Self-Assessment Criteria for Communication

Posture, gesture, voice and focus are key components of effective communication.

Improving your ability to clearly and effectively communicate--whether your audience is a large group or one person--can enrich your personal and professional life. Take stock of your own communication abilities by rating yourself according to the following criteria.

Breathing

When we are stressed or fearful, our bodies respond by taking rapid, shallow breaths. However, to speak effectively, you must learn to breathe deeply and expansively. You will find this helps control the nervousness that caused you to lose breath control in the first place. Pay attention to your breathing and make sure you are allowing yourself sufficient time to breathe when speaking.

Posture

Look at yourself in a home video, or arrange to have someone make a video of you the next time you speak in public. When standing, be sure your posture appears natural, with your weight evenly supported by both feet and your head and neck lifted high and straight. Your shoulders should be relaxed and in line with your hips and feet, neither slumped forward or thrown unnaturally back. If using a lectern, avoid leaning heavily on it, and move away from it whenever possible or avoid it altogether.

Seated Posture

When seated and talking with another person, check to see if you are sitting upright and slightly forward, focusing on the other person. Make sure you are not leaning back, looking up and around the room, or seated with your arm thrown over the back of the chair. If you sit with legs crossed, make sure this does not cause your weight to slump forward and cut off your breathing. Whether you are presenting to a group of 100 or meeting with two co-workers in a conference room, nonverbal communication says more about your attitudes and opinions than the words you use.

Gesture

When speaking, use your hands and body to support your message. Check to make sure your hands are not nervously clenching the podium. Confirm that your gestures are natural, flowing organically from what you are saying, not forced and artificial. When not in use, avoid clasping your hands in front of you like a fig leaf; instead, relax and allow your arms and hands to rest naturally at your sides.

Voice

Supporting your voice with ample breathing and a relaxed throat and neck will help others hear and understand you. Be aware if your throat is clenched and tense, blocking the free flow of breath and sound when you speak. Smile as much and as often as appropriate when you communicate--it helps relax you. After speaking in public, find someone you trust and ask if he had trouble hearing you. If you can, make a quality recording of your speeches from the back of the room and listen to hear if you are using your natural voice in a way that is audible.

Focus

Be sure to think about the overall goal of each communication before you launch into it. Know how you plan to begin, so you do not wander for several minutes before coming to the point. Think in terms of action words when you decide what you hope to accomplish with your communications. For example, focus on whether you wish to persuade, to motivate, to inform or to entertain. Always use a speaking structure--for example: introduction, three points, conclusion--even for impromptu communications.

References

• Presentation Magazine: The Mehrabian Myth