In a recent presentation to a group on the ‘use of words’ in a speech craft workshop; I first thought of using the song ‘Words’ by Bee Gee as I prepared the session. On second thought, I gave up as I do not have a vocal quality as close to Bee Gee.
As half of the attendees were women, I thought of what could be an effective connection to befriend the audience than using the qualitative criteria of evaluating a Diamond, a woman’s best friend! I also discovered that there is a lot of commonality of 4 Cs in a diamond with the right use of words.
Clarity is as importance as the right use of words in communication where we must provide clarity to match the exact meaning of the speech we wish to convey.
There cannot be any ambiguity for the audience to second guess what is the meaning of the word as it will distort the speech, and leave the audience walk away with different interpretation listening from the same speaker! Can you imagine if this would happen to a safety communication session!
‘Evacuate the building’ is not the same as ‘Leave the building’ as the latter has no sense of urgency! I am sure you will not want to be the party responsible for the damage or any insurance claim?
Cut in a diamond presents its shape, its sharp as well as its smooth edges. The same applies in words, where we need to use ‘sharp’ word enhanced with vocal emphasis to convey an important message, and ‘soft’ or ‘smooth’ words to empathies with the audience in the emotional roller coaster during the communication session.
Use of ‘Sharp’ word is appropriate in formal, technical or business environment. And use of ‘Smooth’ word is appropriate in informal, motivational or casual environment.
‘Compel to do’ enforces action where ‘Encourage to do’ leaves one with the discretion.
Color enhances a diamond with a dimensional effect. I am sure you enjoyed and remembered the last ‘colorful’ speech you listened. Where is the color in the right use of word?
It needs some visualization for you to discover the right use of word to add the colorful effect to it. First begins with positioning yourself as an audience, search through what are the words the will excite them and leads them to imagine. Rationalization will not work here; you need to find emotional engagement words.
‘Money’, ‘Holiday’, ‘Joy’, ‘Love’, ‘Peace’ are words that will engage the audience emotionally and free their imagination with no boundary.
Carat is the weight of a diamond. Word has its weight as well! Key words in any communication sessions must register and cover in every part of the speech, be it the opening, body or closing.
The effective use of key words in the opening draws audience’s attention; in the body it engages, personalizes and synthesizes with the audience; and in the closing it draws a conclusion jointly with the audience.
It has been scientifically proven that the use of not more than 5 key words is effective to deliver the essential of a speech; as any more will stretch beyond the attention span of most people and renders it ineffective.
Birth, School and Work are three key words to describe one’s life and is effective in any ice breaking session.
As I discovered the 4 Cs in the use of words like a diamond, typical with my occupation, I like to offer you a bonus with the fifth C,
Cost is needed for you to own the diamond. In the same manner as you evaluate the quality of a diamond with 4 Cs, you need to put a value in the communication on how you wish the audience to benefit.
It is the value in your speech that will determine whether there is a ‘value for money’ preposition to the audience.
It is through the fulfillment of the 5 Cs that the audience will grade you with a premium or discount in the delivery. It is through practice, practice and practice that we can earn the premium in our communication.
As a competent communicator, it is your right use of words that will add spark to the diamond in your speech.
Be a 5 diamonds communicator over a 5 stars communicator and earn your premium!
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