Undercurrent Stories How Building Lego Can Help Improve Your Public Speaking: Michael Chad Hoeppner
Feb 6, 2025
Michael Chad Hoeppner, a seasoned communication coach and founder of GK Training, shares his journey from poetry to teaching effective communication. He introduces innovative techniques, like building with Lego, to enhance public speaking skills and reduce filler words. Hoeppner discusses vocal habits and their influence on audience perception, emphasizing breath support and clarity. He also recounts his experiences coaching high-profile candidates, showcasing the importance of authenticity, posture, and emotional connection in impactful communication.
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Other-Focus Boosts Communication
- Good communication arises when focus shifts from self to the listener.
- Becoming overly self-conscious triggers filler words and poor delivery.
Vocal Fry and Upspeak Downsides
- Chronic upward inflection (upspeak) makes statements sound like questions and diminishes authority.
- Vocal fry reduces vocal cord health and suggests low commitment to communication.
Finger Walking Exercise for Clarity
- Use the "finger walking" exercise to choose words deliberately while speaking.
- This technique replaces filler words with intentional pauses for clearer communication.
