Public Speaking Information


How to Give a Speech Without Dying


Two of the top fears of most people are dying and giving a speech. In fact, there is so much fear of public speaking, you might think that people regularly die while giving speeches. Fortunately, that is not the case. Here are some tips that will help you overcome your fears and give a great speech.

Be prepared. Know what you are going to say. Prepare an outline of your main points and put them on index cards or a sheet of paper. Don't write out your whole speech and read it. There is nothing that will put an audience to sleep faster.

Write your own introduction. Don't rely on the person who will introduce you to come up with a good introduction. Write it yourself. Your introduction should include your credentials and other important points from your bio. Also include a call to action for the audience, such as the fact that you will be selling and autographing your book after the presentation, or a reason for them to visit your web site. Print out the introduction, double-spaced in large type, so it is easy to read. Send it before the event to the person who will introduce you, and take two copies with you on the day of the speech. Your introduction will get your speech off to a good start.

Dress comfortably. If your clothes are too tight, too short or riding up your . . . uh, you don't want to dress in a way that will interfere with movement or breathing.

Check out the room. Arrive a little early so you can become familiar with the layout of the room. Where will you stand while you speak? Is there a microphone? How will the audience be seated? If you are using equipment, such as a projector, try it out to make sure everything is working properly.

Get to know the audience. As audience members arrive, introduce yourself and chat with them. It will reduce your nervousness later. After all, you won't be speaking to a bunch of nameless strangers, you will be speaking to Jeff, Laura, Steve, Diane, and all the other nice people you shook hands with earlier.

Breathe. When you first step up to the podium, take a deep breath then start speaking. If you find yourself speaking too quickly, or inserting fillers such as uh, um, like, you know, slow down and take another breath before you continue.

Remember that the audience is on your side. They came to hear what you have to say. They are spending their time (and perhaps money) to be there, and they are predisposed to like you. Don't assume they are waiting for you to fail. They aren't.

With practice, you can become a confident, polished speaker. Take advantage of opportunities to hone your skills. Join Toastmasters or other organizations that give you the chance to speak in a supportive environment. After you survive your first speeches, you may find yourself looking forward to speaking and even enjoying it. Really.

Copyright Cathy Stucker. As the Idea Lady, Cathy Stucker can help you attract customers and make yourself famous with ideas to market yourself as an expert. Get free tips, articles and more at http://www.IdeaLady.com/.


MORE RESOURCES:

Toastmasters: Here to help you quash your fear of public speaking
Moody County Enterprise, SD - Nov 18, 2008
BY RYAN WOODARD Jerry Doyle has started a local chapter of the public speaking club Toastmasters International, which has members all over the world. ...


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dBusinessNews Triangle (press release), NC - Nov 19, 2008
DURHAM, NC November 20, 2008 — Many people fear public speaking, yet it can be an extremely effective method for marketing your business’s services. ...


ABC News

A Complex Knot of Conflicts
Washington Post, United States - 1 hour ago
Those familiar with the talks said they covered a range of concerns, including the former president's profitable public speaking, his global investment work ...
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Bill reveals files to move Hillary closer to top job This is London
guardian.co.uk - Deseret News
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Cheyne is Toastmaster champ
Burlington Union, MA - 17 hours ago
Have you ever wanted to develop your public speaking skills? Mary Cheyne, a Somerville resident and member of The Last Word Toastmasters Club in Burlington, ...


Reviving a Novel-Worthy Tale of War and Religion
New York Times, United States - 2 hours ago
At home and away, the young boy was also trained in horseback riding, public speaking and fighting skills. All would prove crucial. ...


Community calendar
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - 13 hours ago
Hosted meetings to help people improve their public speaking, critical thinking and leadership skills. East Hills Community Church, 12000 Campus Drive. ...


The Boss Inspired by Mom
New York Times, United States - 1 hour ago
When I was 16, my mother said the biggest thing that had helped her in her life was when her mother and father asked her to take a public speaking class. ...


Program to focus on public speaking
The Reporter, WI - Nov 14, 2008
RIPON — Jody Roy, professor and chair of the communication department at Ripon College, will present a program on public speaking and perfecting ...


Public speaking course essential for repertoire
Kaleidoscope Online, AL - Nov 10, 2008
Cecil Betros, professor of communication studies at UAB, believes it is important for students to take part in a public speaking course. ...


CNET News

Google attempts to save marriages around the world
CNET News, CA - 20 hours ago
Naturally the company has offered the usual public speaking about concentrating on other businesses and accepting that not every bet will work out. ...

Public-Speaking - Google News

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