Any public speaking involves delivering information to people who are, in one way or another, waiting to get some information. This is a key reason why you should pay careful attention as you prepare to make your speech and as you plan to meet your audience.
Some people are naturals at public speaking and getting to audiences, you may think of politicians or a good college professor you took some classes with, the fact of the matter is most people are not good at making speeches and the vast majority of people are terrified of delivering a speech. This should not discourage you in any way, since many experts have studied this and worked hard to help you to deal with these problems in speech making.
If you are at a point that you are going to deliver a speech, you are probably at a stage in your life where your thoughts are worth something to other people. This means that in principle, people want to get into your head and they appreciate your talent or skill in some particular field. The people that will listen to you have something to learn from you. But you are not thinking of these people, are you? You are thinking of the few people that probably know more than you and will be in the crowd. This is a big mistake, first because you should think of the person that will profit from your knowledge and get to him, and secondly because you have something in you that will benefit even the people that you fear.
The key to all this is simple, it's preparation. It’s the most basic, banal and trivial thing, but it is the base of any success in any field. Lets think about speech making preparation.
First think about your audience. Who is the average person coming to your speech, what does he know, what does he need to know, what will inspire him and make him listen carefully to what you have to say, and how will you get him to appreciate your speech?
It is not that difficult, its actually good to start at this point, remember – people want to know what you are thinking, you just need to keep them interested, and I am sure you have many interesting thoughts.
Rehearse, this seems clear to me, practice the speech again, and again, and again. Obviously I know that you don’t have all the time in the world to perfect it, but, there is a value to this. Timing your speech and pre setting spots in which you know you need to change your tone, your speed and rhythm, will make you a better speaker and a better speech planner. So rehearse your speech and listen to yourself while doing it.
Start strong, confident, talk about things you know no one can beat you or undermine you. Let the confidence and the experience shine through, people feel that, and if you do this right, you will own your audience.
Think about your entrance and the first 3 minutes of the speech. Pay attention to the way you walk in, project confidence and calm, do not rush into anything. Even if you are late or under a tight schedule, do everything slowly and thoughtfully. Show the room that you are entering your speech zone and that no one is allowed in. They can sit and wait for a few seconds (which seem like hours) – its only a few seconds.
Make sure you got the attention of the crowd, and start strong. Pick the words of your opening carefully, and trust yourself.
Good luck.
Fran
P.S. Click here for more tips
Showing posts with label how to give a speech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label how to give a speech. Show all posts
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Public Speaking Tips
Any public speaking involves delivering information to people who are, in one way or another, waiting to get some information. This is a key reason why you should pay careful attention as you prepare to make your speech and as you plan to meet your audience.
Some people are naturals at public speaking and getting to audiences; (you may think of politicians or a good college professor you took some classes with), the fact of the matter is most people are not good at making speeches and the vast majority of people are terrified of delivering a speech. This should not discourage you in any way, since many experts have studied this and worked hard to help you to deal with these problems in speech making.
If you are at a point that you are going to deliver a speech, you probably are at a stage in your life where your thoughts are worth something to other people. This means that people want to get into your head and they appreciate your talent or skill in some particular field. The people that will listen to you have something to learn from you.
But you are not thinking of these people, are you? You are thinking of the few people that probably know more than you and will be in the crowd. This is a big mistake, first because you should think of the person that will profit from your knowledge and get to him, and second because you probably have something in you that will benefit even the ones that you fear.
The key to all this is simple--it is preparation! Yes, it is the most basic, banal and trivial thing, but it is the base of success in any field. Lets think about speech making preparation.
First think about your audience:
who is the average person coming to your speech?
what does he know?
what does he need to know?
what will inspire him and make him listen carefully to what you have to say?
and how will you get him to appreciate your speech?
It is not that difficult, it is actually good to start at this point, remember – people want to know what you are thinking, you just need to keep them interested.
Rehearse, practice the speech again, and again, and again. Obviously you don’t have all the time in the world to perfect it, but there is a value to this. Timing your speech, and pre setting spots in which you will change your tone, your speed and rhythm, will make you a better speaker and a better speech planner. So rehearse your speech and listen to yourself while doing it.
Start strong and confident. Talk about things you know so that no one can beat you or undermine you. Let the confidence and the experience shine through. People feel that, and if you do this right, you will own your audience.
Think about your entrance and the first 3 minutes of the speech. Pay attention to the way you walk in. Project confidence and calm, do not rush into anything, even if you are late or under a tight schedule. Do everything slowly and thoughtfully. Show the room that you are entering your speech zone and that no one is allowed in, they can sit and wait for a few seconds (which seem like hours) – its only a few seconds. Make sure you got the attention of the crowd, and start strong. Pick the words of your opening carefully, and trust yourself.
Good luck.
To your speaking success
Fran Watson
P.S. For more free speaking tips, click here
Some people are naturals at public speaking and getting to audiences; (you may think of politicians or a good college professor you took some classes with), the fact of the matter is most people are not good at making speeches and the vast majority of people are terrified of delivering a speech. This should not discourage you in any way, since many experts have studied this and worked hard to help you to deal with these problems in speech making.
If you are at a point that you are going to deliver a speech, you probably are at a stage in your life where your thoughts are worth something to other people. This means that people want to get into your head and they appreciate your talent or skill in some particular field. The people that will listen to you have something to learn from you.
