Ask HN: How do you effectively communicate or present? I’m starting to realise it’s hard to find people who say useful things at work or speak concisely. (I’m also at fault here). I partly blame layoffs as people feel the need to constantly look very productive. What’s the best way to improve my speech in such a way where I’m concise and the words I say are intentional? I want to keep people engaged when I speak. Trying to be a man of few words, but also still seem engaged despite being quiet. |
1. Give the conclusion first, ramble the details after so people don't get lost.
2. Only share something if it impacts decision making, otherwise it's just noise.
3. Prefer arguments based on facts, because "I don't like it" is too vague for others to make decisions on.
Look at your favourite presentations / speakers on YouTube, try to copy what they do.
Obviously in, say, an interview you need to give a good impression. I am counting that as what the listener needs.
[1] sometimes what you hear yourself say can be relevant, but rarely!
Our words are meaning full.
Their measure of meaning are the measure of our own character.
Yours still matter in a world, a mesh of meaning something’s, never not so concise as an ounce of thought, for whatsoever have thoughts to begot, meaningful or nice [agreeable]?
If you haven’t noticed, there are different psychological strategies for communications. While a smooth affable interface is pleasing to many. Intrinsic meaning is a reflection of personal character. It doesn’t have to be cringe, though anythingn truly meaningful said in a smooth context is “good” fodder for conversation.
I like to turn to the disowned temperament classifiers to explain how various “kinds” may be identified with. Though if you prefer to honeymoon over nerd fight, learn to discourse of astrology, it will be better socially regarded.
There is an art to slowing down and choosing your words carefully. When you slow down and impose great deliberation on the words you will build confidence through practice. Eventually this gets faster and becomes more autonomic. The people who sound most natural at this are just the most practiced.
I’m not sure I have helpful advice for you, though I appreciate your observation and desire to improve in such an away.
We learn best by example. If you could find the writings of someone who’s way of speaking impresses you, even fiction, reading their words out loud may inspire your mind to optimize for this sort of communication style.
I do something similar for learning to speak for other purposes (story form, I like to tell stories orally.)
Your intention is a good one!