-Here is a suggestion that can slow down a presentation
and add a smoother transition from one thought to another when speaking, the
well planned SEGUES.
85%
of the world does not use appropriate SEGUES, instead they use filler words (eh, er, um) or minor
or irrelevant words (so, OK, and)
instead of using phrases that directly relate to what has been said and leads
to the next thought, next point or
story. Here are three examples 1- Speaking of _____, 2- Pondering this question
of ______, 3-That reminds
me________.
The
ultimate SEGUE is the PERIOD. Punctuate your idea with the MEANINGFUL PAUSE. In
writing it is the period. Hold the space for the audience to consume your last
idea and use that idea to lead to the next idea.
Example:
“The
Fall is one of my four favorite seasons.
It is a time to reflect upon our personal harvest.
”Speaking
of harvest there are few items we can gather during all the season, and
one of them is gratitude.
Gathering
our harvest of gratitude can easily be done by using the
Five Friends-Who, What, Where, When and Why. These are friends that act
as SEGUES, and also help control the internal, eternal often infernal Private Speaking
of our inner chatter by asking questions. Using questions to control our mind
is the basis for education and my favorite tool to handle the resistance we
have to creating life as we wish and curing Seriousitis™.
Who I
am grateful for are my children and the joy they bring.
Speaking
of joy the Church Choir rehearsal have been a joy to me and the
children. I invite you to join us for our public presentation.
When
I think of a public presentation I think of speaking coach Gary C
Smith. We are working together to keep our enthusiasm about life and slow our
speaking so we can all feel the excitement of harvesting our gratitude. J
Where
are you most grateful?
What
has your enthusiasm?
Why
not get excited about the wonders of life before our act is closed?
In
closing, it is how we SEGUE from one idea to the next that connects all
of us together as one people, seeking peace and happiness this fall season.”
Recapping:
A
SEGUE is a transition from one idea to another. Using a pause we can move past the
ums, so, and, and use verbs to connect to the next idea. Often it is a case of
repeating the last phrase, the next idea connects to the last.
SEGUES
are what makes an ARIA powerful, an essay make sense, a reason to pause to
honor our audience.
SEGUES
keep our audience paying attention.