“There is a strange sensation often experienced in the presence of an audience. It may proceed from the gaze of the many eyes that turn upon the speaker, especially if he permits himself to steadily return that gaze. Most speakers have been conscious of this in a nameless thrill, a real something, pervading the atmosphere, tangible, evanescent, indescribable. All writers have borne testimony to the power of a speaker's eye in impressing an audience. This influence which we are now considering is the reverse of that picture—the power their eyes may exert upon him, especially before he begins to speak: after the inward fires of oratory are fanned into flame the eyes of the audience lose all terror.”—William Pittenger, Extempore Speech.
Students of public speaking continually ask, "How can I overcome self-consciousness and the fear that paralyzes me before an audience?"
Practise, practise, PRACTISE!
Practise in speaking before an audience will tend to remove all fear of audiences, just as practise in swimming will lead to confidence and facility in the water. You must learn to speak by speaking.
Do not be disheartened if at first you suffer from stage-fright. For one reason or another, some master-speakers never entirely overcome stage-fright, but it will pay you to spare no pains to conquer it. Daniel Webster failed in his first appearance and had to take his seat without finishing his speech because he was nervous. Gladstone was often troubled with self-consciousness in the beginning of an address. Beecher was always perturbed before talking in public.
Be Absorbed by Your Subject
If you feel deeply about your subject you will be able to think of little else. Concentration is a process of distraction from less important matters. It is too late to think about the cut of your coat when once you are upon the platform, so centre your interest on what you are about to say—fill your mind with your speech-material and, like the infilling water in the glass, it will drive out your unsubstantial fears.
Self-consciousness is undue consciousness of self, and, for the purpose of delivery, self is secondary to your subject, not only in the opinion of the audience, but, if you are wise, in your own. To hold any other view is to regard yourself as an exhibit instead of as a messenger with a message worth delivering.
If the theater caught fire you could rush to the stage and shout directions to the audience without any self-consciousness, for the importance of what you were saying would drive all fear-thoughts out of your mind.
Far worse than self-consciousness through fear of doing poorly is self-consciousness through assumption of doing well. The first sign of greatness is when a man does not attempt to look and act great. Before you can call yourself a man at all, Kipling assures us, you must "not look too good nor talk too wise."
Nothing advertises itself so thoroughly as conceit. One may be so full of self as to be empty. Voltaire said, "We must conceal self-love." But that can not be done. You know this to be true, for you have recognized overweening self-love in others. If you have it, others are seeing it in you. There are things in this world bigger than self, and in working for them self will be forgotten, or—what is better—remembered only so as to help us win toward higher things.
Yours for Confident Public Speaking
Fran Watson
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Training In Public Speaking
“Training in public speaking is not a matter of externals—primarily; it is not a matter of imitation—fundamentally; it is not a matter of conformity to standards—at all. Public speaking is public utterance, public issuance, of the man himself; therefore the first thing both in time and in importance is that the man should be and think and feel things that are worthy of being given forth. Unless there be something of value within, no tricks of training can ever make of the talker anything more than a machine—albeit a highly perfected machine—for the delivery of other men's goods. So self-development is fundamental.” Dale Carnagey
It is an ancient truism that we learn to do by doing. The first thing for the beginner in public speaking is to speak—not to study voice and gesture and the rest. Once he has spoken he can improve himself by self-observation or according to the criticisms of those who hear. That is why the first speech given in Toastmasters is The Icebreaker – a simple 4-6 minute talk about the individual, who they are, why they have come to Toastmasters, or some aspect of their life that they would like to share.
“Many teachers have begun with the how. Vain effort! No one can learn how to speak who does not first speak as best he can.” Dale Carnagey
During the meetings, participants learn the qualities which go to make up an effective speaker; by what means at least some of these qualities may be acquired; and what wrong habits of speech work against acquiring and using the qualities which he/she finds to be good.
Experience, then, is not only the best teacher, but the first and the last. But experience must be a dual thing—the experience of others must be used to supplement, correct and justify our own experience; in this way we shall become our own best critics only after we have trained ourselves in self-knowledge, the knowledge of what other minds think, and in the ability to judge ourselves by the standards we have come to believe are right.
For more help in public speaking, check out your local Toastmasters club. There are clubs all around the world to help you become a better speaker.
Yours in public speaking
Fran Watson
It is an ancient truism that we learn to do by doing. The first thing for the beginner in public speaking is to speak—not to study voice and gesture and the rest. Once he has spoken he can improve himself by self-observation or according to the criticisms of those who hear. That is why the first speech given in Toastmasters is The Icebreaker – a simple 4-6 minute talk about the individual, who they are, why they have come to Toastmasters, or some aspect of their life that they would like to share.
“Many teachers have begun with the how. Vain effort! No one can learn how to speak who does not first speak as best he can.” Dale Carnagey
During the meetings, participants learn the qualities which go to make up an effective speaker; by what means at least some of these qualities may be acquired; and what wrong habits of speech work against acquiring and using the qualities which he/she finds to be good.
