Have you ever noticed how some folks have small habits that become distractions that keep you from hearing what the speaker has to say?
That can be good or bad. Let's look at some of the current distractions or signature mannerisms of people in the news.
I recently saw the film The Dark Knight, and I couldn't take my eyes off Heath Ledger. His performance as The Joker has been hailed as terrific and the box office certainly confirms that.
As I watched him, I tried to see what was so compelling about him, aside from the makeup, which was mesmerizing. I finally realized that one way The Joker kept you riveted was the way he used his mouth.
He repeatedly licked his lips, a repetitive gesture that helped to convey his evil soul. It was a "habit" that helped to define him.
Don't be fooled into using his technique of repetition as a way to set yourself apart. What he used so effectively to convey his character may keep others from hearing what you have to say, if you have gestures or filler words that you keep repeating.
Make style compellingEvery "habit" or repetitive gesture or phrase you use can be a distraction, if you use it too frequently. And if someone begins to notice that gesture or habit, and becomes preoccupied with it, that may be the only thing the listener takes in.
Another example I've noticed is the way that Republican presidential candidate John McCain continually uses the phrase "my friends," when speaking to a group. Have you noticed it? I'm beginning to wait to hear it as I watch the current political theater.
Like McCain, many of us in business use filler like "Umm, OK" or "you see" or even the ubiquitous "whatever."
Don't make the mistake of using a phrase or gesture that defines you or distracts from your expertise and message.
Research tells us that style or presence is worth 55 percent of one's ability to convey a message and content is worth only 7 percent (with the way we use our voice the remaining 38 percent).
Make your style compelling by the way you connect with others with your authenticity and interest in them, not by a gesture or phrase that becomes the most memorable quality you possess.
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