But you are not thinking of these people, are you? You are thinking of the few people that probably know more than you and will be in the crowd. This is a big mistake, first because you should think of the person that will profit from your knowledge and get to him, and second because you probably have something in you that will benefit even the ones that you fear.
The key to all this is simple--it is preparation! Yes, it is the most basic, banal and trivial thing, but it is the base of success in any field. Lets think about speech making preparation.
First think about your audience:
who is the average person coming to your speech?
what does he know?
what does he need to know?
what will inspire him and make him listen carefully to what you have to say?
and how will you get him to appreciate your speech?
It is not that difficult, it is actually good to start at this point, remember – people want to know what you are thinking, you just need to keep them interested.
Rehearse, practice the speech again, and again, and again. Obviously you don’t have all the time in the world to perfect it, but there is a value to this. Timing your speech, and pre setting spots in which you will change your tone, your speed and rhythm, will make you a better speaker and a better speech planner. So rehearse your speech and listen to yourself while doing it.
Start strong and confident. Talk about things you know so that no one can beat you or undermine you. Let the confidence and the experience shine through. People feel that, and if you do this right, you will own your audience.
Think about your entrance and the first 3 minutes of the speech. Pay attention to the way you walk in. Project confidence and calm, do not rush into anything, even if you are late or under a tight schedule. Do everything slowly and thoughtfully. Show the room that you are entering your speech zone and that no one is allowed in, they can sit and wait for a few seconds (which seem like hours) – its only a few seconds. Make sure you got the attention of the crowd, and start strong. Pick the words of your opening carefully, and trust yourself.
Good luck.
To your speaking success
Fran Watson
P.S. For more free speaking tips, click here
Friday, May 31, 2013
Presentations
To quote Mark Twain: “If you want me to give you a two-hour presentation, I am ready today. If you want only a five-minute speech, it will take me two weeks to prepare.”
The communicator's job is to make the important, interesting. John Howze
Remember that accomplished speakers set themselves up to deliver high-value information, not to convey detailed, pedestrian material that is best read in written format.
The shorter a presentation, the better it needs to be organized. Use the time-tested “power of three” – introduction, body and conclusion – to structure your talk. Schedule three minutes for the introduction, 12 for the body (with four minutes for each of your three core points), and three for the conclusion.
However long you’re scheduled to speak, you simply cannot go over your allotted time.
Many attempts to communicate are nullified by saying too much. Robert Greenleaf
You can be a brilliant orator, but the moment you roll past your limit, your credibility begins to suffer. Today’s audiences, with busy work lives, have less tolerance for speakers who lack the discipline and manners to stop at the appointed time.
Rehearse your talk often enough so that if your presentation time is reduced for whatever reason (perhaps a technical malfunction at the venue), you can still deliver your material with confidence and clarity. It’s not about how long you speak. It’s about how well you connect
Jim Gray
Jim Gray is a speaker and communication skills coach in Toronto author of How Leaders Speak: Essential Rules for Engaging and Inspiring Others. Website: jimgray.ca.
Press on: nothing in the world can take the place of perseverance. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. Calvin Coolidge (1872 - 1933)
To your speaking success!!
Fran Watson
The communicator's job is to make the important, interesting. John Howze
Remember that accomplished speakers set themselves up to deliver high-value information, not to convey detailed, pedestrian material that is best read in written format.
The shorter a presentation, the better it needs to be organized. Use the time-tested “power of three” – introduction, body and conclusion – to structure your talk. Schedule three minutes for the introduction, 12 for the body (with four minutes for each of your three core points), and three for the conclusion.
However long you’re scheduled to speak, you simply cannot go over your allotted time.
Many attempts to communicate are nullified by saying too much. Robert Greenleaf
You can be a brilliant orator, but the moment you roll past your limit, your credibility begins to suffer. Today’s audiences, with busy work lives, have less tolerance for speakers who lack the discipline and manners to stop at the appointed time.
Rehearse your talk often enough so that if your presentation time is reduced for whatever reason (perhaps a technical malfunction at the venue), you can still deliver your material with confidence and clarity. It’s not about how long you speak. It’s about how well you connect
Jim Gray
Jim Gray is a speaker and communication skills coach in Toronto author of How Leaders Speak: Essential Rules for Engaging and Inspiring Others. Website: jimgray.ca.
Press on: nothing in the world can take the place of perseverance. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. Calvin Coolidge (1872 - 1933)
To your speaking success!!
Fran Watson
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Face Your Fears
"All your life you are told the things you cannot do. All your life they will say you're not good enough or strong enough or talented enough; they will say you're the wrong height or the wrong weight or the wrong type to play this or be this or achieve this. THEY WILL TELL YOU NO, a thousand times no, until all the no's become meaningless. All your life they will tell you no, quite firmly and very quickly. AND YOU WILL TELL THEM YES."
-, Nike ad |
Do you "feel the fear" when asked to do some Public Speaking?
Public Speaking is still one of our greatest fears and it turns grown men and women into nervous wrecks. The mere thought of it turns our tongue to cotton wool, causes our internal plumbing to act up and turns our knees to jelly.
Well, there's no need for all of this because help is at hand. All you need to remember are your P's and Q's.
Let's start with the P's
Preparation -
When you sit down to write what you're going to say, bear in mind who you'll be speaking to. Will they understand what you're talking about; will they understand the technical stuff and the jargon? If in doubt remember the old saying - "Keep It Simple Stupid".
