In today’s edition:

• Learn how to structure your message

• Prepare for success

• Speak with confidence

If you master public speaking you will have the power to cause change. We know this intuitively from experience and the Speech Act theory. According to Speech Act theory, words themselves cause actions.

Think about this for a second. Words that you strung together in your mind are made into sounds by exhaling air through your vocal cords, and they exit your mouth as sound waves, which can cause someone to act. That is powerful.

With your words, you can choose to build or to destroy. Your words greatly impact people and can inspire or cause division.

In June of 1776, The Declaration of Independence was just a piece of paper with ink and yet brought about an entire nation. This is the power your words can have.

With my words, the ones you are reading right now, I am influencing your actions for your good so that you can succeed.

With these truths in mind, it makes sense that we should all learn how to communicate more effectively.

How to Structure a Clear Message to Your Audience

If your message isn’t clear, you are wasting everyone’s time. It should immediately be understood. We all know when we hear, read, or see a well-structured message. We leave knowing the main point and stories that illustrate it.

How can you present ideas in a clear memorable way in your communication? The following methods are lightweight tools you can use even in impromptu speaking situations like giving feedback, presenting in a standup meeting, or giving tributes to people.

(What → So What? → Now What?) Framework:

This method greatly simplifies any communication through three simple questions.

What

When getting across your message start with your main point. This is the one thing you want to relay to your audience such as facts, a position, or a proposal.

So What

Tell your audience why they should care about it. How does it affect them? Appeal to their reason and emotions in this section. Generate forced empathy.

Now What

In light of the content you have presented, what action do you want them to take? This is the time to ask or urge them to take a particular action.

(Point → Story → Metaphor → Summary) Method:

This method is also a powerful tool you can use to communicate more effectively. It benefits from using people’s propensity to remember stories and metaphors better than cold facts.

Point

Communicate the main idea first. This is the thing you want your audience to leave knowing.

Story

Tell a short compelling story that illustrates your point.

Metaphor

Draw a visually striking analogy that will further illustrate the point. This analogy can also tap into a shared experience you have with your audience and create rapport.

Summary

Wrap up your message in a nice bow by reiterating the main point and why it matters.

Here’s a video to explain how this method works 👇️ 

Prepare for a Successful Delivery

Without practice, even the best ideas can get lost in communication.

Here are some resources to prepare successfully for any upcoming communication you will give:

10 Dos/Don’ts for preparing for a speech

Speak with Confidence as an Engineer:

You know what you are doing! You are smart and capable and have great ideas. With this in mind, you can confidently present your thoughts and work every day.

Here’s a great video on the strategies you can use to speak without freaking out:

I encourage you to develop your ability to communicate by practicing the methods we have discussed today and to seek out uncomfortable situations to test yourself.

I also recommend subscribing to Leadership in Tech to learn more about how you can use public speaking as an engineer to lead others well.

Photo of the Week:

Action Steps

Become a better communicator today! I believe in building a speaking toolkit that gives you the confidence to speak anytime, anywhere, and to anyone.

Your ability to have conversations, give talks, and present your ideas will correlate strongly to your success and effectiveness.

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P.S. I am currently working on gifts for people who refer new readers to The Engineering Way so look out for that 👀

Rock on,

Camden