In reading the session agenda during Bolsonaro’s trial, Minister was visibly tense, with the sheets of paper tremendous in his hands
Under the apparent calm, there was a great tension hanging in the room where the first class of the evaluation on Tuesday (25) the provenance of the PGR complaint about the attempted coup d’état. Face to face were the two biggest protagonists in recent history of Brazil, and.
It doesn’t matter if it was President of the Republic and this is at the forehead of one of the greatest political processes in the country, because they are, in fact, two human beings with their weaknesses and natural vulnerabilities. As hard as they could show themselves, in their veins, it runs blood as in anyone else.
Since not everyone realizes this reality, during the trial a fact drew attention: by reading the session agenda, Alexandre de Moraes was visibly tense, with the sheets of paper trembling in his hands. The episode surprised, given the powerful figure represented by the minister.
What some do not know is that, just as the podium shows the strength and conviction of the speaker, can also reveal his nervousness and discomfort, especially to read the speech. Reading is undoubtedly the most difficult activity of the art of public speaking. We rarely find someone who has full mastery of this type of communication.
Technical questions
The difficulty in reading well is explained for several reasons, being the most relevant technical. It is necessary to hit the height of the paper: if it gets too low, it can make reading difficult; If too high, it will hide the speaker’s face. Only those who have experience know that the best position is at the top of the chest.
When leaving the leaves in the right place, the reading becomes more comfortable, allowing the audience to see the fisconomy of the speaker and favoring eye contact. With each prolonged pause and in the finals of the sentence, it should look at the listeners, demonstrating that the message is being addressed to them.
The thumb finger
A precious tip: After looking at the audience, so as not to get in the way of returning to the text, a good resource is to mark the reading line with the thumb. Thus, it will avoid the return to the paper and the unnecessary pressure, as it will know exactly where it has stopped.
Another important recommendation is to alternate the look between those on the right and who is on the left. With this care, listeners will feel included in the communication process, as eye contact will fulfill their function: value and honor the presence of all.
Experienced speakers feel difficult
What happened to the minister even occurs with the best and most experienced speakers. I remember when José Sarney was president. In the last year of his mandate as chief executive, when speaking in Congress, even with his long years of experience, his hands trembled uncontrollably, shaking the leaves he held.
In such cases, the phenomenon of adrenaline discharge feedback occurs. When the speaker realizes that his tremor was noticed by the audience, it is even more vulnerable. Feeling powerless to control the situation, the adrenal glands pour more adrenaline to increase blood pressure, strengthen the muscles, and prepare the body for the escape of that moment of tension.
The hands are trembling
Since it cannot escape, adrenaline is not metabolized and, among the effects caused, leaves hands shaking. If there is nowhere to support the leaves, embarrassment before the public is inevitable.
Whenever I train someone to read speeches at important events, I recommend using leaves with higher weight. Thus, if there is a slight tremor, this emotional imbalance may go unnoticed by the audience.
Text Markings
Another recommendation is to make markings in the text. For example, a vertical trait in the places where expressive pause should occur; and two vertical features that will indicate the most suitable moment to look toward the listeners. With plenty of training, these notes will allow the message to be well interpreted and will make the speaker feel safer and confident in front of the audience.
These examples are valuable for those who make public presentations. Like people in high hierarchical positions, such as the minister, they can be surprised by an unexpected nervousness, anyone can go through the same situation.
All care is little
Therefore, it is prudent to be careful when reading a speech. First, train a lot. Then take care of the aesthetic aspects: correct paper height, eye contact with the audience, marking the text with finger, and print on firmer paper.
Ah, whenever possible, leave the leaves on a table or in a pulpit. So the hands will have where to support yourself if you lack security. If the minister had done this, perhaps today we were not talking about his performance as a speaker at that event. Follow on Instagram: @polito.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the young Pan.
