Abracadabra! Just Say the Magic Word. | World Class Speech Services, Speech Therapist in New York, NY 11436

What is your magic word? Abracadabra, hocus pocus, Rumpelstiltskin? These words bring to mind a childhood that was filled with possibilities, and the magic that with only one word said at the right time to the right person we could have anything we wanted. Many of us have grown out of the mythological belief that one word could change our circumstances. However, deep down inside, many of us still hold to the hope that maybe there is a kernel of truth to the stories and we too can say something that would be revolutionary, even if only on a small scale.

In my 13 years of business, I have brought to my clients the ability to use their words with more precision and efficiency to get their messages across to their listeners. I often liken myself to a personal trainer when I work with clients. I can tell you what to do and can show you the equipment and show you an example of the action, but the only real way to know how it will work is to do it yourself.

So, what are some key factors in saying the magic words? I have found that three foundational practices can drastically change your speech and can make your listeners attend to your message better.

1. Practice saying difficult words out loud before you need to say them in a formal meeting or presentation. You will benefit from moving your mouth through the sounds of the word to prepare the movement to be more natural, and thereby be heard more clearly. A study conducted indicated that as your vocabulary builds so does your earning potential. http://money.cnn.com/2006/11/17/magazines/fortune/vocab.fortune/
2. Focus on the sounds at the beginnings and endings of words. This technique is often called “Complete Word Production” and is a truly effective practice to hone in on the rate of your speech as well as enunciation. With your attention on your word’s endings you become more focused on each individual word and must slow your speech down as a result.
3. Keep your head up and establish eye contact. They say that people eat with their eyes before they pick up a fork. Well in a similar way, listeners listen with their eyes to supplement what they hear with their ears. The simple act of fully facing your audience can provide information that can enhance your communication.

When you put into practice these three basic techniques you will often see a difference in your listeners responses in short order. There will be fewer requests for repetition and more effective communication.

I am an “abracadabra!” kind of girl and I still believe that I can make a difference with my words, which is why I teach public speaking. I strive to impart a sense that a word IS magical. Go make magic!