Marissa Rosales

BCOM 4350.001
Executive Summary
April 14,2017

Speaking as a leader is an important attribute in conveying your ideas and persuading

audiences. In Speaking as a Leader, the author Judith Humphrey uses her experience
in order speak to an audience in a manner to influence and keep an audience engaged.
Well discuss four of the topics most important to improving ones ability to speak as a
leader

Speak with clarity

When it comes to speaking with clarity, it is important to break everything down for our
audience. It helps to think about what your ultimate message youre trying to convey to
your audience. Its easy to stray off topic, but staying on your ultimate message is key.
One of the best ways to lose an audiences focus is by not being precise. Being precise
helps to achieve clarity as it avoids turning a complex idea that is difficult to follow into
one that is more direct.

Take the Jar out of Jargon

It is important to avoid jargon whenever possible. Assuming an audience understands
the same language is a common mistake that quickly leads to a disinterested and
confused audience. Avoid using abstract words, lingo, and buzzwords. Each profession
has their own jargon that they rely on, but it is important to realize that not everyone
may understand it. For example, instead of talking about business expenditureswhich
not everyone understandstry simply using expenses.

Be Conversational
While speaking to an audience, being conversational allows them to feel involved
instead of simply being spoken to. When leaders communicate, they use simple words
that make a speech or presentation feel more like a dialog. The most effective speakers
are the ones that can turn that presentation into a conversation about the topic and the
audience. By using shorter sentences along with informal expressions, a speech takes
a more conversational tone.

Be Personal
Being personal while speaking helps an audience relate to your message. Leaders build
relationships with people by being personal. Using words such as I, you, and we
allows leaders to increase their bonds with their audience. These words are very
effective to persuade an audience as they feel they have a connection with the speaker
and are able to relate to the subject.

In short, speaking as a leader involves a speaking to your audience in a clear and

concise manner while keeping them engaged and interested. By avoiding unnecessary
jargon and speaking with clarity, an audience is able to understand and relate to your
message. It is also important to be conversational and personable in order for your
audience to remain focused and feel included, which improves focus. By using these
suggestions, one is able to speak as a leader in future meetings and speaking
engagements.