Make sure that what you say has a beginning, middle and a conclusion. Think of some anecdotes that help reinforce your story. People think visually so paint verbal pictures for your audience. And always remember, people want to know what's in it for them - so make sure you tell them!
Place -
Have a look at the venue before the event if you can. It's not always possible, however, even if you get there half an hour before, you can check out where you'll be speaking. Stand at the point where you will deliver from, imagine where the audience will be and check that they can see and hear you. You may even wish to place a glass of water where you'll be able to find it.
Personal Preparation -
Before any Public Speaking event, think about what you are going to wear; when in doubt dress up rather than down. You can always take things off for a more casual look. Men could remove their jacket and their tie. Women could remove items of jewellery.
Part of your personal preparation should include some mouth and breathing exercises. Practise saying some tongue twisters to give your speaking muscles a good work out. Take a deep breath and expand your diaphragm. Then breathe out, counting at the same time; try and get up to fifty and not pass out.
As part of your personal preparation, write your own introduction. Write out exactly what you want someone to say about you, large font, double-spaced and ask the person introducing you to read it. Believe me they won't object and will probably be pleased and impressed.
Poise and Posture -
Whenever you're called to speak, stand up or walk to the front quickly and purposefully. Pull yourself up to your full height, stand tall and look like you own the place. Before you start to speak, pause, look round your audience and smile. You may even have to wait until the applause dies down. Remember, you want the audience to like you, so look likeable.
Pretend -
I'm suggesting you pretend you're not nervous because no doubt you will be. Nervousness is vital for speaking in public, it boosts your adrenaline, which makes your mind sharper and gives you energy. The trick is to keep your nerves to yourself. On no account tell your audience your nervous; you'll only scare the living daylights out of them if they think you're going to faint.
Some tricks for dealing with nerves are: Before you're called to speak, get lots of oxygen into your system, run on the spot and wave your arms about like a lunatic. It burns off the stress chemicals. Speak to members of your audience as they come in or at some time before you stand up. That tricks your brain into thinking you're talking to some friends.
Have a glass of water handy for that dry mouth. One word of warning - do not drink alcohol. It might give you "Dutch courage" but your audience will end up thinking you're speaking Dutch.
The Presentation -
Right from the start your delivery needs to grab their attention. Don't start by saying - "Good morning, my name is Fred Smith and I'm from Smith Associates." Even if your name is Smith, it's a real boring way to start a presentation. Far better to start with some interesting facts or an anecdote that's relevant to your presentation.
Look at the audience as individuals; it grabs their attention if they think you're talking to them personally and talk louder than you would normally do, it keeps the people in the front row awake and makes sure those at the back get the message. Funnily enough, it's also good for your nerves.
PowerPoint -
And for those of you who haven't heard of it, it's a software programme that's used to design stunning graphics and text for projection onto a screen. As a professional speaker, I'm not that struck on PowerPoint. I feel that too many speakers rely on it and it takes over the presentation. After all, you're the important factor here. If an audience is going to accept what you say then they need to see the whites of your eyes. There needs to be a big focus on you, not on the technology.
Use PowerPoint if you want but keep it to a minimum and make sure you're not just the person pushing the buttons. Why not get a bit clever at using the faithful old Flip Chart, lots of professionals do.
Passion -
This is what stops the audience in their tracks. This is what makes them want to employ you or to accept what you're proposing. Couple this with some energy, enthusiasm and emotion and you have the makings of a great public speaker.
Give your presentation a bit of oomph and don't start telling me - "I'm not that kind of person." There's no need to go over the top but you're doing a presentation to move people to action, not having a cosy little chat in your front room.
That's the P's finished, so let's look at the Q's.
Questions -
Decide when you're going to take them and tell people at the start. In a short speech it's best to take questions at the end. If you take them as you go then you may get waylaid and your timing will get knocked out.
Never - never - never finish with questions; far better to ask for questions five or ten minutes before the end. Deal with the questions and then summarise for a strong finish. Too many presentations finish on questions and the whole thing goes a bit flat.
When you're asked a question, repeat it to the whole audience and thank the questioner. It keeps everyone involved, it gives you time to think and it makes you look so clever and in control.
Quit -
Quit when you're ahead. Stick to the agreed time; if you're asked to speak for twenty minutes, speak for nineteen and the audience will love you for it. Remember, quality is not quantity. One of the most famous speeches ever - "The Gettysburg Address", by President Lincoln, was just over two minutes long.
Quit when you're ahead. Stick to the agreed time; if you're asked to speak for twenty minutes, speak for nineteen and the audience will love you for it. Remember, quality is not quantity. One of the most famous speeches ever - "The Gettysburg Address", by President Lincoln, was just over two minutes long.
Right, that's my cue to quit when I'm ahead. Now that you're armed with this information you too can minimise your fear of Public Speaking.
To your public speaking success
Fran Watson
P.S. For more tips on public speaking, Click here
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Dealing With Self-Induced Stress
Do you have just 2 minutes? That's all the time it takes to read the following article. But if you're really short on
time, just read the first paragraph. It summarizes the whole
text.
Enjoy!
Free article no. 134
DEALING WITH SELF-INDUCED STRESS
by J.A. Gamache
Third place Champion at the 2001 Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking
I learned an important lesson when I first presented my inspirational keynote entitled "Cross the line!". When striving for perfection, we can sometimes create our own stress.
