Professionalism in Communication – Speaking with Poise and Precision

If you have been following the various articles we share here, you would be aware of how communication techniques can change based on the context. One common scenario that we often get asked about is professional communication scenarios. What is the communication style for one to project professionalism and poise in a corporate setting? Where the style used to be dry and rigid in the past, modern communication requires strong engagement with the audience.

In a formal, corporate setting, it may be tempting to reduce the ‘dramatics’ and present them in a drab manner. There is almost a resignation in the idea that corporate communication settings are designed to be, for lack of a better word, boring. As a communicator, the onus is on you to adapt public speaking techniques you already know and apply them in the corporate world. The aim is to create a respected but engaging delivery style – no matter the content!

Today, we will discuss the underlying values and elements that form professionalism in a corporate communication setting –a business presentation or a team discussion.

What is Respect?

“I want to be a respected speaker” – the idea of respect in communication often overlaps with concepts of leadership or power. As a speaker, however, you will still need to manage content, delivery, and authenticity elements. To build respect as a communicator on stage, you need to show an awareness of the audience, a delivery style that influences, and openness in your sharing points. These broad elements act as a starting point.

To start this process, content credibility can be achieved through ample and thorough research of your materials. Citation of evidence or supporting materials can go a long way in impressing your crowd with your content. For delivery, explore vocal elements that can help excite the audience. One new element is your vocal pitch – start with your natural pitch and move it higher (about 5-10%) to emphasise your sharing. Finally, authenticity or charisma on stage is a big concept – start with engagement tools (e.g., audience survey, conversations) to show that you have your audience as your priority.

Clarity in the Journey

Professional communication settings are often goal-driven – there is a tangible or precise outcome that you need to achieve as a speaker on stage. This can be a persuasive proposal pitch, a team discussion on an idea, or even a networking session (to widen your network). No matter the journey, one value a powerful communicator will hold on to is the clarity of their message for their audience.

We have shared signposting and transition phrases as powerful tools to help your structuring. In building clarity for professionalism, one other tool you can try is using thematic arrangement, i.e., using themes to demarcate the topics. For example, instead of using signposting (First, Second …) to explain a project, you can run through the proposal based on themes such as “Operations”, “Finance”, etc. Beyond this, some communicators also use open-ended questions as part of their placeholder (e.g., Who are we? What do we bring to the table?).

Commitment in Communication

The last and unique aspect of professional communication is the need to ensure commitment. This comes in two angles – first, commitment to the ongoing relationship between the communicator and audience, and second, commitment to the longevity of the message/content being delivered. This goes beyond instructions or deliverables for the audience. A professional commitment bridge leverages an open, approachable communicator!

To start this process, set the stage by inviting questions and conversations about your topic. For example, when conducting an audience survey, move to higher-order open-ended questions (e.g., why or how questions). Remember to acknowledge and affirm the responses shared by the audience! At the end of your sharing, build longevity by providing a contact point for continued engagement even past your time on stage (e.g., leaving an email or giving a discussion prompt).

Be that Professional Communicator!

As communicators, we are always looking for ways to improve our communication skills in various settings. While it is common to think of powerful speakers in the energetic style, there is a different style of quiet confidence that comes in a professional communication setting. We hope that with the sharing above, you, too, can cultivate that same style in your next stage!

In case this happens at a workplace meeting – WATCH: “How To Give Briefings/ Meetings Effectively & Naturally!”

If you are keen to take your public speaking skills & presentation skills (either business/corporate presentation / kids in-class presentation) to the next level so that you may communicate and deliver speeches with greater flair and charisma, feel free to check out our public speaking/ presentation skills course for adults and public speaking course for children below!

We want to help you bring out the best in your team, organization, and company. Public speaking and communication skills for the workplace, such as persuasion, remain a priority for most corporate training out there. We believe in staying ahead of the curve in sharing the contemporary communication skills to help you and your team remain relevant, competitive and nimble. Through our customized corporate training programmes, your team will benefit from an in-depth, hands-on, and potential-maximising public speaking & presentation skills training programme!

Feel free to reach out to us to curate your own public speaking corporate training programme for your team, company, or organization! Let us help you develop them into highly effective public speakers at work, empowered with effective presentation skills & storytelling skills – them giving speeches with charisma, influence and impact is something you can look forward to!