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Basic Public Speaking
It has been said that most people fear public speaking more than death itself. While this does not mean people would rather be dead than speak in public, as some authors would like you to believe, it does illustrate why communication of ideas through public speaking is often avoided by professionals. Those who make it a point to embrace public speaking will have a major advantage over their coworkers and/or competitors. Who knows, the next time an author writes about great public speakers, your name can be on that list!
Fat chance, you say?
It could happen. It is possible. I know, because my first public speech (in a speech class) ended with me so overcome with stage fright that I stood there in front of the audience, holding a deck of note cards, not able to remember a single thing -- not merely the next thing I was supposed to say, but I couldn’t even remember what my speech was about!
That has changed. I am now able to stand in front of an audience and deliver my speech (although there is still an amount of stage fright). I’ve learned how to do it by following a simple set of “rules” or techniques.
- Have an introduction, body, and conclusion. Follow the age-old advice, "Tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them." Most people find writing the body first is most helpful, then either the introduction or the conclusion. Begin with an attention getting introduction and you will likely have an enthusiastic audience for the rest of your speech. The conclusion should consist of a powerful statement, quotation, anecdote, or other attention grabber. Never end a speech with, "that's all".
- Prepare. You cannot "over prepare". The better you know the material the more confident you will be when presenting and the more flowing the speech will sound. Videotape or record yourself if possible, or at least rehearse by watching yourself in a mirror. A dozen or more practice presentations will never be too much. When you are delivering your speech live, the same adrenaline that makes you nervous also helps you think better and find the right words to make your speech sound fluent.
- Carefully time your speech. Several studies have shown that 20 minutes is about the maximum amount of time listeners can stay attentive, after that, the attention levels begin to drop. Speaking is more stimulating than listening so although you may be excited to talk for longer, the chances are your listeners are ready for a break. All Toastmasters speeches have a maximum time limit and most of them have a limit of seven minutes.
- Act on every opportunity you can to speak. Anxiety of speaking is best subsided by experience. Also, volunteering to be the one who gives the speech will get you noticed and you will stand out as the leader. Join your local Toastmasters club (toastmasters.org) for some really great practice. You will be giving your speeches in front of a friendly supportive audience, ready and willing to help you reach your goals.
If you remember just one thing about public speaking remember this: have a point. All too often speakers stand up in front of an audience and blabber out one long stream of consciousness. Know what you want to accomplish when you begin working on your speech. Do you want to influence your audience? Do you want to sell them something? Do you just want to entertain them? Know what you want to say and build your speech around that. Keep that firmly in mind when giving your speech and no matter what happens you should always have that to say either to conclude your speech, to inspire you if you get stuck or in some dire situations as your entire speech.
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