Experience, then, is not only the best teacher, but the first and the last. But experience must be a dual thing—the experience of others must be used to supplement, correct and justify our own experience; in this way we shall become our own best critics only after we have trained ourselves in self-knowledge, the knowledge of what other minds think, and in the ability to judge ourselves by the standards we have come to believe are right.
For more help in public speaking, check out your local Toastmasters club. There are clubs all around the world to help you become a better speaker.
Yours in public speaking
Fran Watson
Friday, February 1, 2008
What's In A Handshake?
All over the globe, people greet each other in different ways. This is brought about by different cultures. Even the primitives of yesterdays down to the present tribal groups use greetings to show respect and acknowledgement of meeting one another.
The primitives show their hands as a gesture that they come in peace. A roman salute during the time of Julius Caesar is done with the right hand clenched in a fist and sharply drawn to the chest. Grasping each other’s forearm by the hand is also practiced then. In the western world, youngsters greet each other with a high five (at times with both hands). Soldiers greet their superiors with a snappy salute. The typical handshake among the general public is done with each other’s palms interlocking.
If you are traveling to different places, it is still best to check first what the local custom is with regards to the proper greeting procedure. It is better to do it correctly than to be sorry after doing it. There’s a saying: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Proper greeting or handshake best describes this expression.
To know the right greeting procedure, ask around the local circle. Your good intention might be interpreted as an insult and you know what follows thereafter, especially in places where you’re a visitor. This becomes more important if you’re a first timer to a particular country wherein you’re not familiar with the cultures.
There are incidences wherein a handshake accompanied by another gesture is interpreted in more ways than one. Take for example, a typical handshake done by some politicians. A common handshake accompanied by a grasp by the left hand to the right hand or to the right shoulder of the other person may have different meanings to some people. Some interpret it as being overly comfortable with the other person when in fact the politician hardly knows the person. Between close friends, this may be proper. But between two individuals who hardly know each other, this may mean otherwise.
The lesson here is to be reserved in your gesture. What is intended to be good might not be interpreted as such.
In the event that there is confusion on how the proper gesture in a locality is administered, it may be safer to throw a sincere smile instead of a handshake. Since a handshake is considered a type of body language, so is a smile. A smile almost always never fails in any culture around the world.
Local folks who extend their hands or greet first may also give you an idea of the way a greeting is administered in a certain place. Duplicating what they do or simply returning the favor can be safely assumed to be the proper way a greeting should be done in that place.
Some athletes who have strong hands are cautious in shaking hands because they fear hurting other people’s hands. As for those whose livelihood is dependent on their hands, like surgeons, dentists, and musicians, they are likewise cautious in shaking other people’s hands. This time it’s their hands they want to protect.
So, what’s in a handshake? It may be just a casual greeting but it may also mean a lot.
Happy greetings
Fran
The primitives show their hands as a gesture that they come in peace. A roman salute during the time of Julius Caesar is done with the right hand clenched in a fist and sharply drawn to the chest. Grasping each other’s forearm by the hand is also practiced then. In the western world, youngsters greet each other with a high five (at times with both hands). Soldiers greet their superiors with a snappy salute. The typical handshake among the general public is done with each other’s palms interlocking.
If you are traveling to different places, it is still best to check first what the local custom is with regards to the proper greeting procedure. It is better to do it correctly than to be sorry after doing it. There’s a saying: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Proper greeting or handshake best describes this expression.
To know the right greeting procedure, ask around the local circle. Your good intention might be interpreted as an insult and you know what follows thereafter, especially in places where you’re a visitor. This becomes more important if you’re a first timer to a particular country wherein you’re not familiar with the cultures.
There are incidences wherein a handshake accompanied by another gesture is interpreted in more ways than one. Take for example, a typical handshake done by some politicians. A common handshake accompanied by a grasp by the left hand to the right hand or to the right shoulder of the other person may have different meanings to some people. Some interpret it as being overly comfortable with the other person when in fact the politician hardly knows the person. Between close friends, this may be proper. But between two individuals who hardly know each other, this may mean otherwise.
The lesson here is to be reserved in your gesture. What is intended to be good might not be interpreted as such.
In the event that there is confusion on how the proper gesture in a locality is administered, it may be safer to throw a sincere smile instead of a handshake. Since a handshake is considered a type of body language, so is a smile. A smile almost always never fails in any culture around the world.
Local folks who extend their hands or greet first may also give you an idea of the way a greeting is administered in a certain place. Duplicating what they do or simply returning the favor can be safely assumed to be the proper way a greeting should be done in that place.
Some athletes who have strong hands are cautious in shaking hands because they fear hurting other people’s hands. As for those whose livelihood is dependent on their hands, like surgeons, dentists, and musicians, they are likewise cautious in shaking other people’s hands. This time it’s their hands they want to protect.
