Familiarity with communications styles will help you reformulate messages in terms that are natural to your specific spokesperson, says Joanne Y. Cleaver, president of Wilson-Taylor Associates. “Listen between the lines for cadence, vocabulary and communication cues,” says Cleaver, who offers the following style checklist:
Cadence: What is the spokesperson’s natural rhythm of speech?
Slow/deliberate/careful/precise
Motormouth/self-interrupting
Short/concise/clipped
Folksy/languid
Anecdotes: How does the spokesperson use stories?
Openers or icebreakers
Tied to current events
To illustrate key points
To underscore the emotional impact or connection with a customer, employee or stakeholder
Verbs: What kind of verbs does she use?
Academic/cerebral
Power/sports/weather/physical forces
Playful/poetic/punny
Domestic/homey/family
PR News subscribers can read more about speaking and communication styles in: "Create Compelling Messages by Helping Your Experts Find Their Voices."