The 110 techniques of communication and public speaking | David JP Phillips | TEDxZagreb

Summary

In this engaging talk, the speaker shares his journey of analyzing 5,000 public speakers to identify 110 core skills that distinguish good, great, and outstanding speakers. He highlights key skills, including effective body language, vocal techniques, and gestures, emphasizing that anyone can learn and improve these skills. Through demonstrations, he shows how subtle changes in presentation can significantly impact communication effectiveness. The talk concludes with practical tips on body language, voice modulation, and the importance of a genuine smile, inspiring listeners to enhance their public speaking abilities.

Takeaways

• 🎓 **110 Core Skills**: The speaker analyzed 5,000 public speakers to identify 110 core skills that contribute to effective public speaking.
• 📈 **Skill Application**: The more of these skills a speaker can apply, the more impactful their presentation becomes.
• 🤔 **Mediocrity vs Mastery**: There's a clear difference between a mediocre communicator and one who has mastered the art of public speaking.
• 🧍 **Body Language**: Open body language is crucial for connection and trust, while closed body language can signal a feeling of threat.
• 🙌 **Functional Gesturing**: Use hand gestures to emphasize points, show progression, or illustrate comparisons.
• 🤓 **Voice and Pace**: Speaking at a calm pace can make the content seem more important, whereas a fast pace may indicate a lack of interest or confidence.
• 📢 **Pause for Impact**: Pauses are powerful; they give the audience time to process information and can increase anticipation.
• 😊 **Duchenne Smile**: A genuine smile, engaging both the mouth and eyes, can make the speaker appear more approachable and can actually make them feel happier.
• 👀 **Eye Contact**: Making eye contact with the audience increases a speaker's presence and helps in building a connection.
• 🎤 **Voice Control**: Controlling the pitch, volume, and tone of your voice can greatly affect how your message is perceived.
• 🤝 **Combining Skills**: Just like in boxing, combining different public speaking skills can create a powerful and memorable presentation.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial goal when embarking on the journey to analyze public speakers?

The speaker's initial goal was to analyze 5,000 public speakers from all over the world, both amateurs and professionals, in order to understand what makes a good speaker good, a great speaker great, and an outstanding speaker outstanding.

How many core skills did the speaker identify as a result of his analysis?

The speaker identified 110 core skills with loads of sub skills.

What is the implication of the number of skills identified for a TED talk?

Given the large number of skills identified, it is not feasible to go through all 110 in a single TED talk.

What is the significance of the chair in the speaker's demonstration?

The chair represents an idea or concept that the speaker wants the audience to believe in or buy into, symbolizing the power of effective communication.

What are the two options the speaker presents regarding communication?

The two options are: being on one side of the chair as a mediocre communicator who hopes for the best, or being on the other side as a skilled communicator who knows exactly what to do to increase focus, empathy, trust, and anticipation.

What is the speaker's stance on whether everyone can become good at presentation skills?

The speaker believes that everyone can become good at presentation skills, as they are not innate talents but rather skills that can be acquired and improved through practice and coaching.

What are the five most important skills the speaker focuses on for coaching?

The speaker does not explicitly list the five skills in the provided transcript, but he mentions that he will focus on certain skills when coaching someone and also provides four bonus skills at the end.

What is the importance of open body language in communication?

Open body language is important because it signifies a lack of threat and a willingness to engage, whereas closed body language can signal that a person feels threatened or defensive.

What is 'functional gesturing' and why is it important?

Functional gesturing is the use of hand movements to emphasize or illustrate a point, showing that something is getting better, worse, or indicating a sequence. It is important because it enhances verbal communication and helps to convey meaning more effectively.

How does the pace of speech affect the audience's perception of importance?

A slower pace can make the audience perceive the content as more important, as it suggests the speaker is taking time to ensure the message is understood. A faster pace might imply the speaker is not invested in the content.

Why is pausing considered an important aspect of public speaking?

Pausing is important because it allows the audience to process the information, gives the speaker a moment for emphasis, and can create anticipation for what is coming next.

What is the 'Duquesne smile' and how did the speaker incorporate it into his personal development?

The 'Duquesne smile' is a genuine smile that involves the entire face, including the eyes. The speaker incorporated it into his personal development by practicing it for six months until he could naturally produce it, which resulted in increased personal happiness and a more engaging presence on stage.