So, what’s in a handshake? It may be just a casual greeting but it may also mean a lot.
Happy greetings
Fran
Keep Their Attention
In almost all gatherings (conventions, alumni homecomings, commencement exercises, fund raising or awarding ceremonies), guest speakers are usually invited to highlight the occasion.
To make the gathering memorable, guest speakers are selected for a certain reason, some according to their popularity and accomplishments. As much as possible, the speaker’s profession or line of achievement must be in some way related to the occasion.
Let’s say the occasion is a convention of home developers. The likely guest speaker to grace it could be a famous housing czar well known and respected by the city and state.
To impart a lasting impression to the audience, a speaker must find ways to keep the attention glued to his speech.
If it so happens that you are the invited guest speaker of a gathering, the suggestions below may help to keep your audience listening instead of walking around or doing something else.
1. Speak in a clear, crisp, comprehensible voice with an enthusiastic tone. Avoid mumbling. Try not to eat the words as if there’s a gum in your mouth.
2. Your speech should be in consonance with the aim of the gathering, touching on issues relevant to its objective and applicable to current needs for the benefit of the majority.
3. More speakers prepare a list of the issues they want to touch on instead of a speech prepared and read (or memorized) word for word. A spontaneous speech aligned on the ideas prepared or written on the list is projected more naturally.
4. Inject humor into your speech to keep the audience attentive and waiting for more. Studies reveal that, when humor is involved, audiences find the speaker interesting to listen to. But be aware not to go beyond the line of humor because this may unintentionally embarrass others or be misunderstood by them. This might raise comments that criticize your speech. Try your best to avoid criticism.
5. When you raise an issue, one of the best ways to project it is by citing instances or examples. Correlate the example and the issue clearly.
6. Suppose the gathering was organized to save an industry or boost the morale of those that will be directly and indirectly affected by it. Try your best to deliver an inspiring speech. A speech filled with positive thoughts, like projecting a bright tomorrow, can turn a depressive mood into an enthusiastic one. If you are well versed on the industry with a solution to offer to suppress its downtrend, then say it.
7. Audience participation may seem to turn your speech into a discussion, but it is one way to confirm effectiveness of what you are saying or offering.
8. Image how the industry will look like 5 or 10 years from now on a positive flight. Be specific and realistic in your projection. If hard work is called for, say so.
9. Leave a lasting, meaningful message as you wrap up your speech.
A speech that leaves the audience thinking long after the speech has been made will also leave the audience remembering the speaker for a long time.
Yours for a happy audience!
Fran Watson
To make the gathering memorable, guest speakers are selected for a certain reason, some according to their popularity and accomplishments. As much as possible, the speaker’s profession or line of achievement must be in some way related to the occasion.
Let’s say the occasion is a convention of home developers. The likely guest speaker to grace it could be a famous housing czar well known and respected by the city and state.
To impart a lasting impression to the audience, a speaker must find ways to keep the attention glued to his speech.
If it so happens that you are the invited guest speaker of a gathering, the suggestions below may help to keep your audience listening instead of walking around or doing something else.
1. Speak in a clear, crisp, comprehensible voice with an enthusiastic tone. Avoid mumbling. Try not to eat the words as if there’s a gum in your mouth.
2. Your speech should be in consonance with the aim of the gathering, touching on issues relevant to its objective and applicable to current needs for the benefit of the majority.
3. More speakers prepare a list of the issues they want to touch on instead of a speech prepared and read (or memorized) word for word. A spontaneous speech aligned on the ideas prepared or written on the list is projected more naturally.
4. Inject humor into your speech to keep the audience attentive and waiting for more. Studies reveal that, when humor is involved, audiences find the speaker interesting to listen to. But be aware not to go beyond the line of humor because this may unintentionally embarrass others or be misunderstood by them. This might raise comments that criticize your speech. Try your best to avoid criticism.
5. When you raise an issue, one of the best ways to project it is by citing instances or examples. Correlate the example and the issue clearly.
6. Suppose the gathering was organized to save an industry or boost the morale of those that will be directly and indirectly affected by it. Try your best to deliver an inspiring speech. A speech filled with positive thoughts, like projecting a bright tomorrow, can turn a depressive mood into an enthusiastic one. If you are well versed on the industry with a solution to offer to suppress its downtrend, then say it.
7. Audience participation may seem to turn your speech into a discussion, but it is one way to confirm effectiveness of what you are saying or offering.
8. Image how the industry will look like 5 or 10 years from now on a positive flight. Be specific and realistic in your projection. If hard work is called for, say so.
9. Leave a lasting, meaningful message as you wrap up your speech.
A speech that leaves the audience thinking long after the speech has been made will also leave the audience remembering the speaker for a long time.
Yours for a happy audience!
Fran Watson
Body Language - Interpreting Confidence
Words of confidence can be heard when spoken, likewise words of confidence can be read when written or documented. But can confidence be interpreted from the actions of a person?
