Speaking Under Fire

SPEAKING UNDER FIRE

By Jill Bremer, AICI, CIP

Bremer Communications

Most people are terrified to give a speech. But there is something even more frightening - speaking without preparation! Job interviews, meetings, even answering the telephone can test our impromptu speaking skills. Imagine yourself at a meeting when a question you weren't expecting is thrown to you. All eyes turn, waiting for your response. Do you freeze, stutter or ramble incoherently?

Much depends on your ability to respond confidently and effectively to questions asked of you. You must choose your words carefully, because once you've said something hurtful or inappropriate, it's very difficult to take it back. People have lost clients, promotions and jobs all because they could not communicate effectively. What's the solution? Read my "L.I.P.S.", a four-step process which will help you answer difficult questions in a poised and positive way.

Listen…

Active listening is the first step toward formulating your response. Listening effectively requires commitment and patience, so zero in on the content of the speaker and don't allow yourself to be distracted by other noise or activity. Resist the urge to jump in with your reply until you have completed the next two steps. Careful listening will ensure an on-target response.

Inquire?

Step two is not to answer the question, but to ask a question or two yourself. Remember that no two people perceive information in the same way. As you listen to others, you are filtering their words through your own personal experiences and beliefs. If you're unsure at all about what they really want to know, ask for clarification. This step and the next are also useful for buying yourself more time to formulate your response.

(Paraphrase)

Now is the time to restate the amended question. This will ensure that the others understand exactly what you will be addressing in your response.

"Speak"

As you share your thoughts remember that, here again, you need to stay focused. Include only the essential ideas in your reply and resist the urge to ramble. Less can be more in these situations, so try the "Speakers' Rule of Three" to stay organized. Choose three points to make or divide your response into three short sections, such as discussing past, present and future.

Stop!

Let's add one final "S" to the process - STOP. As soon as you've expressed your ideas, reemphasize your basic point and sit down! Many people have gotten themselves into difficult territory by saying more than they needed to. If the others want more information from you, let them ask another question. Then you can follow the "L.I.P.S." process once again.

Jill Bremer, AICI, CIP, owner of Bremer Communications, offers training, consulting and coaching in professional image development and presentation skills. Her clients include Oracle, Abbott Labs, W.W. Grainger, U.S. Department of Energy and the National Association of Realtors. She can be reached at 708-848-5945 or at www.bremercommunications.com