so much anxiety and fear. I did not embrace it so quickly. Over the years, I have personally grown to love public speaking because it gives me a chance to share with others what I am passionate about. I also learned that it is not about ME! It is about something bigger than Chazeray Jackson. I am doing public speaking to better others around me. 

Thinking this way gave me more confidence and faith to speak in front of others.

When growing in public speaking, communication is the key to a successful Facebook Livestream or presentation in general. Let us consider John Maxwell. Papa John is rated the #1 leadership expert globally and has inspired over 5 million people in 180 countries on speaking, coaching, and business training. Here is his percentage breakdown on communication:

• 7% Words

• 38% Tone

• 
  

  55% Body Language

Good Tone Habits

We discussed previously how vital body language is and how it plays a big part in public speaking success. The following highest percentage on John Maxwell’s communication breakdown is tone.  It is essential to spend some time discussing good tone habits and when a change in tone is needed when communicating. Someone once said, “sameness is the death of a speaker,” when addressing tone and public speaking. I have discovered as a speaker that maintaining the same tone throughout a speech is not inspiring for my audience.

The delivery of your speech is what will make it enjoyable and captivating. Recognizing when to have a normal tone when sharing low-energy content and raising your tone when sharing high-energy/captivating content is key for a speaker’s success!

Consider this, ninety percent of speeches are boring and drab. Why?

Because the speaker does not take time to make it enjoyable. You can have a wonderfully written presentation, but if you do not put some flair into the delivery (change tone), you will be joining the ranks of boring speeches and boring speakers. Plus, you will lose your audience’s attention – quick! A speaker should aim to entertain the audience while giving them information that they can use. And yes, tone matters! Focus on that during your delivery.

Please consider what I am about to share next:

I have had the opportunity to speak and inspire hundreds of entrepreneurs, leaders, educators, high school, and college student-athletes across the country. One of the critical things I have realized on my journey is the audience is on my side. Whether I am speaking in person, on Facebook Live, or Zoom meeting, they came to hear what I have to say. They are spending their time (and perhaps money) to be there, and they are predisposed to like me ha-ha. Please do not assume they are waiting for you to fail. They are not.

They want to see YOU SUCCEED!!!

When building good tone habits, consider speaking slowly, enunciate clearly, and show appropriate emotion and feeling relating to your topic. While you are speaking, talk in a smooth, even tone. Grow to realize when to change those tones. It is very common for beginning speakers to talk too quickly and too loudly. Do not be too hard on yourself. Keep in mind to make your pace conversational and do not rush it.

Also, be sure to match your tone of voice with the subject matter. Also think about:

• Speed-Do not want to talk too fast. Conversational moments can be a little more up-tempo in talking, but your big point or ah-ha moments need to be in more of a slower speed!
• Volume-If you speak at the same volume, you miss some of the more key emphasis within your Facebook Lives or other public speaking presentations.
• Spacing-Strive to make your speech conversational vs. lecturing or reading. Bring emphasis to key parts of your presentation.
• Pausing-Allow yourself and your audience a little time to reflect and think. Don’t race through your presentation and leave your audience, as well as yourself, feeling exhausted and out of breath.

The last application that comes to mind, I have practiced different tones and voices with my two daughters, Zuri and Mila. They always let me know if I am not engaging or not physically and emotionally. Entertaining or boring. I challenge you to find a young child and practice speech delivery. They give the most honest feedback by far, ha-ha.

This post about good tone habits. I invite you to comment below your thoughts and comments on the subject. Will be greatly appreciated! Please check out my new book, The Impact Of Influence, or one of the programs we offer.

Lastly, keep those crowns on your HEARTS…and always remember tomorrow is yours to create, and don’t limit yourself.