Architects are part of a team. As you take on more responsibility, leading projects and people, effective communication in presenting ideas and information becomes more and more important.
Every professional needs to be able to speak to others with clarity and confidence. The good news is that articulacy and self-assurance can be learned and practiced.
Talk about what you know
Demonstrating detailed knowledge about your own part of a project in your own voice will always command respect, whatever the audience, points out Tracy Meller, Partner and Lead Architect on numerous projects at Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.
Architects should hold on to this premise even when they find themselves in a minority of one: as the youngest or the least experienced perhaps, or the only female presenting to a room full of men.
As a female lead architect at a high profile practice, Meller says she often found herself in intimidating situations, recalling project meetings from years ago that were sometimes “26 older blokes and me”. Do not fall into the trap of trying to provide answers or information that you do not have.
“I have seen junior architects trying to give themselves an air of confidence in meetings by pretending to have all the answers, but winging it is very dangerous on a project and may have serious consequences.”
This is as true at meetings with clients as it is in the workplace more generally, especially among new members of staff, Meller has found.
“You are there because you are good at your job,” reminds Meller. “Remember that when you feel the need to ask for information. You will get far more respect for doing so than pretending to know it all.”
Be yourself when presenting
Authenticity is a vital quality at work, explains Emma Zangs, who is a communication and movement coach well versed in effective speaking techniques.
Zangs has observed that, when we are under the spotlight, it is easy to fall into a way of presenting ourselves that is not genuine. Many of us will default to a fake persona when nervous. Our colleagues in the workplace, or any audience we might be addressing, are unlikely to be convinced.
“People respond to your ideas when the communication appears genuine,” Zangs points out. “We are very well trained as human beings at spotting fakes: we intuitively turn off if we are hearing someone talking in secondhand management speak."
"It is perfectly acceptable to come across as slightly vulnerable, or to not have all the answers," Zangs reassures us. "This honesty — being yourself — will draw in your audience, and generate empathy.”
Read the room/assess the audience
Meller says that while she won’t change who she is to suit the audience, she will definitely adjust her tone a little.
“There is a huge skill in reading the mood of the people you are addressing: the room and its dynamic. You get used to responding to it rather than pre-judging what it will be.”
While you should certainly prepare for a day to day project meeting, there is much more scope for in depth preparation when giving formal presentations. These can be practised and approached more as a performance. Of course, there is a danger that, if you stick to the script robotically, you will lose your authentic voice. Meller says she has been guilty of rehearsing presentations to death in the past.
The most important parts to nail are the beginning and the end, she advises. The middle is more likely to take care of itself. A good beginning inspires confidence, while a good ending will remain in the audience’s heads long after the presentation itself.
Find what works for you
“Different things work for different people,” reminds Emma Zangs.
It is important to find out what techniques work best for you. Do not just default to that stereotypical public persona of a dominant, charismatic individual. Techniques that you can "wear comfortably" allow you to adapt to any situation: be it a job interview, a client meeting, a networking event, a presentation to colleagues or an informal on site talk with an engineer.
See yourself through others' eyes
There are innumerable physical aspects which others perceive in us, from voice projection to the hand gestures we make. We can gain a revealing and often painful insight into how we come across by watching ourselves on film.
“I always tell people to film themselves,” Zangs reveals. “Everyone finds it cringeworthy initially, but it is easy to have a disconnect between how we see ourselves and how others see us. Film yourself and you will find out.”
This might seem contradictory: finding an authentic way to present yourself in public while simultaneously trying to change the aspects that are not working. Zangs sees it more as a process of self improvement.
“Seeing yourself from the outside helps assess what works already, what needs to be improved and lets you spot any unconscious bad habits.”
Staying grounded physically
When we are unsure of ourselves, nervous or panicking, we are more likely to end up speaking or moving inauthentically. Zangs places great emphasis on the anchoring benefits of controlled, self aware breathing.
She describes this as being grounded physically in your environment. Your brain should be consciously aware of where your feet are, of your own body, and of your breathing.
The science behind this is that one side of our autonomic nervous system (the sympathetic system responsible for "fight or flight" and our panic reactions), can be counteracted by the parasympathetic system which calms and relaxes us. Calm breathing and other techniques can be used to activate this.
“Being grounded in our 'performance space' and breathing properly creates a positive feedback loop that increases the effectiveness of how we communicate.”
These techniques have a happy side effect in keeping the unhelpful parts of your mind occupied. Our overactive, self sabotaging brains concentrate on carrying out these techniques and delivering the message we are there to present. There just isn't the space left for overthinking, anxiety or panic.
Thanks to Emma Zangs, movement and communication coach; and Tracy Meller, Partner, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.
This feature is one of a series that supports architects in building career resilience. The series helps architects at all professional levels with advice on career progression, advancement, promotion and learning.
The RIBA is interested in hearing from members about their own career challenges and successes. Please send us your own experiences, feedback and ideas.
Find out more:
- How to impress in a job interview
- What will help you take you next step up?
- Do you have the right technical and practical experience?
- The learning experiences that transform a career
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