After many years as an amateur speaker, I had accumulated enough material to give a strong sixty-minute speech.
One day, the president of a company saw my free presentation and was thrilled with it; so much so that he hired me on the spot to present it to his employees.
I was nervous. It was the first time I was being paid a professional speaking fee, so disappointing my client was out of the question! I interviewed him, adapted my presentation to his employees' needs, and then organized a rehearsal in front of a dozen people.
The rehearsal was a disaster! I was shaking like a leaf and my mouth ran dry. I had lost my usual stamina and was constantly looking at my notes because I was forgetting my text.
And the real presentation was only two days away!!!
Can you imagine how hard I worked over the next two days? I practiced my speech over and over again.
On the day of my presentation, just as I was announced to the audience, I realized that my notes were still in the car. Instead of panicking, I said to myself: "Tough luck. You know your text, and if you forget, you'll just improvise." So I went on stage.
That interior dialog was the turning point that made all the difference. Unlike rehearsal day, I didn't worry about being perfect, and most of my stress vanished away.
My speech was a success. Of course I forgot a small part of my text, but the audience couldn't tell. Having already put in all the hard work, I was able to relax on the floor and allow myself to perform without my notes.
This message is for perfectionists like me. Wanting to avoid mistakes at all costs during the performance may be the cause of your stress. It was a blessing that I forgot my notes that day. Instead of trying to be a flawless speaker, I was myself, and that made the day perfect!
Happy speech!
©MMXI J.A. Gamache www.jagamache.com. All rights reserved.
To your successful speaking
Fran
P.S. Sign up for my free ezine and get 800 speech topics - Click here
------------------------------
PERMISSION IS GRANTED TO REPRODUCE THIS ARTICLE in whole or
in part if a copy of the reproduced text is sent to J.A. Gamache at info@jagamache.com after publication and also provided that this byline, including the following paragraph, appears along with the reproduced text:
This article was reproduced from "Speaking in Public with J.A.", a FREE electronic magazine authored by J.A. Gamache, International Inspirational Speaker. To subscribe to his FREE e-zine or to find out more about his presentations, visit: http://www.jagamache.com.
Enjoy!
Free article no. 134
DEALING WITH SELF-INDUCED STRESS
by J.A. Gamache
Third place Champion at the 2001 Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking
I learned an important lesson when I first presented my inspirational keynote entitled "Cross the line!". When striving for perfection, we can sometimes create our own stress.
After many years as an amateur speaker, I had accumulated enough material to give a strong sixty-minute speech.
One day, the president of a company saw my free presentation and was thrilled with it; so much so that he hired me on the spot to present it to his employees.
I was nervous. It was the first time I was being paid a professional speaking fee, so disappointing my client was out of the question! I interviewed him, adapted my presentation to his employees' needs, and then organized a rehearsal in front of a dozen people.
The rehearsal was a disaster! I was shaking like a leaf and my mouth ran dry. I had lost my usual stamina and was constantly looking at my notes because I was forgetting my text.
And the real presentation was only two days away!!!
Can you imagine how hard I worked over the next two days? I practiced my speech over and over again.
On the day of my presentation, just as I was announced to the audience, I realized that my notes were still in the car. Instead of panicking, I said to myself: "Tough luck. You know your text, and if you forget, you'll just improvise." So I went on stage.
That interior dialog was the turning point that made all the difference. Unlike rehearsal day, I didn't worry about being perfect, and most of my stress vanished away.
My speech was a success. Of course I forgot a small part of my text, but the audience couldn't tell. Having already put in all the hard work, I was able to relax on the floor and allow myself to perform without my notes.
This message is for perfectionists like me. Wanting to avoid mistakes at all costs during the performance may be the cause of your stress. It was a blessing that I forgot my notes that day. Instead of trying to be a flawless speaker, I was myself, and that made the day perfect!
Happy speech!
©MMXI J.A. Gamache www.jagamache.com. All rights reserved.
To your successful speaking
Fran
P.S. Sign up for my free ezine and get 800 speech topics - Click here
------------------------------
PERMISSION IS GRANTED TO REPRODUCE THIS ARTICLE in whole or
in part if a copy of the reproduced text is sent to J.A. Gamache at info@jagamache.com after publication and also provided that this byline, including the following paragraph, appears along with the reproduced text:
This article was reproduced from "Speaking in Public with J.A.", a FREE electronic magazine authored by J.A. Gamache, International Inspirational Speaker. To subscribe to his FREE e-zine or to find out more about his presentations, visit: http://www.jagamache.com.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
How To Give A Presentation
Almost everyone feels a bit nervous about delivering a presentation before a group. It seems that some people would rather undergo a root canal than experience the anxiety of giving a speech. They must have a really good dentist!
If you can follow some basic guidelines for preparation and delivery, you can transform your nervousness into positive energy that will allow you to achieve the results you desire.
The secrets to successful presentations are simple and are based on common sense. Unfortunately, many people fail to discover these secrets.
Step One: Purpose
This first step is the most important step. You need to ask yourself some hard questions, such as:
* What’s the purpose of your presentation? Why this topic? Why you? There are many reasons to make a speech or announcement, and you need to clearly define your goal.
* Do you have to deliver bad news to your department?
