How to become a good "talker?

How can I become a better talker?

• If you've ever seen "The Social Network", you would have noticed that the actor who portrays Mark Zuckerberg, has a very clean, concise way of speaking. When I speak, my mind works faster than I talk, so sometimes what I say doesn't make sense. Also, I'll occasionally talk so fast, that I'll salivate rapidly, which isn't very professional. I've been told I'm a wonderful speaker (just completed my public speaking class), I just would like to become better, in a physical sense. Everything else, such as being enthusiastic, connecting with my audience, making eye contact, etc, I have down.

• Answer:

  There is some interesting research about mirror neurons and the how they allow human brains to connect or synch.  When you build rapport with the people you are communicating with they brains are more likely to get in synch with yours.  Rapport effects the processes and performance of brains. This synch can allow you the speaker to influence they way your audience's brains process information.  If I understand correctly, mirror neurons allow people to dance at a neural level. Like dancing it is important to build the skill of leading and following.  Try assuming the facial gestures, physical posture, rate of gestures and breathing rate of a person you are communicating with and see how that works for you. If you have some initial success, consider a deeper study of rapport and mirror neurons. I have used these techniques with success in staff meetings, patient interactions and with my children.  I find it doesn't work very well with my partner. ;)