Practice underlies good public speaking skills

Healthcare Financial Management, June, 1991 by Albert J. Sunseri

During the Persian Gulf War, Americans waited in front of their televisions for regular updates from the military. The skill and ease shown by military officials who handled these media briefings underscore the value of strong public speaking skills. Financial managers who want to advance in their careers should add assessment and improvement of public speaking skills to their career agendas.

As a financial manager moves up the career ladder, the number of situations requiring speaking skills will grow. A person's ability to confidently and competently lead a departmental meeting can influence a department's efficiency. And his or her ability to articulate ideas to other managers and board members often is a key to wider acceptance.

The prospects of a board presentation may send shivers up the spine of an experienced speaker, but financial managers who aspire to chief executive officer (CEO) or chief operating officer (COO) posts should prepare to deal not only with a facility's board of directors but also with the community.

Healthcare facilities are in the public eye, and healthcare CEOs and COOs are leading spokespersons. A CEO often is called on to make formal introductions at public events, to give speeches before community groups, and to handle the media deftly in question and answer sessions. Listeners will judge a person and an institution on the basis of what they hear.

Evaluating speaking skills. Before setting out to improve one's speaking skills, a person should evaluate current speech to identify strengths and weaknesses. Many executives find this task difficult and embarrassing. They might feel a little better in knowing that even politicians, whose bread and butter are good speaking skills, consult with speech coaches.

The easiest self-evaluation method is to make a cassette recording of a meeting or presentation. Listen to the recording as objectively as possible, then ask:

* Does my voice have a pleasant tone and cadence?

* Do I avoid monotone or sing-song speech patterns?

* Do I speak clearly and at a sufficient volume?

* Do I avoid using excess volume to intimidate?

* Do I mumble or drop my voice when I am unsure of myself?

A tape recording will identify undesirable quirks in a speaker's voice, such as repeatedly saying "you know" or "and so forth." These and other space fillers can be irritating and distracting to listeners. Once a speaker is made aware of them, he or she can concentrate on eliminating them.

A cassette tape, while easy to use, hardly compares to a videotape and its ability to record a person's speech. Although the idea of watching such a tape may be intimidating, it provides valuable information on how a speaker appeared to his or her audience.

A videotape can help a speaker determine how to better use body language-and spoken words. For example, some people need to break an irritating and dizzying habit of swaying from side to side while speaking.

Hospital spokespersons sometimes make speeches under stressful circumstances. For this reason, they should evaluate whether their voices give away their emotions. Sounding angry, rattled, or hesitant fails to show confidence or control in a delicate situation.

Speakers also should ask themselves whether they are willing to admit they lack the answers to some questions. If expected to address sensitive issues in public, a hospital's spokesperson should develop the skills to handle difficult questions without being offensive.

Improving speech. The easiest route to speaking better is a course in public speaking.

Individuals who lack the time for formal courses can take steps on their own. The most important step to better public speaking is gaining more self-confidence. It is normal to feel nervous or anxious before addressing a group. Even actors and singers admit to stage fright. Learning to take this fear in stride and finding ways to reduce stress are keys to success.

Another consideration involves the use of notes. Speakers who fear forgetting what they want to say should not hesitate to use notes. But those who always use notes should have periodic videotapes made to see if they tend to talk while hunched over their notes. Maintaining eye contact can be difficult if notes are over-used.

When making a major speech, a practice session is a good idea. A particularly nervous speaker can ask several colleagues to sit through a trial run.

In any case, practice is the key to successful public speaking. Gaining proficiency means seeking opportunities to deliver speeches. Doing so will improve a person's speech and further one's career.

Albert J. Sunseri, PhD, is vice president of education and member services at HFMA. His responsibilities include the Association's Exec-u-Trak Career Network.