How to feel comfortable when communicating a technical idea in English
(Photo credit – https://unsplash.com/@markusspiske)
How to feel comfortable when communicating a technical idea in English. A lot of times at work we have to explain a technical concept to a non technical audience.
My Top Tips -How to feel comfortable when communicating a technical idea in English
1. Speak at about 100-120 words per minute
Most people deliver their information too fast, at about 180 to 200 words per minute. The University of Michigan recommend speaking at about 100-120 words per minute. It affects what people remember, and the credibility they give to what you say. This doesn’t mean you need to speak slowly all the time. You can use pauses to bring down the average speed.
2. Interact with your audience
Your audience has a limited attention span. Anything you can do to raise that is good.
Interaction could be a question. It could be getting a volunteer on stage. But how about getting the whole audience to do an experiment with you? Giving your audience a bit of personal information about you or themselves is a very powerful way to grab attention.
3. Use props to explain an abstract concept
Whatever you do with props will lift the audience’s attention. Even holding and looking intently at a relevant prop will make the audience interested in it.
You can use them to explain visually something that is abstract. Even a simple ruler can be used to explain physics in a visual way.
4. Use multiple approaches to communicate your idea
People choose to learn in different ways, and there are dozens of different ways to communicate with an audience. You don’t have to use all of them, but if you use two or three you can appeal to a bigger audience. It could be as a visual mindmap or ask your audience to help you solve a problem.
5. Your audience must like you
Likeability, or charisma, is very important for an audience, and how they receive your message.
Smile, and make sure your enthusiasm and passion comes across. Don’t be arrogant; audiences don’t like that. In some cultures, a little humour can work well. Make sure your audience feel like the most important people in the room. They will love you for it.
6. End your communication well
A lot of people think hard about their opening, but then forget to have a strong ending. People remember strong openings and endings more than the main content. If you started with a question, make sure you end by answering that question. Perhaps you can give the audience something to do at home. But whatever you plan to do, make sure you have a strong ‘one liner’ (one sentence) in mind to finish with.
I hope this helps and How to feel comfortable when communicating a technical idea in English.
Meetings in English – how to maintain people’s interest when you speak in English –http://www.englishtco.com/en/how-to-maintain-peoples-interest-when-you-speak-in-english
——
I hope this helps you with your professional English and in your professional career, Christopher!
The English Training Company – we help companies and professionals to become Advanced Business English Speakers!
