Hi adsdsf
What would you choose - a visit to the dentist
or to stand up and speak in front of 500 people?
Even those individuals who are fearful of
dentists would rather have their teeth
examined than publicly present.
Is there anything more terrifying than facing an
audience of strangers and knowing you have to
deliver an entertaining and informative speech?
OK, some people thrive on this type of challenge!
But the vast majority of us are at least a little
nervous every time we have to speak publicly.
In fact, fear of public speaking is probably one
of the most universal fears throughout all walks
of life.
Thankfully, public speaking is a fear that can
easily be overcome with a little practice and
the right approach.
You can use the tips below to improve your
public speaking skills.
1. Be prepared and practice.
The more you know what you want to say,
the better you'll get at it.
First, brainstorm the topic of your speech
and research it, if you need to. Write down
all the points you want to make and then
organize them into an outline. Fill in the details.
Once you have the essential content of your
speech written (at least in your head), transfer
your main ideas to index cards. Write the main
idea in dark ink on the front of the card, and
if you think you'll need cues, write them on
the back of the card in pencil.
Then, practice your speech out loud at least
3 to 5 times. If you can, practice it in front
of a friend or family member and ask them
for feedback and if that's not possible, at
least practice in front of a mirror.
Do it until you can talk naturally, with only a
glance at your cards. Don't ever read your
speech word for word!
2. Know your audience.
The better you know your audience, the
easier it will be to connect to them as you
speak.
When you are able to make that connection,
you'll hold their attention. And seeing that
you're doing so will increase your confidence
and comfort level, making it even easier for
you to speak well.
So, find out everything you can about the
people you'll be speaking to. Know what their
"hot topics" are, inside jokes and so on.
The more you know about what makes them
tick and what interests them, the better
speech you'll be able to give.
3. Dress the part.
When you're standing up in front of an audience,
all eyes are on you. Like it or not, your image is#
important in this situation.
So, dress to impress this particular audience.
If you know your audience well (see #2), then
you'll have an idea how to dress. For example,
you might dress in a conservative navy suit if
you're speaking to a group of bankers, but in
a more casual, fashionable outfit when the
audience consists of artists and designers.
4. Pay attention to the old KISS principle,
that is, Keep It Short and Simple.
The key is to get your points across as quickly
as possible. Don't beat around the bush or try
to impress with complex metaphors.
Stories, however, can be a powerful public
speaking tool, especially when they contain
at least a hint of humor. But again, keep them
short and on point.
Shorter messages leave the impression of a
savvy, smart speaker. They're also easier
for your audience to remember.
5. Speak clearly and at just the right tempo.
The mark of an inexperienced, uncomfortable
public speaker is someone who speaks all in a
rush, slurring words in her desire to get it over
with.
Don't be this kind of speaker if you want to hold
your audience's attention.
On the other hand, don't speak so slowly your
audience's minds start to wander.
6. Use visual aids to illustrate your points.
Many people will understand your message more
clearly when it is more visual. What we see often
leaves a more lasting impression than what we hear.
You can use slides, photographs, PowerPoint
presentations, or even a simple whiteboard to
add visual cues to your speech.
One caution though--don't turn your back on
your audience as you use your visual aid, and
don't turn the lights on low for long periods, or
you might be surprised to look up and see they
are all sleeping!
7. Interact with your audience.
Lectures will rarely have the same impact on
an audience that an open discussion will.
Look for opportunities to involve your audience
in what you are speaking about. Ask for validation
of points you are making ("Am I right?" "Has that
ever happened to you?") or allow time for questions.
Also, make sure to establish eye contact with
your audience--and keep it--throughout your
speech.
8. Speak with sincerity and passion.
You want to leave a lasting impression with
the audience about your speech topic. So be
sure you are true to yourself and your topic
as you speak and don't be afraid to inject
passion and enthusiasm into the speech as
well.
9. Come out from behind the podium.
You'll project confidence and a sense of
comfort when you have the courage to
let go of the podium and stand in front of
your audience with nothing to "protect" you.
As you speak, you can walk back and forth
across the stage, making eye contact with
different people.
Some speakers even walk out into the audience
to get "up close and personal."
Be respectful of people's personal space, though,
if you decide to do this. You don't want to be
perceived as threatening or overbearing.
10. Close your speech in a memorable way.
Give your audience something to think about as
you finish up your speech.
Certainly, it's a good idea to summarize your
main points one more time, but then finish up
with an inspiring story or quote, or leave them
with a thought-provoking question.
Public speaking is an essential life skill that
every person should strive to master. The
ability to speak confidently in public will serve
you in every part of your life, whether you are
sharing opinions in a small group or delivering a
planned speech in front of a group of hundreds.
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