Yes, it can. As a matter of fact, action has a higher degree of consistency compared to spoken or read materials regardless of the subject involved. Whenever there is a cloud of doubt on the truthfulness of an issue under discussion, the language not spoken or read serves as the confirmation of accuracy. This is the language of body movements or gestures. In this case, the issue is confidence.
Take these postures as indications of confidence:
A confident person is most likely to talk spontaneously, without second thoughts on his mind, as can be seen from his eyes. The eyes are the gates to a person’s character. A confident person gives more frequent eye contact than a non-confident individual. He can look at you straight every now and then, at a longer time, and his eyes blink less (unless the person has a habit of frequent blinking which you will notice beforehand).
A confident person talks with hands away from his face. He doesn’t cover his mouth (unless he has halitosis or unless the person he is talking to looks or reminds him of something funny) or nose (unless he smells something offensive). He doesn’t scratch his head (unless it’s itchy because of scalp disorders).
A person beaming with confidence of having achieved much stands erect and proud. He shows that he definitely knows where he is headed. A straight back with chin up shows confidence and even superiority.
One of the most reliable indications of a confident person can be seen by the gesture of his hands. When each finger of a hand (in spread position) meets each equivalent finger of the other hand at the tips, it is a very sure sign of confidence. This gesture resembles the structure of a church steeple. This is the reason why this gesture is called steepling or tapering.
Some people openly show off this hand gesture when they are seated. They proudly show their steepling hands, indicating authority and showing they are sure of what they are saying.
You may notice that when a boss and subordinate talks to each other, the boss is most likely the one doing the steepling. While seated in front of a desk, the boss usually places his elbows on top of the desk with the steepled hands almost on face level as if he is looking through a screen).
As for a woman, she usually rests her elbows on the armchair when seated with her steepled hands on her lap. If she is standing, the steepled hands are usually in the waist level.
In most of the gestures, especially when it comes to the steepled hands, it is important to know if the gesture you see from the other person is truly indicative of his true emotions or personality. Make sure you are not being misled or deceived. This is especially true in dealing with people you hardly know and when sincerity plays an important role in the deal. You can check this by looking for other clues that are congruent or related to the gesture he is exhibiting.
How's your body language? Are you portraying confidence?
Fran Watson
Yes, it can. As a matter of fact, action has a higher degree of consistency compared to spoken or read materials regardless of the subject involved. Whenever there is a cloud of doubt on the truthfulness of an issue under discussion, the language not spoken or read serves as the confirmation of accuracy. This is the language of body movements or gestures. In this case, the issue is confidence.
Take these postures as indications of confidence:
A confident person is most likely to talk spontaneously, without second thoughts on his mind, as can be seen from his eyes. The eyes are the gates to a person’s character. A confident person gives more frequent eye contact than a non-confident individual. He can look at you straight every now and then, at a longer time, and his eyes blink less (unless the person has a habit of frequent blinking which you will notice beforehand).
A confident person talks with hands away from his face. He doesn’t cover his mouth (unless he has halitosis or unless the person he is talking to looks or reminds him of something funny) or nose (unless he smells something offensive). He doesn’t scratch his head (unless it’s itchy because of scalp disorders).
A person beaming with confidence of having achieved much stands erect and proud. He shows that he definitely knows where he is headed. A straight back with chin up shows confidence and even superiority.
One of the most reliable indications of a confident person can be seen by the gesture of his hands. When each finger of a hand (in spread position) meets each equivalent finger of the other hand at the tips, it is a very sure sign of confidence. This gesture resembles the structure of a church steeple. This is the reason why this gesture is called steepling or tapering.
Some people openly show off this hand gesture when they are seated. They proudly show their steepling hands, indicating authority and showing they are sure of what they are saying.
You may notice that when a boss and subordinate talks to each other, the boss is most likely the one doing the steepling. While seated in front of a desk, the boss usually places his elbows on top of the desk with the steepled hands almost on face level as if he is looking through a screen).
As for a woman, she usually rests her elbows on the armchair when seated with her steepled hands on her lap. If she is standing, the steepled hands are usually in the waist level.
In most of the gestures, especially when it comes to the steepled hands, it is important to know if the gesture you see from the other person is truly indicative of his true emotions or personality. Make sure you are not being misled or deceived. This is especially true in dealing with people you hardly know and when sincerity plays an important role in the deal. You can check this by looking for other clues that are congruent or related to the gesture he is exhibiting.
How's your body language? Are you portraying confidence?
Fran Watson
3 Easy Steps To Be Good In Public Speaking
Throughout the history of human civilization, people have been expressing their confidence and strength, not only by force, but also by the noble art of public speaking. The orators of ancient Greece were highly respected and valued in the community. Likewise, today’s world leaders are admired and esteemed when they have the power to address the public with poise and conviction. Think about people like Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Oprah and others.