* Do you require a decision from your superiors on a problematic business situation?
* Do you have a solution and want to convince people?
* Are you trying to sell a solution or product?
The reason you are giving your speech is to persuade your audience to buy into specific ideas. You must sufficiently inspire and motivate listeners to take action or give the green light to act on suggested solutions.
However, unless they believe they “own” the decision, they won’t act upon it. You need to lead your audience through the decision-making process so the audience members can go through it with you.
It’s critical to avoid spelling everything out for them. Let them “see” what the problems are and which decisions are needed. They will then be happy to engage in finding solutions and be enthusiastic about acting on them.
Step Two: Know Your Audience
Your audience includes those who may be influenced or affected by your proposal. Before you think about what to say, you must determine who your audience is and what they’ll need from you to buy into your argument. Always focus on your audience's interests.
Make sure you’re selling the benefits of your solution—not the features. For example, if your new program benefits the company by saving time and money, this is what you should emphasize. It will appeal to your audience much more than any discussion of actual program features.
Step Three: Structure Your Presentation
Most of the time, it’s a good idea to open with a story that reveals a picture of the problem at hand. Stories engage people, especially if they’re personal and real. They create an authentic connection and grab people’s attention. Remember: Your first 30 seconds are the most crucial.
Follow up your story with an honest analysis of the problem, and back it up with research statistics. The Internet makes this part of your task easy, but be cautious about spending too much time on stats.
Then, present the solution. This is the “good stuff,” as people want to know relief is in sight. Spell out the benefits to your audience.
Strengthening Your Presentation
Slides or PowerPoint graphics should supplement your talk and illustrate key points, not deliver the presentation for you. Don’t use graphics that contain every word you say, and never read directly off the screen. After all, if people can read the information, why do they need you?
Limit text to subheadings, which should be large enough to read from the back of the room. Don’t talk to the screen instead of your audience. And always be prepared for the possibility of a power or technological failure; bring handouts and have an alternative way to deliver your speech in case there’s no screen.
Managing Anxiety
Some experts suggest memorizing the first 60 seconds of your speech. If you do this, make sure it sounds natural and authentic. Because you’re likely to open with a personal story, introduce yourself and explain why your topic is so important to you. This makes the first 60 seconds sound natural, even if you memorize your text.
Don’t draw attention to your nervousness by telling your audience about it. You can share your feelings, but not your anxieties. Your goal is to present yourself authentically, as a real human being.
Don’t fidget or fiddle with your hair, clothes or body parts.
If you can follow some basic guidelines for preparation and delivery, you can transform your nervousness into positive energy that will allow you to achieve the results you desire.
The secrets to successful presentations are simple and are based on common sense. Unfortunately, many people fail to discover these secrets.
Step One: Purpose
This first step is the most important step. You need to ask yourself some hard questions, such as:
* What’s the purpose of your presentation? Why this topic? Why you? There are many reasons to make a speech or announcement, and you need to clearly define your goal.
* Do you have to deliver bad news to your department?
* Do you require a decision from your superiors on a problematic business situation?
* Do you have a solution and want to convince people?
* Are you trying to sell a solution or product?
The reason you are giving your speech is to persuade your audience to buy into specific ideas. You must sufficiently inspire and motivate listeners to take action or give the green light to act on suggested solutions.
However, unless they believe they “own” the decision, they won’t act upon it. You need to lead your audience through the decision-making process so the audience members can go through it with you.
It’s critical to avoid spelling everything out for them. Let them “see” what the problems are and which decisions are needed. They will then be happy to engage in finding solutions and be enthusiastic about acting on them.
Step Two: Know Your Audience
Your audience includes those who may be influenced or affected by your proposal. Before you think about what to say, you must determine who your audience is and what they’ll need from you to buy into your argument. Always focus on your audience's interests.
Make sure you’re selling the benefits of your solution—not the features. For example, if your new program benefits the company by saving time and money, this is what you should emphasize. It will appeal to your audience much more than any discussion of actual program features.
Step Three: Structure Your Presentation
Most of the time, it’s a good idea to open with a story that reveals a picture of the problem at hand. Stories engage people, especially if they’re personal and real. They create an authentic connection and grab people’s attention. Remember: Your first 30 seconds are the most crucial.
Follow up your story with an honest analysis of the problem, and back it up with research statistics. The Internet makes this part of your task easy, but be cautious about spending too much time on stats.
Then, present the solution. This is the “good stuff,” as people want to know relief is in sight. Spell out the benefits to your audience.
Strengthening Your Presentation
Slides or PowerPoint graphics should supplement your talk and illustrate key points, not deliver the presentation for you. Don’t use graphics that contain every word you say, and never read directly off the screen. After all, if people can read the information, why do they need you?
Limit text to subheadings, which should be large enough to read from the back of the room. Don’t talk to the screen instead of your audience. And always be prepared for the possibility of a power or technological failure; bring handouts and have an alternative way to deliver your speech in case there’s no screen.
Managing Anxiety
Some experts suggest memorizing the first 60 seconds of your speech. If you do this, make sure it sounds natural and authentic. Because you’re likely to open with a personal story, introduce yourself and explain why your topic is so important to you. This makes the first 60 seconds sound natural, even if you memorize your text.
Don’t draw attention to your nervousness by telling your audience about it. You can share your feelings, but not your anxieties. Your goal is to present yourself authentically, as a real human being.
