The year is coming to an end and it is time to celebrate the triumphs that were achieved within your company, as well as take into account the areas of opportunity so that, as a leader, you rethink your action plan. The time has come to thank and say a few words to your work team. Are you prepared to do it?
It is possible that, in the day to day of the office, your speeches are a requirement to give instructions to your collaborators; However, your end-of-year speech can be a strategy to create a connection with your team that will motivate and encourage them at the start of a new period, as long as you convey the correct message.
Your words are the impact to generate change, as well as the image you project and the communication you have, will be essential to attract the attention of your audience and listen carefully. It does not matter if it is for 10 or 100 people, the key is that all these elements must be coherent and effective.
1. Provide time and quality
Stop for a moment to think: What message do you want to convey? How do you want your audience to perceive you? Consider that if you have a dress code you have to respect it; however, you can add some details that identify you and are part of your personal brand and your essence.
It may be in the type of clothing you wear, for example, if the dress code is with a suit, you can opt for one that has a texture, color or pattern that you don’t commonly wear on a day-to-day basis. You can also play with accessories or even hair or makeup, without going beyond the limits established within your company.
2. Be specific
To maintain the interest and attention of your audience, your speech should not exceed 18 minutes. Focus on making your audience the protagonist of the new story and projects, don’t be afraid to see yourself vulnerable, you will generate greater empathy, closeness and a stronger bond with them.
3. Use body language
In body language, the hands play one of the most important roles, since they must effectively accompany your words to emphasize them. Avoid leaving them completely static, it will create an imbalance in your posture and they will perceive you as insecure. Do not talk with your hands together all the time either, as it is a closed posture that will project you distant.
Instead, open your arms, let them accompany your words naturally and make sure that all your movements are from the waist up for a greater projection and that all your audience can see them.
4. Practice a lot
Surely before the end of the year, the workload has intensified; however, it is important that you give yourself the necessary time to plan, develop and practice your end-of-year speech.
If you want your message to be fully understood and all the words you pronounce to be clear, try this exercise to improve your diction: say your speech with a pen or pencil between your teeth horizontally. It will help you pronounce each word better, you will moderate the speed and volume of your voice.
5. Respect your personality
Your speech must be consistent with your essence. Avoid rejection and lack of credibility from your audience by trying to be someone you are not. Instead, speak and act in accordance with your values, ideals, and personality that everyone has known about you as a leader for as long as they have worked with you.
These 5 keys will help you generate a greater impact with your personal branding and year-end speech, transmit credibility and strengthen ties with each and every one of the people who work within your company. Are you ready to motivate your team in 2023?
About Carolina Bejar
Carolina Bejar is an International Image Strategies Consultant, a specialist in companies and business executives. She has the highest level of certification in image, as well as certification in coaching.
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