Such a high regard for public speaking makes the average person cringe at the idea of talking in front of an audience no matter how big or small the size. Whether giving a toast at a wedding or delivering a speech to a large assembly, most people make a big deal about public speaking and try to avoid it as much as possible. But public speaking does not need to create such fears.
Although it may appear challenging, public speaking can be accomplished by following a few simple guidelines.
Before Making The Speech: Preparation
Like any other endeavor, public speaking requires careful preparation to be successful. Perhaps you have seen one of the “inspired” spontaneous speeches in movies. The reality is that those scenes are carefully rehearsed and such scenes rarely happen in real life. In order to have at least a decent speech, one must plan well. Even the world’s most famous leaders spend time to prepare for public addresses, and most even have teams to work on those plans. However, even if one does not have a speech preparation committee one can prepare for public speaking.
First, it is important to know what the occasion the speech is for. The Gettysburg address would definitely not be appropriate for a wedding, since a speech has to fit the event and the people who will be there.
Second, one should give careful consideration to the type of audience who will witness the speech. For instance, an assembly of academics would probably not take a perky speaker seriously; therefore one should choose a suitable public speaking style based on the audience.
Third, one should know what the expectations are for the speech. A farmer’s association would usually not be interested on a speech about the intricacies of beadwork. It is important to carefully consider the subject matter to be tackled as well as the time frame available before beginning to prepare the speech.
Making The Speech: Writing
When writing for public speaking, one should carefully organize the contents of the speech. It is important to begin with a very strong introduction in order to grab the audience’s attention. It is necessary to catch the audience’s attention early to prevent them from becoming bored.
Next, the body should be purposeful. You should try to cover only 2 or 3 major points. Be prepared with some personal stories to cover the points you are making and perhaps a joke or two to keep the audience’s attention when boredom arises.
Lastly, one should make a conclusion that sticks to the mind. No matter how stirring a speech is, it is useless if the people forget it the instant they leave the gathering. Conclusions should give a concise but memorable recap of the body and include a call to action of some sort.
Again, dazzling spontaneous speeches rarely happen in real life. Most good speeches have been written long before their delivery. While most noted public figures have speech-writing committees, one can make a good speech even without the help of a team of ghostwriters.
The Actual Public Speaking: Delivery
This is the part most people are afraid of; but when proper planning and writing is done well, the delivery should follow easily.
Before the actual time comes, one must decide whether to speak from memory or to use notes. Beginners often benefit from a script or a guide, however when one becomes more comfortable speaking in public, one can start relying from memory.
Reading directly from a script can be quite boring for the audience; thus, it is important to keep constant contact with them by making eye contact with all parts of the room. This requires practicing the speech so that at least some of it can be memorized, and you can effectively use pauses to glance at the audience.
Speaking from memory is quite impressive, but for a beginner it can be difficult to avoid missing some parts of the speech. Speaking with notes can be a good compromise so long as one is able to expound on the points well. Sometimes having a simple cue card with the main points is all a speaker needs. The choice of how to deliver the speech depends entirely on the speaker; thus, it is important for one to weigh the options carefully.
Learning More About Public Speaking
There are several resources to help you do well in public speaking. Several books and articles about the topic have been published. Many companies offer public speaking training, and such services provide in-depth courses that could help one speak well in public. You can join a local Toastmasters Club and learn public speaking techniques with other like-minded people. There are clubs all around the world. You will have the opportunity to learn and practice for a very small cost. You can also find articles and courses on the internet.
Public speaking is challenging, but can be a very worthwhile skill. With the guide provided above, one should no longer be afraid to speak in public.
Fran Watson
For more information on Public Speaking, sign up for my free mini-course.
Such a high regard for public speaking makes the average person cringe at the idea of talking in front of an audience no matter how big or small the size. Whether giving a toast at a wedding or delivering a speech to a large assembly, most people make a big deal about public speaking and try to avoid it as much as possible. But public speaking does not need to create such fears.
Although it may appear challenging, public speaking can be accomplished by following a few simple guidelines.
Before Making The Speech: Preparation
Like any other endeavor, public speaking requires careful preparation to be successful. Perhaps you have seen one of the “inspired” spontaneous speeches in movies. The reality is that those scenes are carefully rehearsed and such scenes rarely happen in real life. In order to have at least a decent speech, one must plan well. Even the world’s most famous leaders spend time to prepare for public addresses, and most even have teams to work on those plans. However, even if one does not have a speech preparation committee one can prepare for public speaking.
First, it is important to know what the occasion the speech is for. The Gettysburg address would definitely not be appropriate for a wedding, since a speech has to fit the event and the people who will be there.
Second, one should give careful consideration to the type of audience who will witness the speech. For instance, an assembly of academics would probably not take a perky speaker seriously; therefore one should choose a suitable public speaking style based on the audience.
Third, one should know what the expectations are for the speech. A farmer’s association would usually not be interested on a speech about the intricacies of beadwork. It is important to carefully consider the subject matter to be tackled as well as the time frame available before beginning to prepare the speech.