Don’t fidget or fiddle with your hair, clothes or body parts.
Practice your speech in front of a mirror as often as you can, and minimize nervous tics by standing behind a lectern, if necessary.
Practice drawing a deep breath for instant relaxation. Take two or three deep breaths before you get up to speak.
To your success in speaking!
Fran
P.S. If you would like some more tips on public speaking, click here
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Public Speaking Tip
People have praised and respected over the centuries those who could speak well in front of a crowd. The audience is oftentimes left in awe at how these leaders express themselves well and eventually convinced them a great deal. Knowing how to speak well before a crowd is the best drawer of attention to a candidate leader.
Facing a crowd can be a serious jittery experience for some but for others, they found it fun and exciting to express themselves. But being a public speaker you ought to prepare your speech. You owe this to your audience.
Preparing yourself for a talk is not that easy. You always have to put your best foot forward. The best way to get your audience attention is to start your speech with conviction and end it with a thought provoking ending hoping to lead to positive action.
Some helpful tips are listed below to guide you in your speech.
Content
• A good speech summary is very important to wrap up your talk and get the message across effectively. Focus on the purpose of your speech: is it to persuade, inform or entertain?
• The body of your speech should be driven to one focal point meaning a message.
• Know the objectives of the event where you are invited to talk. Your speech should be tailored to your kind of audience.
• Be sure that your talk is meaty with facts, if necessary figures, but which you can explain easily during your talk and make it in layman’s terms. Facts should be accurate, objective and should be from credible resources.
• Have nice, catchy titles to draw more attention to your speech.
Acceptable Physical Appearance during Public Speaking
• Gestures, movements, facial and bodily expressions are very important because they reveal so much about you as a speaker and a person on how well-versed you are on the topic.
• Public speakers should exude pleasantness, enthusiasm and confidence.
• Do not read from your notes, instead maintain eye contact with your audience. Remember, you should speak and not read.
• Dress for the occasion.
Your Speech
• Speaking with conviction is very important in public speaking to gain credibility and respect.
• If you are to give a speech, train and prepare yourself to speak slowly, enunciate words clearly, pause and show the right emotions while sharing your topic. Most of all, talk to all members of the audience as a whole.
• Communicate with your audience – speak, listen, respond, adjust and adapt – if they have questions or reactions.
• Add-ons to speeches include: humor, handouts and audio-visual aids.
• and most important - Learn when to stop talking.
To your speaking success
Fran Watson
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Why Toastmasters
Here is a link to a video created by one of the District 61 Toastmaster clubs.
If you want more info on Toastmasters, click here
If you want more info on Toastmasters, click here
Monday, January 2, 2012
Improve Your Speaking Skills with Toastmasters
What Do You Fear?
For some, spiders; for many, ghosts; others would say heights, but there are those who would admit that public speaking is their greatest fear.
It is actually normal. Come to think of it, there is nothing more frightening than having to stand up and speak in front of a group of people who could sleep, shout at you, laugh at you, or leave while you are talking. Even actress Debra Messing of Will and Grace surprisingly had this fear all her life. And she’s an actress! Imagine how much worse this could be for those who haven’t even had the chance to go up om a stage ever in their lives.
Thankfully, public speaking is a fear that can easily be overcome. Even if you are not exactly fearful, but you think you still need improvement, you can improve your public speaking skills quite easily by following the tips below.
Be prepared and practice.
The value of preparation can never be overemphasized. It adds confidence and substance to your speech. Research your topic well and try to find the best way to present it. Outline your points and use cue cards if necessary. Practice your delivery to make sure that your talk will not exceed the time allotted for you and also so you can assess your delivery. If you are to speak at a very important engagement, try to practice your speech in front of someone who could properly assess how you have done.
Know your audience.
Technically, this is still part of being prepared but it is so important that it calls for a separate entry. Knowing your audience provides you with valuable insight on the type of presentation that would appeal best to them. It guides whether you can be casual and funny or whether you would have to be serious and sophisticated. It also gives you great input in streamlining your speech by suggesting what you need to include and what you can do without.
Dress the part.
As much as we refuse to admit, image is everything. How the audience responds to you highly depends on how they perceive you. Generally, you would appear as a more convincing speaker if you are dressed well. Also, since the audience will have to look at you anyway, might as well make that experience a pleasant one for them.
KISS. Keep It Short and Simple.
Even geniuses have limited attention spans. Do not bore your audience to death with a speech that is too long. The faster you can get your message across, the better. A short and simple message also appears smarter and it prevents you from being perceived as someone who came unprepared. It also allows your listeners to retain what you have said easily.
In addition to these, your public speaking skills will also be improved if you practice establishing eye contact with your audience. Also, if the occasion and your resources will permit, you can use visual aids such as slide presentations, product samples, handouts, etc to stimulate your audience’s attention. To cap off your presentation, you should be able to answer the audience’s question confidently and with tact.
Remember that there could really come a time when you will have no other choice but to speak in public. So you might as well be ready when that time comes. It could either be a disastrous or a pleasant experience for you; and you have all the power to make the most out of it. Follow the tips above and you’ll surely be on your way to become a natural at public speaking.
Toastmasters (www.toastmasters.org)can help you develop your communication skills. Find out more information and check to see clubs in your area.
