Speaker’s Corner: Finding your speaking style

Columns Magazine Issue November 14, 2012

Popularized in the ’90s by Neil Fleming and Colleen Mills, the VARK (Visual, Audio, Reading/writing, and Kinesthetic) modality is a system of describing learning styles. The idea is that teachers can theoretically optimize their students’ performance by understanding how they learn.

Briefly, the categories can be described as:

1. Visual: Thinks in pictures, prefers visual aids and handouts.

2. Audio: Learns through listening, likes lectures and discussions.

3. Reading (and writing): Prefers information presented in words as in lists and textbooks.

4. Kinesthetic (and tactile): Learns by experiencing things like projects and dance.

In regards to speaking, good speakers videotape their speeches to finesse their style, often working with a mentor to hone their speaking personality. Dale Carnegie, author of The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking, begs us to “look for the single spark of individuality” and goes on to say, “Don’t let that spark be lost; it’s your only real claim to importance.”

The effectiveness of what you are talking about depends upon the manner of your delivery.

In short, learning your speaking style is essential to securing your popularity as a speaker.