Did you know that great speakers are often nervous with butterflies in their stomach before giving a presentation? And there are many actors/actresses who can not speak to live audiences without cue cards. My 13 years as a professional speakers bureau owner allowed me to hear several thousand speakers give their presentations. Here are a few tips I learned from them.
1. You want to be nervous. Get your butterflies to fly in formation. Some tension brings about a great speech. You usually don't look as nervous as you feel. Be prepared, be relaxed. Practice, practice, practice. Use visualization techniques. One speaker suggests that you curl your toes and get rid of your adrenalin. Get out of your head and in to your heart. Reduce nervousness with self talk.
Your mantra might be - "I am a relaxed, confident speaker."
2. Great presentations are well organized.
Opening ? You have 60seconds to get their attention. So start with a great question, quote or short story. Tell 'em what you will tell them.
Body ? Tell 'em. This is where you tell your 3-4 points supported by your stories.
Closing ?Tell 'em what you told them. Give them a call to action. What is one idea they can use immediately? in seven days? in one month?
There are basically two kinds of presentations ? Informative (to know) Persuasive (to do)
Be sure you know what you want your audience to do as a result of your presentation.
Ask. . . What do they need to know to do this? What do they need to feel to do this?
Then provide 3-4 points in the body of your message and provide transitions between the points.
3. Great speeches have great stories. Sprinkle them throughout your presentation. We delineate our thoughts visually and your audience needs to "see" what they "hear."
4. Technology is just a tool. Do not be a master of ceremonies to your PowerPoint. It is not the presentation.
Here are some guidelines to follow:
Necessity - is this visual aid going to enhance the audience's understanding Clarity ? to help people understand Simplicity ? PowerPoint with words ? no more than five words per line and five lines per slide. Color ? color enhances the slide ? but only use a few (we're not talking about your kid's 300 Crayola box of crayons) Visibility ? keep it large and clear
5. Your voice is the source of power. FDR, Martin Luther King, Churchill used the power of their voice. Remember people need to see what they hear. Slow down, add a pause, whisper . . .use your voice to change tones, be loud or soft as needed.
6. Use your eyes ? to make contact with audience. Focus on one person at a time and all the other people will feel as if you are talking to them also. This will help you to connect with people and make them feel you are there for them.
7. Interact ? provide your audience with short role plays or partnering exercises. This gives them an opportunity to practice what you are telling them to do. Give them an opportunity to tell someone about their challenge and get some feedback as to how to resolve it. Then they can walk out the door at the end of the program ready to think or act differently. This is what every great speaker wants!
8. Join a fre*e Teleclass to learn how to speak like a pro on June 30, 2004 from 8-9 p.m. (EST) http://www.schrift.com/teleclasses/index.htm
© 2004 by Sandra Schrift. All rights reserved
Publishing Guidelines: You are welcome to publish this article in its entirety, electronically, or in print fre*e of charge, as long as you include my full signature file for ezines, and my Web site address (http://www.schrift.com) in hyperlink for other sites. Please send a courtesy link or email where you publish to sandra@schrift.com. Thank you.
About The Author
Sandra Schrift 13 year speaker bureau owner and now career coach to emerging and veteran public speakers who want to "grow" a profitable speaking business. I also work with business professionals and organizations who want to master their presentations. To find out How to Become a Highly Paid Professional Speaker, go to http://www.schrift.com/ProfessionalSpeaker/ Join my free bi-weekly Monday Morning Mindfulness ezine http://www.schrift.com/monday.htm
Avoid the painWhich would you prefer - root canal dental... Read More
Mandy*, a bright, attractive professional woman, had a fear of... Read More
There is no surer way to get ahead in business... Read More
In a funk because other speakers seem to be snagging... Read More
If you want to get in front of prospective customers,... Read More
Centuries ago great speakers often spoke two hours and more.... Read More
This Article Is For Those Who Understand How Persuasive Communication,... Read More
Imagine yourself at mission control; 10, 9, 8, 7, 6,... Read More
When we communicate, we usually want something to happen. We... Read More
How attractive are you as a speaker? No, your looks,... Read More
Franklin Delano Roosevelt had some good advice for the public... Read More
There is huge potential to create additional profits from your... Read More
Speaking in public can be a powerful way to build... Read More
Entering the speaking industry can be both daunting and exciting.... Read More
When choosing keywords, you'll want to stay away from using... Read More
7 Tips that calm and center you before your presentation:1.... Read More
Do you believe in natural laws? Laws like:? What goes... Read More
Your mouth is dry, heart palpitating, and knees knocking. You... Read More
We were both speakers at the same convention presenting on... Read More
When stressed or blocked it is wise to make a... Read More
During the coffee break of one conference I attended, whispers... Read More
Humans are born storytellers, but our education system doesn't help... Read More
Knocking knees, butterflies (who came up with that word?) in... Read More
You're waiting your turn to make a speech, when suddenly... Read More
The more you know about your audience, the better your... Read More
Stretch to relax. Rise on your toes and reach for... Read More
"Educate, Energize, Entertain, and provide an experience for your audience"1.... Read More
There are a number of possibilities as to how this... Read More
On a recent Sunday evening, I watched a friend 'graduate'... Read More
Every 7 seconds another baby boomer turns 50. What does... Read More
When requested to write an article about public speaking tips,... Read More
Two of the top fears of most people are dying... Read More
I recently posted an article providing tips on public speaking... Read More
Making a speech seems simple. You speak, others listen. However... Read More
FearOf what am I afraid, you ask. Of myself, I... Read More
Don't Prejudge A Situation: In the areas of emotions and... Read More
Who do you know that knows that you speak?There is... Read More
The first time I had to speak in front of... Read More
Many people are recognised for their work, industry, sporting or... Read More
Whether you want to be a part time, full time... Read More
Public Speaking is a challenging skill. It is TOUGH! For... Read More
You know the feeling. Looking out at a sea of... Read More
Having a clear and confident voice is an essential business... Read More
"More learning occurs through emotion than through intellect" C.S. LewisEven... Read More
There's one skill you can develop that will boost your... Read More
One of the biggest regrets of my life is that... Read More
Studies show that your word-power determines your earning power, that... Read More
Sadly, the public speaking circle has its fair share of... Read More
When Robert Middleton moved his marketing consulting practice, Action Plan... Read More
Aside from fielding and asking questions, there are other ways... Read More
I love the Disney movie The Kid with Bruce Willis.... Read More
Most of us get nervous about making a speech, whether... Read More
Do you work for one of those organisations whose "training"... Read More
If you want to get in front of prospective customers,... Read More
You can make a Blue Ribbon presentation each and every... Read More
Imagine yourself at mission control; 10, 9, 8, 7, 6,... Read More
Stretch to relax. Rise on your toes and reach for... Read More
There are a number of factors that determine how your... Read More
Microphones are designed to help your voice, not replace it.... Read More
We all know that to be a careful driver on... Read More
I don't know how many books, articles, manuals and scripts... Read More
Do you believe in natural laws? Laws like:? What goes... Read More
Does speaking in public leave you tongue-tied? Do you stumble... Read More
The more you know about your audience, the better your... Read More
Nearly as dreaded as snakes and spiders, public speaking ranks... Read More
What's the worst reaction you've ever gotten when you made... Read More
Public Speaking |