The One Minute Communicator

Each week we will present another set of techniques to help you maximise your communication skills.

• Ready, Set, Go!
• Button Up!
• A, B, C.

Ready, Set, Go!

• Ready
  First you must get ready to speak, Ready refers to buttoning your coat, turning the page on the easel, erasing the board, or focusing the first overhead transparency. Ready is something the speaker does for him/herself.

• Set
  Set means feet. The feet are apart wide enough to insert another shoe between them. One foot is slightly forward (about two inches). The objective is to create a shoulder girdle angle; and setting the feet,one slightly ahead of the other does this.

• Go
  Go means that you first look at one part of your audience and then at another. Remember to look individuals directly in the eye. Go means to first establish eye contact with at least two parts of your audience prior to speaking.

Button Up!

Button your coat at the outset of your talk. Women don't have to do this as their suits frequently don't have buttons or button holes. You look more complete and finished if your coat is buttoned at the outset. You can unbutton as you move into the body portion of your talk.

A, B, C.

• Attention Getter
  Every talk has as it's beginning an attention step designed to move the listener out of their current state of thinking or awareness. Attention steps are always available when you use your voice--speak louder and quicker than normal-- it gets their attention--enthusiasm is contagious.

• Body
  The body of the talk is where you elaborate. It contains your main theme(s). There may be numerous main points supported by additional examples or information. The body of the talk is the "meat" of your presentation.

• Conclusion
  The conclusion is your perfect opportunity to restate your main points. It's your chance to review those parts of you talk and remind your listener(s) of what you think has been important (from the body of the talk). Audiences tend to remember the first and last parts of a presentation. Attention steps and conclusions are critical.