You too can become a confident speaker
Fran
District 61 Public Relations Officer
For some, spiders; for many, ghosts; others would say heights, but there are those who would admit that public speaking is their greatest fear.
It is actually normal. Come to think of it, there is nothing more frightening than having to stand up and speak in front of a group of people who could sleep, shout at you, laugh at you, or leave while you are talking. Even actress Debra Messing of Will and Grace surprisingly had this fear all her life. And she’s an actress! Imagine how much worse this could be for those who haven’t even had the chance to go up om a stage ever in their lives.
Thankfully, public speaking is a fear that can easily be overcome. Even if you are not exactly fearful, but you think you still need improvement, you can improve your public speaking skills quite easily by following the tips below.
Be prepared and practice.
The value of preparation can never be overemphasized. It adds confidence and substance to your speech. Research your topic well and try to find the best way to present it. Outline your points and use cue cards if necessary. Practice your delivery to make sure that your talk will not exceed the time allotted for you and also so you can assess your delivery. If you are to speak at a very important engagement, try to practice your speech in front of someone who could properly assess how you have done.
Know your audience.
Technically, this is still part of being prepared but it is so important that it calls for a separate entry. Knowing your audience provides you with valuable insight on the type of presentation that would appeal best to them. It guides whether you can be casual and funny or whether you would have to be serious and sophisticated. It also gives you great input in streamlining your speech by suggesting what you need to include and what you can do without.
Dress the part.
As much as we refuse to admit, image is everything. How the audience responds to you highly depends on how they perceive you. Generally, you would appear as a more convincing speaker if you are dressed well. Also, since the audience will have to look at you anyway, might as well make that experience a pleasant one for them.
KISS. Keep It Short and Simple.
Even geniuses have limited attention spans. Do not bore your audience to death with a speech that is too long. The faster you can get your message across, the better. A short and simple message also appears smarter and it prevents you from being perceived as someone who came unprepared. It also allows your listeners to retain what you have said easily.
In addition to these, your public speaking skills will also be improved if you practice establishing eye contact with your audience. Also, if the occasion and your resources will permit, you can use visual aids such as slide presentations, product samples, handouts, etc to stimulate your audience’s attention. To cap off your presentation, you should be able to answer the audience’s question confidently and with tact.
Remember that there could really come a time when you will have no other choice but to speak in public. So you might as well be ready when that time comes. It could either be a disastrous or a pleasant experience for you; and you have all the power to make the most out of it. Follow the tips above and you’ll surely be on your way to become a natural at public speaking.
Toastmasters (www.toastmasters.org)can help you develop your communication skills. Find out more information and check to see clubs in your area.
You too can become a confident speaker
Fran
District 61 Public Relations Officer
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Videos
Hi
Are you using videos to help you with your public speaking? Do you tape yourself, or have someone tape your speech, and then sit down to review how you used your gestures, your vocal variety, your eye contact, etc.? If not, you should consider doing it as it will help you develop your public speaking skills more quickly.
This is a mini video that we used to promote our Poetry Night for our Toastmasters Club. When I watch it I can see many things that I need to change.
So, go ahead, be brave. Videotape your next speech, and begin improving by leaps and bounds.
Fran
P.S. Click here to learn more
Are you using videos to help you with your public speaking? Do you tape yourself, or have someone tape your speech, and then sit down to review how you used your gestures, your vocal variety, your eye contact, etc.? If not, you should consider doing it as it will help you develop your public speaking skills more quickly.
This is a mini video that we used to promote our Poetry Night for our Toastmasters Club. When I watch it I can see many things that I need to change.
So, go ahead, be brave. Videotape your next speech, and begin improving by leaps and bounds.
Fran
P.S. Click here to learn more
Monday, November 7, 2011
Deadly Sins in Public Speaking
Deadly Sin #7: Pride
Andrew Dlugan, sixminutes.dlugan.com
Pride is committed by a speaker who believes that public speaking is about them.
It’s not.
It’s never about you.
It’s never about your impressive accolades in your introduction.
It’s never about your dazzling delivery where you channel Churchill.
It’s never about your sumptuous slides which prominently feature your company logo beside dazzling 3-D pie charts.
Public speaking is always about the audience and the message you want to convey. Failing to put the audience first will kill any presentation. You need to perform audience analysis to discover how best to structure your presentation and deliver the message.
“It’s never about you. Public speaking is always about the audience and the message you want to convey.”
Avoid this sin by starting to analyze your presentation from the audience’s perspective. Amazingly, most of the other speaking sins will go away.
You’ll recognize that you need to prepare. (Sloth)
You will realize that you are uniquely capable of delivering your message to this audience. (Envy)
You will trim all of the fluff to deliver a message which is focused and easy-to-understand. (Gluttony)
You will respect the time your audience has given you. (Greed)
You won’t saddle your audience with your problems. (Wrath)
As for Lust when speaking, well… that’s just silly
I hope you enjoyed these tips from Andrew Dlugan. You can find a lot more information at his website: www.sixminutes.dlugan.com including tips for family members on stocking stuffers for public speakers. His site is pretty amazing and I would recommend you check it out.
To your success as a public speaker!
Fran Watson
P.S. For more tips on public speaking, click here
Andrew Dlugan, sixminutes.dlugan.com
Pride is committed by a speaker who believes that public speaking is about them.
It’s not.
It’s never about you.
It’s never about your impressive accolades in your introduction.
