Trust Me (PDF)

Nick Morgan shows how anyone can be an effective speaker by
presenting an image of authenticity and respect for their audience,
whether in a group presentation or a one-on-one conversation. He
presents a four-step process, perfected in his teaching at Harvard,
that enables the reader to use their own personal speaking style
while becoming a more persuasive and charismatic communicator and
leader. The basis of this process is the fact that when words and
body language are in conflict, body language wins every time. This
isn't easy to overcome, because normally body language is
immediate, while the words lag slightly behind, and even a
momentary conflict is perceptible to the audience. The key to
success is to train your body language to unconsciously align with
your message.

The four steps:

* Form the attitude and intent to be open, and then let your body
naturally express that intent. This feeling of openness will
naturally affect the content of what you are saying, and it's that
natural evolution that is at the heart of the process.

* Become connected to your audience. This creates a mutual
energy, and you will naturally begin to think in terms of what the
audience wants and needs in shaping your content.

* Ask yourself, what's my underlying emotion? Why does this
matter to me? Becoming passionate about what you have to say
naturally makes your audience care about it too.

* Really listen to the audience. Understanding their needs and
reactions will enable you to direct your communication in mutually
beneficial ways.