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
Monday, January 2, 2012
Monday, November 21, 2011
Toastmasters Conferences
Just back from an action packed weekend of Toastmasters. I attended the Toastmasters District 61 Fall Conference and had the opportunity to see the 2007 World Champion of Public Speaking - Vikas Jhingran - present a workshop on using emotion to capture the audience. He certainly captured our attention as he gave 3 fantastic speeches, including the one that got him to the world stage.
I also saw a fairly new Toastmaster give her speech as the test speaker for the English Evaluation Contest where she shared her dream of becoming a World Champion and I agree with all of her evaluators - she has the right stuff to get there and I look forward to seeing her on stage in the near future.
The weekend was filled with laughter and workshops and speeches and networking and meals and more. So much so that all I could think of when I got home was sleeping.
As the District 61 Public Relations Officer, I tried to capture some of the event and did a couple of video interviews which I uploaded to YouTube. But there is so much to a conference, it is impossible to capture the spirit of it. You have to be there to really drink it all in. If you ever have a chance to attend a Toastmasters Conference - take it. The next one for our District is in Vaudreuil at the end of April, but no matter where you live, there is a Toastmasters event near you. Check it out.
Fran
P.S. Here is a link to some of the videos I took videos
I also saw a fairly new Toastmaster give her speech as the test speaker for the English Evaluation Contest where she shared her dream of becoming a World Champion and I agree with all of her evaluators - she has the right stuff to get there and I look forward to seeing her on stage in the near future.
The weekend was filled with laughter and workshops and speeches and networking and meals and more. So much so that all I could think of when I got home was sleeping.
As the District 61 Public Relations Officer, I tried to capture some of the event and did a couple of video interviews which I uploaded to YouTube. But there is so much to a conference, it is impossible to capture the spirit of it. You have to be there to really drink it all in. If you ever have a chance to attend a Toastmasters Conference - take it. The next one for our District is in Vaudreuil at the end of April, but no matter where you live, there is a Toastmasters event near you. Check it out.
Fran
P.S. Here is a link to some of the videos I took videos
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
Friday, November 11, 2011
We Remember
I wrote this this morning while attending a Remembrance Day Service.
An hour of our time
Is it too much to ask,
to think about those who died
to keep our country safe?
To think about those who
continue to serve,
caring not for themselves,
but for those of us who remain here
safe and sound,
while they suffer in the trenches of wars
stationed far away from family and friends?
And yet, they continue to volunteer to serve.
No, an hour is not too much,
and a lifetime is not long enough.
Thank you to all who serve
and who have served in the past.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Fran Watson
An hour of our time
Is it too much to ask,
to think about those who died
to keep our country safe?
To think about those who
continue to serve,
caring not for themselves,
but for those of us who remain here
safe and sound,
while they suffer in the trenches of wars
stationed far away from family and friends?
And yet, they continue to volunteer to serve.
No, an hour is not too much,
and a lifetime is not long enough.
Thank you to all who serve
and who have served in the past.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Fran Watson
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Leadership
How to Become an Ideal Leader
When you are at work, do you get frustrated because things don't seem to be happening the way they’re supposed to? Do you see people milling around but nothing gets accomplished? And in the daily hustle and bustle, do you feel that your goals remain just that – goals? Then maybe its time for you to stand up and do something about it.
Most people are content just to stand around listening for orders. And it isn't unusual to adopt a follow-the-leader mentality. But maybe, somewhere inside of you, you feel the desire to make things happen – to be the head, not the tail. If that is the case, then maybe leadership just suits you fine.
Some people believe that great leaders are made, not born. Yes, it may be true that some people are born with natural talents. However, without practice, without drive, without enthusiasm, and without experience, there can be no true development in leadership. Good leaders are continually working and studying to improve their natural skills. This takes a commitment to constantly improve in whatever endeavor a person chooses.
What is leadership? To be a leader, one must be able to influence others to accomplish a goal, or an objective. A leader contributes to the organization and cohesion of a group.
Contrary to what most people believe, leadership is not about power. It is not about harassing people or driving them using fear. It is about encouraging others towards the goal of the organization. It is putting everyone on the same page and helping them see the big picture of the organization. You must be a leader not a boss.
To get started first of all, you have to get people to follow you. How is this accomplished?
People follow others when they see a clear sense of purpose. People will only follow you if they see that you know where you are going. Remember that bumper sticker? The one that says, don't follow me, I'm lost too? The same holds true for leadership. If you yourself do not know where you're headed to, chances are people will not follow you at all.
You must know the vision of the organization. Having a clear sense of hierarchy, knowing who the bosses are, who to talk to, the organization's goals and objectives, and how the organization works is the only way to show others you know what you are doing.
Being a leader is not about what you make others do. It's about who you are, what you know, and what you do. You are a reflection of what your subordinates must be.
Studies have shown that one other basis of good leadership is the trust and confidence your subordinates have in you. If they trust you they will go through hell and high water for you and for the organization. Trust and confidence are built on good relationships, trustworthiness, and high ethics.
The way you deal with your people, and the relationships you build will lay the foundation for the strength of your group. The stronger your relationship, the stronger their trust and confidence is in your capabilities.
Once you have their trust and confidence, you may proceed to communicate the goals and objectives you are to undertake.
Communication is a very important key to good leadership. Without this you can not be a good leader. The knowledge and technical expertise you have must be clearly imparted to other people.
Also, you can not be a good leader and unless you have good judgment. You must be able to assess situations, weigh the pros and cons of any decision, and actively seek out a solution.
It is this judgment that your subordinates will come to rely upon. Therefore, good decision-making is vital to the success of your organization.
Leaders are not do-it-all heroes. You should not claim to know everything, and you should not rely upon your skills alone. You should recognize and take advantage of the skills and talents your subordinates have. Only when you come to this realization will you be able to work as one cohesive unit.
