When we enter the workspace, we take a shift inside. Our behaviour, language, expressions and dress code change to suit the environment and the work that there is to be done. Corporates put on their shirts, construction workers secure their helmets and chefs tie their aprons. These dressing rituals prepare our mind and bodies for the task at hand. We tone our voices and choice of words to suit the atmosphere and also those around us.
Effective presentation is vital to gain respect, trust and build relationships that enable us to thrive across all professional settings. It is also essential when taking part in important meetings, leading a group of people, at university or even events. Take a look at the skills below and how they contribute to effective presentation for success.
Clear Speech – This allows all listeners to catch every word or phrase we say, the tone of voice. Accent and stress sounds are also notable to set clear the context for our speech and maximal understanding. The people around us can trust us and build better relationships with us when they can understand us.
Confidence – A skill that enables people to trust us as professionals. Confidence often signals competence, trust in oneself, knowledge and enough skills to reach our goals. Confidence also uplifts people from states of anxiety and mistrust and allows them to see us as leaders. Confident people are those who we often go to for help.
Dress code – An obvious sign given off by our dress code is status and relatability. To stand out from our peers or colleagues we dress slightly differently. We wear a suit when everyone else is in a shirt for example. But to close relational distance, we dress like those in the same setting as us, the head chef also wears an apron and hair net. If not, other staff members would not feel comfortable to be led by someone who is much less involved in the job as them.
Listening skills – Listening to others is more than just hearing their words, it is understanding everything they say as well as what they mean when they say it. Looking out for body language and other communication cues also helps. Great listening skills show empathy and high emotional intelligence. People can rely on us and allow us to support them when they know we are listening effectively.