Have you ever dreamt of a meeting where everyone is engaged? The Stakeholders, the Quality Assurance, and the developers? How come this rarely happens?

Let’s review how to find your voice and help others do the same. Perhaps you are presenting at an upcoming event. Don’t wing it. Have a plan.

Speaking

When you see a great speaker they make it look easy. Of course, if it were we could all be professionals. Unfortunately, much like woodworking, it is more complicated than it looks. Although in speaking we usually don’t cut off a finger…

Know your audience

If you want to get better at speaking join Toastmasters. They teach you a lot. One of the first things is to know your audience.

Who are they? What do they want out of this? For instance, if you are meeting with other developers you would focus on different things than if you were talking to a group of leaders.

Warm-up

As a software developer, I don’t talk a lot throughout the day. When I get ready to speak to an audience I need to warm up my voice. Perhaps this sounds strange to you.

Have you ever played an instrument? If you don’t warm up and tune your instrument it can sound awful. Instead of being pleasant, it can be downright awful. Here are a few ways to warm up.

Ums and ahs

In Toastmasters, they have an “Um counter” in every meeting. This person listens for “ums” and “ahs”. If you have never been it can be eye-popping.

The first time I spoke there I wasn’t aware of this. These really detract from your message. Cleaning these up can be a game-changer!

Plan

Earlier in my speaking career, I would try to wing a talk. Essentially get up without a plan. The results were subpar.

A few years ago I was fortunate to attend Heroic Public Speaking. Michael Port author of Steal the Show trains you to give better speeches. A major part of a successful speech is preparation.

Learn from my mistakes. Before you open your mouth have a plan. Even in a meeting. Don’t just open your mouth and start yapping!

Story

Why do we remember some things and forget others? Dan and Chip Heath explore this in Made to Stick. One reason is a compelling story.

The Heath brothers insist we stop marketing and tell stories. They outline how ideas are stickier that way.

One way to do this is to challenge your audience. For instance, the story of David vs Goliath describes a challenge. David faces the giant and wins.

Succinct

Do you know Karl? He comes to my meetings and talks. And talks. Although he really never says anything. He sounds like the teacher from Charlie Brown. “Wah wah woh wah wah”

Law 4: Always Say Less Than Necessary -48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

Be succinct in your message. From Merriam-Webster, “marked by compact precise expression without wasted words.” In other words, say your piece and shut up.

Presenting your case

When you have to present something you want to make sure your case is airtight. As we walked through before, first know your audience. Create a plan of what to say.

Next review if it is succinct. Don’t waste people's time. Talk through it with a trusted friend. Make sure they give you honest feedback. Then rehearse your points.

Practice

Here are a few ways to practice your speaking.

Um counting

Pair up with a friend. Try to introduce yourself by talking for only 60 seconds. Have your friend count any “ums” and “ahs”. You might be stunned.

Know your audience

You need to communicate a change in scope. Discuss with your partner how to deliver the message differently to Project Managers, Scrum Masters, Business Analysts, or a developer.

Roleplay

You need to communicate a change in deadlines to the team. Role-play with your partner on how you would share that. Have the partner become angry. Try to respond in a calm manner.