In project management it can be very useful to have the skills to give a speech or presentation to use a second language. Perhaps like me you speak some French but are not completely fluent. Taking every opportunity to use the language will build your confidence and your fluency.
So, to up my game, I decided to join the Experience French Toastmasters Club and was excited at the prospect of presenting my first speech.
Where do you start with a project like this? One new tool we have to help us is, of course, AI.
The added value of AI and specifically ChatGPT
Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT is a valuable tool for preparation and can be useful for translating your speech.
ChatGPT can organize your thoughts, create an outline, draft your intended speech to eliminate repetition and enable you to view the speech in its totality, giving you the “bigger picture”. Most importantly, AI programs such as ChatGPT can be tailored to your own voice, to incorporate your vibe and authenticity.
The simplest way to do this is to download your previous speeches, and/or other writing content into ChatGPT. This allows ChatGPT to get to know you, how you write, the words and expressions you use. This enables ChatGPT to write as you.
When it comes to speech translation from one language to another ChatGPT can help by preserving the original intention and cultural nuances of the original language while adapting idioms, words, and expressions to the alternate language. Since there is no direct translation from one language to another, the best recommendation is read it and then review your intended speech with a Native speaker.
My experience
When the day for my speech came I was well-prepared and had checked my pronunciation and final text carefully. My speech started well, but within a minute or so, I could sense my audience members were struggling to stay engaged. Very soon I had completely, and irreversibly, lost them. What happened and why?
Although it is beneficial to present a speech in another language as a confidence builder, it is important to present a topic that lends itself to the speaker fully understanding and being able to resonate with what is being said.
That allows the speaker to be emotionally invested in the speech and able to change course if the audience is not engaging, for example, by using techniques such as adding humor or a personal story to pique the audience’s interest. I was unable to do that as I was not spontaneous in my thinking in French.
The opportunity to present a speech in a second language was the catalyst to remind me of the essential speaking elements that Toastmasters has taught me over the years: People do not remember you by what you say, they remember you by how you make them feel. My audience felt nothing because I was feeling nothing and therefore failing to deliver any emotion.
There are basic essential elements of engagement for effective public speaking and when these elements are present, a speech in any language becomes memorable, engaging and leaves the audience wanting more.
What the audience sees
Visibility is the initial impression you give to the audience and this first impression is crucial for audience engagement. For example, are you dressed appropriately? Do you look poised and confident?
When a speech is given in person stand in a spot where you are visible to the entire audience. Online, make sure you are centered in the middle of the computer screen with adequate lighting and a background that is not a distraction. That way your facial expressions and hand gestures will be seen clearly.
Eye contact is important. In my experience it is difficult to maintain eye contact while using notes. I am not suggesting that notes never be used. But, if it is necessary, be sure to maintain eye contact with an audience. Never read your speech.
What the audience hears
Just as essential as visibility is what the audience hears. You should encourage active listening by keeping the audience engaged. How do you do this?
What the audience feels
In preparing and presenting a speech how do you want the audience to feel? If it is something you have not thought about then you need to do so. A speech needs a clear (and relevant) message delivered in a way that keeps the audience engaged. It is about audience satisfaction.
Knowing you can give a speech or presentation in another language can be a great asset at work. However, the key lesson I learned from my first speech in French was this wasn’t all about me. It was about the basics of public speaking that we need to get right in any language.
Teresa Palmer is a member of Toastmasters International, a not-for-profit organisation that has provided communication and leadership skills since 1924 through a worldwide network of clubs. There are more than 400 clubs and 10,000 members in the UK.
