Posture – in a nutshell, there are two types of posture – open and closed. And, as you can easily imagine, the only one that is best during speeches is the open posture. What does it mean? Let’s not cross our arms over our chest, let’s not tuck them behind us, let’s not cross our legs. Let’s show that we have nothing to hide, let’s not hide behind any barrier, let’s not show hostility (arms crossed on the chest are the effect of subconscious withdrawal, sometimes even a manifestation of anger and displeasure).
The way we speak – not only what we say, but also how we say it is of enormous importance. The intonation of the voice, taking pauses between sentences and also the speed of speaking are extremely important. The optimum is about 125 words spoken per minute. However, even if we have a role to play, we should not try to win an Oscar… Over-expression, like a quadruple espresso, is not good…
Accessories and other embellishments – it is not only what we say and how we say it that matters. Equally important is how we look. OK, it is difficult to point out clear-cut dress guidelines. For we will dress differently for a press conference held in the field and for one held in elegant surroundings. However, the golden mean and common sense must be kept in mind: if you want to draw attention to yourself in an additional way, you can, for example, use red accessories (men a tie, women another element, such as a scarf). Eyeglasses on ¾ of the face, studded with sparkling stones in all shades of diamond are not a good option. Every element of your outfit should work together – if you want to be seen as an expert, do everything you can to present yourself as such.
Prepare an outline – never learn it by heart, but don’t drift off into the Akerman Steppes either. Let’s stick to the plan, remember that we are speaking for a specific purpose: we are supposed to give specific information, to give the media what they need. Anything beside that is superfluous. Who sleeps with whom, how (and whether?) they kiss – it is irrelevant.
Public speaking
Well, the very word ‘performance’ gives us a lot of leeway. After all, a speech is almost the same as a performance…In theory, since a performance, it must be a show. It is likely, therefore, that the Director approached her performance very literally. Certainly, however, she took it very wrongly. There are often public performances where you can afford to do a lot, even a lot. There are also others in which great caution, reasonable restraint and a simple, specific, non-joking message are recommended. A press conference by a representative of the services responsible for combating the epidemic is one of these. After all, sorry to say, in the current situation no one is laughing…
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