It’s never about your dazzling delivery where you channel Churchill.
It’s never about your sumptuous slides which prominently feature your company logo beside dazzling 3-D pie charts.
Public speaking is always about the audience and the message you want to convey. Failing to put the audience first will kill any presentation. You need to perform audience analysis to discover how best to structure your presentation and deliver the message.
“It’s never about you. Public speaking is always about the audience and the message you want to convey.”
Avoid this sin by starting to analyze your presentation from the audience’s perspective. Amazingly, most of the other speaking sins will go away.
You’ll recognize that you need to prepare. (Sloth)
You will realize that you are uniquely capable of delivering your message to this audience. (Envy)
You will trim all of the fluff to deliver a message which is focused and easy-to-understand. (Gluttony)
You will respect the time your audience has given you. (Greed)
You won’t saddle your audience with your problems. (Wrath)
As for Lust when speaking, well… that’s just silly
I hope you enjoyed these tips from Andrew Dlugan. You can find a lot more information at his website: www.sixminutes.dlugan.com including tips for family members on stocking stuffers for public speakers. His site is pretty amazing and I would recommend you check it out.
To your success as a public speaker!
Fran Watson
P.S. For more tips on public speaking, click here
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Are you Boring?
Have you ever been waiting your turn to speak and waited and waited and waited because the people before you, all of whom were allotted only 5 minutes have gone on and on and on.......?
Deadly Sin #5: Greed
From Andrew Dlugan sixminutes.dlugan.com
“Speaking for more than your allotted time violates the contract you have with your audience, and that’s never a good thing.”
Greed is the deadly sin of excess, and is committed by a speaker who goes over time.
Does this sound familiar?
“Oh, is that clock correct? I’m only halfway through…”
“I haven’t gotten to the good part yet…”
“Are there any objections to cutting our lunch break in half so I can finish this?”
Speaking for more than your allotted time violates the contract you have with your audience, and that’s never good. People are busy and do not appreciate having their time wasted. Nobody will complain if you finish a few minutes early.
If you go over time, negative emotions begin to fill the room, making you more susceptible to experience…
Yours to better public speaking
Fran Watson
P.S. Toastmasters can help you become a better speaker. You can learn how to estimate the time it will take for your speech and how to cut to the chase if you have too many words for your time slot. Ask me how.
P.P.S. For more information and help with public speaking, click here
Deadly Sin #5: Greed
From Andrew Dlugan sixminutes.dlugan.com
“Speaking for more than your allotted time violates the contract you have with your audience, and that’s never a good thing.”
Greed is the deadly sin of excess, and is committed by a speaker who goes over time.
Does this sound familiar?
“Oh, is that clock correct? I’m only halfway through…”
“I haven’t gotten to the good part yet…”
“Are there any objections to cutting our lunch break in half so I can finish this?”
Speaking for more than your allotted time violates the contract you have with your audience, and that’s never good. People are busy and do not appreciate having their time wasted. Nobody will complain if you finish a few minutes early.
If you go over time, negative emotions begin to fill the room, making you more susceptible to experience…
Yours to better public speaking
Fran Watson
P.S. Toastmasters can help you become a better speaker. You can learn how to estimate the time it will take for your speech and how to cut to the chase if you have too many words for your time slot. Ask me how.
P.P.S. For more information and help with public speaking, click here
Sunday, October 30, 2011
7 Deadly Sins - Tip #4
Have you ever given a speech that ran over time?
Deadly Sin #4: Gluttony
by Andrew Dlugan sixminutes.dlugan.com
Gluttony is exhibited by speakers who believe that more is always better.
More slides, more bullets, more examples, more facts, more numbers, more details, more words — more of everything.
Packing all possible material into your presentation and then speeding through it is flawed, despite your best intentions to provide maximum value. More is (usually) not better. Cognitive research shows that people have a limited capacity to absorb information (see Kosslyn’s Clear and to the Point and Mayer’s Multimedia Learning). Overloading that capacity will reduce their ability to absorb anything at all! Quantity is no substitute for quality.
It is better to focus your presentation on your core message, select only the very best support material (facts, slides, anecdotes), and speak at a reasonable pace. Supplementary material, if necessary, belongs in a handout.
All of this gluttony — too many slides, too many stories, too many details — leads the speaker down a dark and dirty path towards…
Come back to find out more....
Fran Watson
P.S. For more tips on how to be a successful public speaker, click here!
Deadly Sin #4: Gluttony
by Andrew Dlugan sixminutes.dlugan.com
Gluttony is exhibited by speakers who believe that more is always better.
More slides, more bullets, more examples, more facts, more numbers, more details, more words — more of everything.
Packing all possible material into your presentation and then speeding through it is flawed, despite your best intentions to provide maximum value. More is (usually) not better. Cognitive research shows that people have a limited capacity to absorb information (see Kosslyn’s Clear and to the Point and Mayer’s Multimedia Learning). Overloading that capacity will reduce their ability to absorb anything at all! Quantity is no substitute for quality.
It is better to focus your presentation on your core message, select only the very best support material (facts, slides, anecdotes), and speak at a reasonable pace. Supplementary material, if necessary, belongs in a handout.
All of this gluttony — too many slides, too many stories, too many details — leads the speaker down a dark and dirty path towards…
Come back to find out more....
Fran Watson
P.S. For more tips on how to be a successful public speaker, click here!
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