ONE PUBLIC SPEAKING TIP TO INFLUENCE & CAPTIVATE

Bill Patti has one public speaking tip to help give you the power to influence and captivate people of all ages and skill levels.

Public Speaking is not just about making flat statements

Finding ways to communicate your thoughts effectively could be just the right ticket to becoming more successful, popular, and a better overall speaker.

Now here is a tip that I have enjoyed using for years in my quest to become a “REAL” power speaker. What is that skill? You won’t believe me, but it is simply, the ability to ask questions. Take that puzzled look off your face and I will explain.

Many folks think asking questions — to friends, peers, or bosses — makes you seem weak or insecure. But this simple act can actually help you gain influence and even get people around you to change their minds. That simple tip can put you in an amazingly powerful position.

Asking good questions shows you care and demonstrates empathy. It means you’re willing to learn and, in some cases, admit you don’t know everything. The right questions are all valuable tools to have when you’re trying to grow your career or deepen relationships.

A new way to rise to the top of your speaking game

Effective leaders will often balance their credibility with humility, a willingness to learn, and connect well with their colleagues. But, not every question will help you get ahead. You need to know how, when, and why you’re asking the question.

Here are three tips for asking the right questions, at work, at home, or in your social life. It will get you ahead and build relationships.

Good questions contain three elements

• They’re concise, so the listener doesn’t get distracted
• They build on what the other person has said — furthering the conversation, rather than paraphrasing or summarizing
• They revolve around a focused idea or the conversation topic’s “bottom line”

A questionable approach is best

I have found that a properly placed question can have multiple purposes. However, it should be quick, clear, and focused enough so people understand the point you’re trying to make.

You should consider your intention or goal before asking any questions. Do you want to show you’re listening and understanding, or that you’re very interested in the subject at hand? Maybe you want to subtly help the other person understand another perspective or simply move the conversation along.

Make the other person the STAR of your conversation

I always want to make a connection with businesspeople and others that I meet. An excellent way to do that is to find a mutual connection of likes that we both share.

My advice is to be educated on the latest news, sports, and town talk. Know a little about a lot. Anything you think may come up in the conversation will do. It’s your chance to ask a question, and then another. Find the right topic, hobby, work ideas, whatever…and you’re golden. Stay away from politics and religion.

That is the way I have managed to not only create new lasting relationships, but also to prove that I have what it takes to be a listener leader.

Social communication will never go out of style. Don’t let an opportunity pass you by.

The best thing I ever learned about good conversation is that the more I ask questions and actually listen to their answers, the more people enjoy our talk.

Keep in mind…ALL people love to talk about their favorite topic… THEMSELVES!

Spoiler Alert

However, here’s a cautionary tale. DON’T overdo it! Your questions always need to be thoughtful. If you aren’t helping clarify a point or furthering a conversation, your colleagues may just roll their eyes at you and walk away.

How to practice asking questions

Beware, asking good questions takes practice. That is especially true when trying to persuade, influence, or change someone’s mind. Start small, and try approaching your casual interactions like interviews. Begin by trying to learn more about the other person or conversational subject.

If your questions ramble, try to be more concise. If you need help, it’s best to look into artificial intelligence. Ask a chatbot like ChatGPT for shorter ways to phrase specific questions, then analyze the results. You can also ask real people for feedback. After a big meeting or serious work conversation, find a trusted colleague and ask them what they thought of the questions you posed.

Stop, look and listen

Above all else, always listen to other people before asking them anything.

Anytime you are listening, you’re doing yourself a service. You are showing the other person you are paying attention. Then your question is more likely to feel like you’re inviting the other person to collaborate. Solving the problem together helps you foster that relationship in the long-term.

In conclusion

Great speakers are excellent communicators, and excellent communicators are amazing listeners. Put them all together and watch your image – and your company stock – soar.

Public Speaking training can also help you learn the secrets of people who voice their opinions and win the word war. Let your voice be heard. Join me for Public Speaking lessons soon. That experience could change your life.

Good Luck,

Bill Patti