Making The Speech: Writing
When writing for public speaking, one should carefully organize the contents of the speech. It is important to begin with a very strong introduction in order to grab the audience’s attention. It is necessary to catch the audience’s attention early to prevent them from becoming bored.
Next, the body should be purposeful. You should try to cover only 2 or 3 major points. Be prepared with some personal stories to cover the points you are making and perhaps a joke or two to keep the audience’s attention when boredom arises.
Lastly, one should make a conclusion that sticks to the mind. No matter how stirring a speech is, it is useless if the people forget it the instant they leave the gathering. Conclusions should give a concise but memorable recap of the body and include a call to action of some sort.
Again, dazzling spontaneous speeches rarely happen in real life. Most good speeches have been written long before their delivery. While most noted public figures have speech-writing committees, one can make a good speech even without the help of a team of ghostwriters.
The Actual Public Speaking: Delivery
This is the part most people are afraid of; but when proper planning and writing is done well, the delivery should follow easily.
Before the actual time comes, one must decide whether to speak from memory or to use notes. Beginners often benefit from a script or a guide, however when one becomes more comfortable speaking in public, one can start relying from memory.
Reading directly from a script can be quite boring for the audience; thus, it is important to keep constant contact with them by making eye contact with all parts of the room. This requires practicing the speech so that at least some of it can be memorized, and you can effectively use pauses to glance at the audience.
Speaking from memory is quite impressive, but for a beginner it can be difficult to avoid missing some parts of the speech. Speaking with notes can be a good compromise so long as one is able to expound on the points well. Sometimes having a simple cue card with the main points is all a speaker needs. The choice of how to deliver the speech depends entirely on the speaker; thus, it is important for one to weigh the options carefully.
Learning More About Public Speaking
There are several resources to help you do well in public speaking. Several books and articles about the topic have been published. Many companies offer public speaking training, and such services provide in-depth courses that could help one speak well in public. You can join a local Toastmasters Club and learn public speaking techniques with other like-minded people. There are clubs all around the world. You will have the opportunity to learn and practice for a very small cost. You can also find articles and courses on the internet.
Public speaking is challenging, but can be a very worthwhile skill. With the guide provided above, one should no longer be afraid to speak in public.
Fran Watson
For more information on Public Speaking, sign up for my free mini-course.
Get a FREE Mini-eCourse!ENABLING AND MASTERING Public Speaking and All Types of Speaking in Public Practical Guidelines for Breakthrough Performance Simply enter your name and email address below to receive this FREE, five-part mini-e-course, which is taken straight from this newly released ebook. Enjoy this preliminary taste of things to come straight from the covers of this ultimate and comprehensive public speaking reference guide! |
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Fifty Basic Quick Tips for Speakers
Do both you and your audience dread every time you make a speech? Are speeches an awful chore that you avoid like a plague? Do your speeches evoke yawns rather than enthusiasm?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be in trouble. What is the secret formula to being a good speaker? Actually, giving a very good speech is not a magic trick at all but an art cultivated by following a few rules and constantly practicing. Here are a few guidelines that can help you become a better speaker.
1. Research your topic. Read about it, talk about it, and investigate it. The more you understand the topic the better you can handle it.
2. Jot down any ideas which come to mind so you do not forget them. In your reading, look for some natural idea structure on which to build a speech.
3. Decide on a central idea. This should be the main theme for your talk. Take into consideration your audience's knowledge and needs.
4. Develop main points which support the central idea. The idea should be divided into no fewer than two and no more than five main points. More than five points will be difficult for the audience to remember.
5. Investigate the particulars on your subject. Collect examples, anecdotes, definitions, comparisons, etc.; they can flesh out the main points by adding to their validity and interest.
6. Be sure to answer the questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how.
7. Choose only information with relevance, accuracy and some human interest appeal. Any other information will only confuse your audience.
8. Make an outline of your speech. An outline will help you to organize and pace your talk.
9. Write your speech in very simple language. Use short and direct sentences. This will make your speech easier to understand and give information more impact.
10. Follow a general statement with specifics. Substantiate generalities with authority or your audience will not accept them.
11. Do not overestimate information for the audience or underestimate their intelligence. Give them the facts they need to know to understand and accept your central idea but do not talk down to them.
12. Be careful in your selection of humor. Use jokes only if they are appropriate to your speech and to the audience. Do not bewilder the audience with meaningless humor or offend them with tasteless jokes.
13. Choose visuals that help tell your message. Avoid visuals that are so busy that they tend to overshadow your ideas and distract from your main idea or message.
14. Begin a speech with an attention grabber. Introductions should create a bond between audience and speaker. If you do not capture their attention at the beginning, you will not get any part of your message across.
15. Develop smooth transitions from one part of the speech to the next. Give your speech continuity by showing the relationship of each part to the whole.
16. Place cues for pauses, gestures, and audio-visual directions in the margins of your speech script. These cues can guide you during delivery.
