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Lynda Katz Wilner, M.S., CCC-SLP is a corporate communication trainer and 
a Speech and Language Pathologist.
She is the founder and director of Successfully Speaking, a woman-owned communication consulting firm, which specializes in professional speaking skills, foreign accent modification, and regional dialect reduction for native and non-native speakers.

Ms. Wilner developed and published Medically Speaking: Accent Modification for the Medical Profession, The Medically Speaking Inventory: Assessment of Accented Speech, and collaborated with Marjorie Feinstein-Whittaker in the development of  RULES, RULES To Go, Medically Speaking RULES, Medically Speaking Idioms, RULES BY THE SOUND, and Boston RULES. She trains individuals, groups, and trainers around the United States with her unique programs. 
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 October 2012

 

Will You Watch the Presidential Debates?

debate We're approaching that time of year when we get to watch the presidential debates. Whether or not your decision is already made, the debates are an excellent way to evaluate each of the candidates while under pressure.

Here is an opportunity to revisit the "Three V's of Communication" - VISUAL, how they "look," VOCAL, how they "sound," and VERBAL, what they "say." The content and issues (Verbal) are paramount,  however, the other "V's" cannot be discounted. When the three V's are not consistent with each other, the listener may lose confidence in knowing the genuine message. Both candidates are undoubtedly coached in their speaking and delivery, but some of the fine-tuned communication techniques may slip at unexpected moments. Let's analyze these a bit further:

VISUAL:

  •  Posture - How confident do they appear? Do they look  stiff and tense or relaxed? Are their shoulders raised up or or in a natural position? Do they "own" their space at the podium?
  • Eye Contact Do they look at the camera? Are their eyes fixed and staring? Do they dart their eyes away from the camera or look up in the air as they formulate their responses? Do they roll their eyes as their opponent speaks?
  • Hands and Gestures - Do their gestures convey power and confidence, do they point in an accusing manner?
  • Facial Expressions - Is the smile genuine, do facial expressions reveal their inner emotions?

  VOCAL:

  • Does their voice sound powerful?
  • How do they end their statements? Does their voice rise or fall?
  • How quickly do they speak?
  • How do they respond to interruptions?
  • How is their overall tone of voice? Antagonistic, friendly, confident.....?

  VERBAL:

  • What do they say about the issues?

 So, when you watch the upcoming debates, think about all of these factors. The Visual, Vocal, and Verbal should all be in alignment to convey accurate content, sincerity, and passion. 

Go to the blog to comment on what you saw during the debates.

Do You or Your Employees Need Help
With Communication Skills?

Successfully Speaking can come onsite or arrange a conference call/webinar to meet the needs of your organization. We work on all aspects of communication skills: voice, pronunciation, foreign accent, writing skills, grammar, small talk, etc. Call today for a free consultation. 

Our Vision

Successfully Speaking enables individuals from diverse backgrounds  achieve excellence in communication and maximize their professional success.

 

Warm regards, 

 

Lynda
Lynda Katz Wilner, M.S.
Successfully Speaking
Telephone/Fax: 410.356.5666