Does monotone make you sleepy?

I was at a Breakfast seminar this week on Immigration. Quite an interesting topic, and also some great breakfast delights! Can’t say the same for the speakers.


First Speaker – great use of voice. Added in humour, shades of personality, hues of colour in his tonality and did a fantastic job of turning a rather dry topic of the rates of our ageing population and the need for immigration, into quite an intriguing and fascinating chat! Well done I say, especially at 7am!

Second speaker – had a better topic around some of the current trends and policy changes which are applicable to employers.... heard a few points but started to ask for another cup of tea at some stage to help me stay focussed. Learnt a few things... but not sure if I missed any major points as had a few moments of staring out the window!

Third speaker – third cup of tea required! No tonality, a little pitch used here and there, but unfortunately the lecturn was his friend... and also a great prop to hide behind.

Fourth and final speaker – I’m sorry, who did you say you were? It’s now 8.30am, I am on my fourth cup of tea and am actually adding sugar to pep me up! Wow, for such an interesting topic on employers who have not followed the rules of immigration and the repercussions, something which I really need to know, I was blown away at how much I actually didn’t take in. Nothing! All I could think of is: How can I help this guy be a better presenter? How can I help him understand non-verbal communication? How can I help him read his audience? And most importantly – why hasn’t someone given him the feedback??

So for anyone reading this, if you’re not confident in the speaking department, ask for help. Which would you rather: an audience of 100 engaged and looking at you with every word OR that same audience staring out the window or asleep at their tables? We all have the chance to change peoples lives by what we do and who we are. One amazing presentation and you have a fan club. Wow, now wouldn’t that be nice?

If you would like to improve these skills, let me know :-)