***When You Speak in a Monotone, You May Be Sending the Wrong Impression

Whether it is in public speaking, the sales presentation, or just normal conversation, speaking in a monotone does not captivate, enthuse, or even interest your listeners. If you know that you exhibit this trait, then it is important to realize that your delivery is flat, lifeless and dull, all characteristics that can put others to sleep. Imagine watching a movie. If the entire cast spoke in a monotone with no expression, excitement or emotion, you would not be much enamored with the production. Do you not owe it to your listeners or your audience to make your delivery interesting when you speak? You certainly have emotion inside of you. The secret is to allow that emotion to be seen and to be heard. If you would like to test yourself, go stand in front of a mirror and say the following words as if you were thrilled. I won it! Did your face show pleasure? Did you voice sound excited? Now say the same words again as if you do not believe it. I won it? What did your voice and face tell you this time? Perhaps you squinted as you said it or maybe your eyebrows furled. Did the pitch of your voice rise at the end of that question? How much difference was there between the 2 deliveries? If you didn’t see or hear a change, then you need to work on this. Do not allow your inhibitions to hide your how you feel. The majority of people indeed speak with color – the life and the emotion one displays in talking. If you tell yourself that you cannot speak with color, then you must accept the fact that you are not part of the norm. You have it in you to be more expressive if you allow it to be. You may wrongly think that it is a weakness, that by opening up you are exposing your vulnerabilities. You could not be more mistaken. By keeping your emotions hidden, you are not being open to (or honest with) your friends, family or colleagues. In this case, you are most definitely sending the wrong message. Others may find you not only dull and boring, but they may perceive you as being cold and/or disinterested. It is also possible that your lack of expression may tell others that you are aloof or pompous. If these descriptions bother you, then make the change and notice the difference in how others regard you. You owe it to them as well as yourself.