17. In your closing, sum up the main points of the speech and again repeat the central idea. Such repetition will reinforce your message.
18. End with an appeal for action. This should be your speech's goal. By concluding with your plea for action, your audience will remember it longer.
19. Stay within your time allotment. Talking overtime is rude to the other speakers and the audience.
20. Put your speech on large note cards. Be sure your notes are lettered large and clear.
21. Rehearse. Nothing can make a speech perfect except practice and practice and practice. Practice with your equipment and assistants, if you are using them. When rehearsing, have someone critique your performance or check your own mistakes with videotape or a tape recorder.
22. Be sure all of the equipment is working to your satisfaction. Check on replacements in case of a breakdown.
23. Dress appropriately. Do not overshadow your speech with flashy apparel.
24. Stand erect but not stiff. Do not be afraid to move during your speech. Movement will help keep the audience's attention.
25. Take your notes to the lectern. Only a professional can speak without notes so do not trust your memory. Use your notes to guide you, but do not shuffle the note cards. It can become distracting.
26. Know your microphone. Try it out before the program. When it is your turn to speak, do not blow into the microphone or tap it. Gauge its power from the Toastmaster's use of it.
27. Start your speech with a sixty second pause and a pleasant facial expression. Relax. Do not start to talk until you are at the lectern and have everyone's attention. Give the audience a chance to settle down and respond to your presence.
28. Thank the Toastmaster and make the necessary acknowledgments. Be courteous but brief.
29. Start with the strong opening. Once the audience is yours, hold them. Try a meaningful joke or story. Ask the audience a pertinent question.
30. Explain why you are there. The Toastmaster will qualify you as a speaker on this topic but it is up to you to create an intimacy between you, your topic, and your audience.
31. State your central idea. Tell your main idea clearly and directly. This is the foundation upon which your speech is based. Be sure your audience understands it.
32. Make a point, then go on to the next one. Do not fill your speech with anticlimaxes. Forget the unimportant trifles.
33. Work to a climax. Know the goal of your speech and work directly toward it. Do not get detoured.
34. Speak in a varying tone. Use an animated conversational voice. Emphasize but do not rant and rave. Never rush your speech.
35. Gesture to make a point. Use your face and body to express what you are saying. Synchronize gestures with your words. Avoid fidgeting.
36. Maintain eye contact with your audience. Make friends with the group in the center, but remember everyone in the room.
37. Use your visual aids but do not hide behind them. Let them talk to the audience but do not let them do all the talking.
38. Unveil your props and visuals as you go along. Dispose of props after their use. Do not clutter the speaking area and your speech with unnecessary and distracting props.
39. Talk to your audience, do not preach. Give them your ideas not your education.
40. Forget the word "I" and stick to the word "you." Let the Toastmaster brag about you. You talk about your audience and their abilities.
41. Make use of pauses. Give your audience time to digest your ideas.
42. Invite audience participation. Put the audience into the act and you will have their attention and interest. They will remember more if they get to participate.
43. Summarize main points clearly and briefly. Relate them back to the central idea.
44. Close with a rousing plea for action. Be as sincere, honest, and enthused as possible.
45. Do not talk too long. Be fair to everyone. Do not get carried away with miscellany.
46. Make your script obvious but not awkward. Your trying to hide it is ridiculous and annoying.
47. Know your script. Read and re-read it, rehearse with gestures. You may want to memorize the beginning and the end so that you know them "cold."
48. Do not correct small mistakes. You will only draw attention to them and disrupt the continuity of your speech.
49. Say it; do not read it. Maintain eye contact with your audience. Look at the script, then talk directly to the audience. Think about what you are saying. Speak slower and louder whenever you must read a direct passage.
50. When you are finished speaking, hold eye contact for a few seconds. Avoid closing with "Thank you;" it is a weak crutch. Wait for applause and sit down after returning control of the lectern to either the person who introduced you or the person in charge of the function.
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be in trouble. What is the secret formula to being a good speaker? Actually, giving a very good speech is not a magic trick at all but an art cultivated by following a few rules and constantly practicing. Here are a few guidelines that can help you become a better speaker.
1. Research your topic. Read about it, talk about it, and investigate it. The more you understand the topic the better you can handle it.
2. Jot down any ideas which come to mind so you do not forget them. In your reading, look for some natural idea structure on which to build a speech.
3. Decide on a central idea. This should be the main theme for your talk. Take into consideration your audience's knowledge and needs.
4. Develop main points which support the central idea. The idea should be divided into no fewer than two and no more than five main points. More than five points will be difficult for the audience to remember.
5. Investigate the particulars on your subject. Collect examples, anecdotes, definitions, comparisons, etc.; they can flesh out the main points by adding to their validity and interest.
6. Be sure to answer the questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how.
7. Choose only information with relevance, accuracy and some human interest appeal. Any other information will only confuse your audience.
