We are always looking for speakers who can give voice to our experiences in profound ways. More than ever, we need speakers we can trust. We need presentations that are simple and honest to cut through the noise.
One of my favorite writers has some ideas about the kind of speakers we need. And it boils down to how we, as speakers, use language. Professor Barbara Brown Taylor says we need speakers who use language with economy, courtesy, and reverence. Let’s see how her guidelines can help us be better public speakers for the benefit of everyone listening. And for the tool of our trade, language itself.
Economy
Brown Taylor defines language economy like this: “to say only what we know to be true, to say it from the heart, and to sit down.” This means we don’t use words that are inauthentic, and we don’t use more words than we need. Estimates say there are roughly 1 million words in the English language. I’m sure you’ve attended presentations where it felt like the speaker used every one of those 1 million words. Twice.
If we want our language to be heard in the cluttered and noisy world we live in, we have to select it carefully with an eye to what it’s worth. No one has the time or patience for rambling presentations. Brown Taylor says, “In a word-clogged world, the only words that stand a chance of getting people’s attention are simple, honest words that come from everyday life. Most of us are damaged trusters where language is concerned.” To rebuild that trust, those of us who speak regularly need to make each and every word in our presentations count. We must spend our words wisely.
Courtesy
We also need courteous language. Here’s how Brown Taylor defines courtesy: “it’s the opposite of coercion. Courteous language respects the autonomy of the hearer. It also respects his or her ability to make meaning without too much supervision.” This means we need speakers who are respectful rather than aggressive. When a presentation begins to feel manipulative, overbearing, or blindly one-sided, listeners shut down.
In addition, we need speakers who don’t over explain. We’ve all heard presentations in which the speaker lays out a concept clearly and then goes over it again, and again, and again. The over communication begins to feel insulting, as if the speaker must think we are incapable or stupid. When speakers needlessly draw concepts out, they are being discourteous to the audience who just wants to stand up and yell out, “We get it! Move on!” Carla Howard of the IAAP Edge suggests a simple 3-step approach to curb over explanation.
1. Know your triggers.
2. Use just 2-3 sentences that add value to the conversation.
3. Ask a question.
Reverence
Normally reserved for religious circles, the word “reverence” can help us to better understand our relationship with language even outside of those circles. As speakers, we must continually be reminded that language has both power and limits. Perhaps you’ve been in love so strongly or looked up into the stars at night and realized that words would only detract from, not add to, that experience.
Speakers who practice reverent language know there are some things words can only come close to describing. We know that language is the only thing powerful enough to come close, but it still may fall short or do damage if not handled carefully. In those instances, Brown Taylor says, “we are not excused from trying, only from succeeding. Meanwhile we do the best we can, taking up the soiled, tired language we have been given . . . that we might by our tender, devoted handling of those words being able to bring a few of them back to life.” This is reverence.
Public speaking is both a danger and a responsibility. We must design and develop and deliver presentations that make good use of language. The kind of speakers we need today are those who speak with language that is economical, courteous, and reverent.
Great presentations hold the possibility of great change. At Ethos3, we want to help you tell your story with skill and confidence. Ready to get started?
