What does effective communication have to do with a recent New York Times opinion piece where Fortune Magazine senior editor at large Geoff Colvin wrote about the victory of AlphaGo over Go champion Lee Se-dol? http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2016/03/09/does-alphago-mean-artificial-intelligence-is-the-real-deal/the-skills-of-human-interaction-will-become-most-valuable-in-the-future. For those of you who have not kept up with the run-up to Skylab's takeover, the computer played a series of five games of the ancient Chinese game that features black and white stones against the human world champion with one million dollars of prize money at stake.
Colvin reported that the victory "shocked artificial intelligence experts, who thought such an event was 10-15 years away." But while the computer smoked the champ 4 games to 1--and doomsayers predicted the end of most jobs as we know them--the essential takeaway from Colvin's piece is his discussion of three critical abilities of deep human interaction that will increase in value because the computer cannot mimic them. First, empathy, the foundational basis for all three; next, creative problem solving in groups; and, finally and according to Colvin "somewhat surprisingly"--storytelling. Not surprisingly, Colvin notes that this critical ability has not traditionally been valued by organizations. And I hope to no one's surprise who has read the title of this essay--storytelling is the subject of the discussion here because effective, persuasive communication depends on it--and effective communication through vocal and physical persuasion skills is I am all about.
Storytelling is part of our workday with fellow employees, in court as litigator or witness, or as an event speaker. It is part of our everyday interaction with everyone we engage.
But what makes for a good storyteller? In the business of vocal and physical persuasion, it's all about the delivery or the performance. Don't be shy about the word "performance." For some, it may evoke feelings of artifice or something fake. But two thousand years ago, the Roman politician, orator, and jack of all trades Cicero identified "delivery" as one of The Five Canons of Rhetoric essential for creating a speech and presenting an argument. For more on Cicero's five canons, see
Proper "delivery" is essential to a powerful presentation and the effective communication of the message. It should include facial expressions, eye contact, and voice. A persuasive delivery includes varying your voice and speech style using the VIPERS techniques of volume, inflection, projection, enunciation, rhythm, and silence.
But not everyone is a natural storyteller or a great speaker. Fortunately, you don't have to be--I keep urging everyone to repeat this mantra: "You've got to practice, practice, practice to be natural."
The not-so-greats become the greats through practice. Turning from the ancient Romans to the ancient Greeks, Demosthenes remains an amazing example of someone whose persistent practice made him a terrific speaker. He was inarticulate and had a stammering pronunciation. Through his practice techniques like performing his speeches to a roaring ocean, with pebbles in his mouth, when running, when out of breath, and before a mirror, Demosthenes became one of the greatest orators in ancient Greece. See: Demosthenes
Demosthenes is still relevant to 21st century orators if for no other reason than "his dedication to practice and preparation."See more at: Public Speaking Experts - Demosthenes. But his techniques are worth studying.
All of Demosthenes practice techniques were effective. But not everybody lives near the ocean--and even people who live close to the ocean don't take advantage of the beach benefits often enough--I have been one of those people myself. Finally, not everyone wants to put marbles in their mouth. See Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter in The King's Speech. "Bloody Marbles" - The Kings Speech
But Demosthenes' other techniques can still be used to great success even today. He used a mirror to study his speaking technique--you can use a mirror to your advantage as well--observe your bad habits and work on improving them. His use of a mirror is evidence that if Demosthenes had the benefit of video recordings, he would have used them. You have the technology--you can record your arguments or speeches. Even Demosthenes' practice technique of speaking while running or out of breath are both effective breath control devices today for singers or speakers. See Breath Control for Singers.
Learn to use your voice to its fullest ability. Along with your body language, they are powerful instruments for persuasion. Relish and practice these critical abilities of human interaction. After all--it's what is keeping the machines from taking over.
If you lack confidence, Harry can give you the tools to gain confidence--if you are already good, he can work with you to get better--and if you are very good, you appreciate that the combination of vocal and physical persuasion skills make you a more effective communicator and want to be even better. For more tips, go to TheActingAttorney.com.
If you want to do the work needed to improve:
Individuals can contact me at Harry@TheActingAttorney.com today and set up an in-person meeting or Skype session--or call me directly at (505) 293-6859.
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