CombinedNSP Site Admin
Joined: 13 Dec 2006 Posts: 1406 Location: Cleveland, OH
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Posted: Dec Sun 17, 2006 1:22 pm Post subject: Public Speaking |
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Public Speaking
So many people are afraid to speak in public . . . . ie, meetings, classes, herbal hours. . . .. It's really not so bad. Here is some help -
The Top 10 Myths About Public Speaking
1. I'm not a public speaker.
Reality: We all speak in public. Public speaking goes far beyond standing on a stage in front of 100 people. We're presenting ourselves all the time. In fact, life is one big presentation.
2. Don't talk with your hands.
Reality: Expressive, dynamic speakers use their hands. Speakers who don't use any hand movement appear stiff. So let your hands speak for themselves.
3. Look over the heads of the audience.
Reality: Look directly at key individuals. We connect with each other through our eyes. Effective speakers look at a few people, one at a time. This creates a relationship, and it's less scary giving your message to each person than to a large crowd.
4. Memorize your speech.
Reality: It's more effective to memorize concepts, not words. If you forget a word, you can make your point another way or go on to a new point. Your audience will not know the difference. When possible, avoid using manuscripts. Notes and outlines will better help you to stay on track.
5. Stand in one place.
Reality: Purposeful movement can be dynamic. Watch some of the top motivational speakers, like Zig Zigler, Tony Robbins, and Les Brown. They work the crowd. They move across the platform. By doing this, you'll increase the energy in the audience.
6. Always use a lectern.
Reality: There's only one reason to use a lectern: to hold your notes. Use a lectern only when you have to speak from a manuscript. Otherwise, you risk giving a presentation that will be perceived as formal and stiff.
7. Cover all your points in your speech.
Reality: Consider the time frame and modify your talk. Give three major points instead of six. Condense your examples. Tell shorter stories. People will be more likely to remember your speech if you take this approach instead of trying to squeeze too much into too short a window of time.
8. Start with a joke.
Reality: Don't do it. You don't have to be funny to be effective. Use humor or irony instead of telling a joke. Or, simply start with a story or a quote. Throw away the jokes. More often than not, they backfire.
9. Turn off the lights to show slides.
Reality: In total darkness, your audience members will fall asleep. And they'll be startled when you turn the lights back on. Use a dimmer instead. Give people enough light to see the slides, and be sure you can see their faces as well.
10. You shouldn't be nervous.
Reality: You can control and manage nervousness, but you can't eliminate it. For most of us, the fear of making a presentation never really goes away. Even the top speakers get nervous. Some nervousness is good for you. It keeps you dynamic. The goal is to channel your nervous energy into a positive performance.
Submitted by Diane DiResta, author of Knockout Presentations: How to Deliver Your Message with Power, Punch, and Pizzazz, adjunct faculty New York University, M.S. Columbia University, Speech Pathology, Past President NY Tri-State chapter, National Speakers Association, who can be reached at http://www.diresta.com |
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