Remember being a leader takes a good deal of work and time. It is not learned overnight. Remember, also, that it is not about just you. It is about you and the people around you.
So, do you have the drive and the desire to serve required of leaders? Do you have the desire to work cooperatively with other people? Then start now. Take your stand and be leader today.
To your leadership success
Fran
P.S. Did you know that Toastmasters has contributed significantly to the success of many of our leaders? Find out more here
P.P.S. For tips on Public Speaking click here
When you are at work, do you get frustrated because things don't seem to be happening the way they’re supposed to? Do you see people milling around but nothing gets accomplished? And in the daily hustle and bustle, do you feel that your goals remain just that – goals? Then maybe its time for you to stand up and do something about it.
Most people are content just to stand around listening for orders. And it isn't unusual to adopt a follow-the-leader mentality. But maybe, somewhere inside of you, you feel the desire to make things happen – to be the head, not the tail. If that is the case, then maybe leadership just suits you fine.
Some people believe that great leaders are made, not born. Yes, it may be true that some people are born with natural talents. However, without practice, without drive, without enthusiasm, and without experience, there can be no true development in leadership. Good leaders are continually working and studying to improve their natural skills. This takes a commitment to constantly improve in whatever endeavor a person chooses.
What is leadership? To be a leader, one must be able to influence others to accomplish a goal, or an objective. A leader contributes to the organization and cohesion of a group.
Contrary to what most people believe, leadership is not about power. It is not about harassing people or driving them using fear. It is about encouraging others towards the goal of the organization. It is putting everyone on the same page and helping them see the big picture of the organization. You must be a leader not a boss.
To get started first of all, you have to get people to follow you. How is this accomplished?
People follow others when they see a clear sense of purpose. People will only follow you if they see that you know where you are going. Remember that bumper sticker? The one that says, don't follow me, I'm lost too? The same holds true for leadership. If you yourself do not know where you're headed to, chances are people will not follow you at all.
You must know the vision of the organization. Having a clear sense of hierarchy, knowing who the bosses are, who to talk to, the organization's goals and objectives, and how the organization works is the only way to show others you know what you are doing.
Being a leader is not about what you make others do. It's about who you are, what you know, and what you do. You are a reflection of what your subordinates must be.
Studies have shown that one other basis of good leadership is the trust and confidence your subordinates have in you. If they trust you they will go through hell and high water for you and for the organization. Trust and confidence are built on good relationships, trustworthiness, and high ethics.
The way you deal with your people, and the relationships you build will lay the foundation for the strength of your group. The stronger your relationship, the stronger their trust and confidence is in your capabilities.
Once you have their trust and confidence, you may proceed to communicate the goals and objectives you are to undertake.
Communication is a very important key to good leadership. Without this you can not be a good leader. The knowledge and technical expertise you have must be clearly imparted to other people.
Also, you can not be a good leader and unless you have good judgment. You must be able to assess situations, weigh the pros and cons of any decision, and actively seek out a solution.
It is this judgment that your subordinates will come to rely upon. Therefore, good decision-making is vital to the success of your organization.
Leaders are not do-it-all heroes. You should not claim to know everything, and you should not rely upon your skills alone. You should recognize and take advantage of the skills and talents your subordinates have. Only when you come to this realization will you be able to work as one cohesive unit.
Remember being a leader takes a good deal of work and time. It is not learned overnight. Remember, also, that it is not about just you. It is about you and the people around you.
So, do you have the drive and the desire to serve required of leaders? Do you have the desire to work cooperatively with other people? Then start now. Take your stand and be leader today.
To your leadership success
Fran
P.S. Did you know that Toastmasters has contributed significantly to the success of many of our leaders? Find out more here
P.P.S. For tips on Public Speaking click here
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
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Seven Sins continued
Deadly Sin #6: Wrath
Andrew Dlugan sixminutes.dlugan.com
Wrath, or uncontrolled anger, is committed by a speaker who handles problems in the worst possible way.
As a speaker, you should always remain in control. No matter how bad your presentation is going, keep calm. Don’t let these frustrations provoke you:
When you make a mistake (even a big one), resist the urge to draw more attention to it by cursing yourself in an attempt to draw pity.
When an audience member is disrupting the room, resist the urge to “solve” it with sarcasm.
When the room or venue logistics fail, don’t start blaming the organizers or anyone else. Instead, roll with in and move on.
When an audience member is heckling you, do not take the bait.
Getting angry — whether at yourself, someone in the audience, or some other factor — is one of the worst things you can do. Your audience will feel uncomfortable and your credibility will be diminished considerably.
Finally, the first six speaker sins are all symptoms of the deadliest speaking sin of them all…
Come back and find out more
Fran Watson
P.S. In the meantime get more info on public speaking - click here
Andrew Dlugan sixminutes.dlugan.com
Wrath, or uncontrolled anger, is committed by a speaker who handles problems in the worst possible way.
As a speaker, you should always remain in control. No matter how bad your presentation is going, keep calm. Don’t let these frustrations provoke you:
When you make a mistake (even a big one), resist the urge to draw more attention to it by cursing yourself in an attempt to draw pity.
When an audience member is disrupting the room, resist the urge to “solve” it with sarcasm.
When the room or venue logistics fail, don’t start blaming the organizers or anyone else. Instead, roll with in and move on.
When an audience member is heckling you, do not take the bait.
Getting angry — whether at yourself, someone in the audience, or some other factor — is one of the worst things you can do. Your audience will feel uncomfortable and your credibility will be diminished considerably.
Finally, the first six speaker sins are all symptoms of the deadliest speaking sin of them all…
Come back and find out more
Fran Watson
P.S. In the meantime get more info on public speaking - click here
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