Public Speaking
Public speaking is an important success skill to learn, but it is still listed as most people's number one fear. However, the ability to communicate to a group of people is a key success skill. Most people are called upon to speak to a group of people at some time, and this ranges from a small group of people that you know at work or school right through to a large group of strangers. Skill in public speaking can be learned, and few people are any good at this without proper training. There are three key areas involved. Firstly preparation of what you want to say, secondly overcoming your nerves, and thirdly presentation skills.
Related Pages : Anxiety : Stress
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Darren LeCroix, explaining how he began speaking in public and eventually become a World Champion Public Speaker (See his downloadable course below on 'Get Applause Now') |
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Get Applause Now Darren LeCroix is a World Champion of Public Speaking, and in this eBook and audio downloads he shares his secrets to help you overcome your nerves and give powerful presentations whatever your level of experience. Downloadable eBook & Audios |
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Public Speaking Is Important
If you have a position of responsibility you will need to speak to a group of people about something. You won't be able to avoid this. The skills of talking to a small group of your colleagues or friends are the same skills that are needed to talk to a hall full of 200 people. It's just that larger groups seem to be more intimidating. Start off in a small way if you can by giving a small presentation, and work on these before trying to do a big presentation.
Learn From The Experts
Very few people have the natural ability to make great presentations, but it is a skill that you can learn, and once you start you will carry on learning, always getting better and better. Learn from the experts by listening and analysing good presentations. Use training materials that are available, such as the ones shown above or from local tutors.
Overcome Your Fear
It's OK to be nervous about speaking in public. Everyone is. The problem most people have to overcome is not to let this feeling of nerves overwhelm you. Many people report that their fear of public speaking is greater than their feat of death. This is obviously unrealistic when you come to think about it rationally. However, this fear can be overcome by the right sort of preparation and practice, and by starting with small presentations first.
Remember that the people in the audience are just like you, and they really want you to succeed. Nobody is out to trip you up. It's OK to make mistakes, you don't need to be absolutely perfect, but you do need to be human and be yourself.
Preparation is the main key to overcoming your nerves. If you are properly prepared then you should be able to overcome any little problems that crop up.It is important to arrive early and look at the room where you are going to present. That way you will know if there are any technical things to think about, such as if there is a place to put your notes and if you have to use a microphone.
How To Use Notes
It's fine to use notes, but don't just read them or try to remember a speech word for word. It's much better to use short notes just for the key points. Use the minimum of words that will prompt you to keep on track with the flow of your ideas. You don't want to be too polished. You want to look human and approachable. This way you can give the same speech many times, and it will be slightly different each time.
Visual Aids
Presentation software like PowerPoint can be great to support what you are saying, but be careful. 'Death by PowerPoint' is a problem if you don't make your slides interesting. Don't try and fit too many words on the slides. Less is more. Ideally just highlight the concepts. Pictures and videos are the most powerful for capturing attention.
Structure Your Presentation
A presentation should have a beginning, a middle and an end.
It's easy to rush your beginning if you are nervous. Pause for long enough for people to be quite. Begin with something to engage, intrigue or interest the audience. A story, personal experience, quote or something humorous can be good. Also include a summary of what you are going to say early on.
Try to work the main content around a few key ideas rather than trying to cover everything. People remember the big picture better than the small details.Remember to target what you are saying to the audience, so don't talk too much about yourself, but give them ideas or information to help then with their needs. A presentation isn't about the skill of the presenter, it's about the needs of the audience.
Communicate that the end is coming, with something like 'Finally' or 'Lastly' and then end with a memorable closer. Summarise what you have said in the end section of your presentation, and where possible include a call to action to do something, or a point that you want them to take away. Finally thank your audience for listening.
Tell them what you are going to say. Say it. Then tell then what you said.
How To Engage An Audience
Without engagement the audience won't remember so much. Be yourself. Don't worry about being perfect, concentrate on being human. Don't be too ponderous and serious. Lighten up. Use a little humour whenever you can, but don't try to be a stand up comedian if you aren't naturally funny. Interact with the audience where possible. This keeps them interested and alert.
Body language is important as this communicates as much as your words do, often more. Always have eye contact. Think of having one thought per person, and deliver it to one person in the audience. Deliver the next point to another person. Keep your feet planted, don't dance around, though some moving around is OK. Be careful what you hold in your hands. If you do hold something don't fiddle with it.
Engaging the audience is the area where we usually have the most to learn. Learn from the experts whenever possible, or do a course.
Resources
Alastair Banks - Presenting - Pleasurable Or Painful
Nigel Wilkinson - Tips For Public Speaking
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