8. Make an outline of your speech. An outline will help you to organize and pace your talk.
9. Write your speech in very simple language. Use short and direct sentences. This will make your speech easier to understand and give information more impact.
10. Follow a general statement with specifics. Substantiate generalities with authority or your audience will not accept them.
11. Do not overestimate information for the audience or underestimate their intelligence. Give them the facts they need to know to understand and accept your central idea but do not talk down to them.
12. Be careful in your selection of humor. Use jokes only if they are appropriate to your speech and to the audience. Do not bewilder the audience with meaningless humor or offend them with tasteless jokes.
13. Choose visuals that help tell your message. Avoid visuals that are so busy that they tend to overshadow your ideas and distract from your main idea or message.
14. Begin a speech with an attention grabber. Introductions should create a bond between audience and speaker. If you do not capture their attention at the beginning, you will not get any part of your message across.
15. Develop smooth transitions from one part of the speech to the next. Give your speech continuity by showing the relationship of each part to the whole.
16. Place cues for pauses, gestures, and audio-visual directions in the margins of your speech script. These cues can guide you during delivery.
17. In your closing, sum up the main points of the speech and again repeat the central idea. Such repetition will reinforce your message.
18. End with an appeal for action. This should be your speech's goal. By concluding with your plea for action, your audience will remember it longer.
19. Stay within your time allotment. Talking overtime is rude to the other speakers and the audience.
20. Put your speech on large note cards. Be sure your notes are lettered large and clear.
21. Rehearse. Nothing can make a speech perfect except practice and practice and practice. Practice with your equipment and assistants, if you are using them. When rehearsing, have someone critique your performance or check your own mistakes with videotape or a tape recorder.
22. Be sure all of the equipment is working to your satisfaction. Check on replacements in case of a breakdown.
23. Dress appropriately. Do not overshadow your speech with flashy apparel.
24. Stand erect but not stiff. Do not be afraid to move during your speech. Movement will help keep the audience's attention.
25. Take your notes to the lectern. Only a professional can speak without notes so do not trust your memory. Use your notes to guide you, but do not shuffle the note cards. It can become distracting.
26. Know your microphone. Try it out before the program. When it is your turn to speak, do not blow into the microphone or tap it. Gauge its power from the Toastmaster's use of it.
27. Start your speech with a sixty second pause and a pleasant facial expression. Relax. Do not start to talk until you are at the lectern and have everyone's attention. Give the audience a chance to settle down and respond to your presence.
28. Thank the Toastmaster and make the necessary acknowledgments. Be courteous but brief.
29. Start with the strong opening. Once the audience is yours, hold them. Try a meaningful joke or story. Ask the audience a pertinent question.
30. Explain why you are there. The Toastmaster will qualify you as a speaker on this topic but it is up to you to create an intimacy between you, your topic, and your audience.
31. State your central idea. Tell your main idea clearly and directly. This is the foundation upon which your speech is based. Be sure your audience understands it.
32. Make a point, then go on to the next one. Do not fill your speech with anticlimaxes. Forget the unimportant trifles.
33. Work to a climax. Know the goal of your speech and work directly toward it. Do not get detoured.
34. Speak in a varying tone. Use an animated conversational voice. Emphasize but do not rant and rave. Never rush your speech.
35. Gesture to make a point. Use your face and body to express what you are saying. Synchronize gestures with your words. Avoid fidgeting.
36. Maintain eye contact with your audience. Make friends with the group in the center, but remember everyone in the room.
37. Use your visual aids but do not hide behind them. Let them talk to the audience but do not let them do all the talking.
38. Unveil your props and visuals as you go along. Dispose of props after their use. Do not clutter the speaking area and your speech with unnecessary and distracting props.
39. Talk to your audience, do not preach. Give them your ideas not your education.
40. Forget the word "I" and stick to the word "you." Let the Toastmaster brag about you. You talk about your audience and their abilities.
41. Make use of pauses. Give your audience time to digest your ideas.
42. Invite audience participation. Put the audience into the act and you will have their attention and interest. They will remember more if they get to participate.
43. Summarize main points clearly and briefly. Relate them back to the central idea.
44. Close with a rousing plea for action. Be as sincere, honest, and enthused as possible.
45. Do not talk too long. Be fair to everyone. Do not get carried away with miscellany.
46. Make your script obvious but not awkward. Your trying to hide it is ridiculous and annoying.
47. Know your script. Read and re-read it, rehearse with gestures. You may want to memorize the beginning and the end so that you know them "cold."
48. Do not correct small mistakes. You will only draw attention to them and disrupt the continuity of your speech.
49. Say it; do not read it. Maintain eye contact with your audience. Look at the script, then talk directly to the audience. Think about what you are saying. Speak slower and louder whenever you must read a direct passage.
50. When you are finished speaking, hold eye contact for a few seconds. Avoid closing with "Thank you;" it is a weak crutch. Wait for applause and sit down after returning control of the lectern to either the person who introduced you or the person in charge of the function.
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