Next level communicators repeat themselves.
Next level communicators repeat themselves.
Speaking is not writing. Now if ever there was a deep thought, there you go. I don’t mean to insult your intelligence, but many public speakers have forgotten that. I know I have. When we forget the difference between speaking and writing we blunt our effectiveness as oral communicators. When you read a book, you have the privilege of going back and re-reading something you feel like you missed, or did not properly understand. This is because written communication proceeds at the receiver’s rate. As the reader, I control the rate in which I absorb the communication. But oral communication proceeds at the sender's rate, which means we speakers are in control. The listener cannot go back in real time and catch up on something they missed. Next level communicators never lose touch with the principle that they are in control of the rate in which they convey their messages, which is why they become masters of repetition.
Think about it: Readers use repetition when they go back and re-engage with passages they have previously digested, in order to better grasp the material. In the same way, we oral communicators use repetition, which allows our listeners to “go back” to a really important point we have made. Use well placed repetition in your talks and you will see immediate improvement.
Here’s a couple of tips I’ve found helpful with repetition:
Use intentionally. Once you’ve put your talk together, go back and read through it, asking yourself what key points do you want to stick with your audience? For me, this would be my big idea or sermon in a sentence, along with my three or so main points.
Use sparingly. Like anything else, too much repetition will dilute its potency. There have been times when I’ve listened to communicators who repeat a lot, and it’s not only annoying, but my inner child screams, “When are we going to get there?!” Pick your spots.
Use slowly. Like pairing a certain entree with a type of wine, so repetition should always be paired with a slower rate of speech. Remember, we want this particular point to stick, so slow down when you repeat.
Use audience participation. Once every blue moon, I’ll actually put the point I’m trying to make on the screen and have the audience say it with me a few times. This is an effective way of making your point stick.
Hey, I’ve read some great books lately:
Rickey: The Life and Legend of an American Original, Howard Bryant.
What Hath Justice to do with Righteousness, Charlie Dates.
