Conversationally Speaking

"Would you like to say a few words?" How many of us dread that request? The thought of speaking off the cuff can terrify even veteran speakers. But what about the ability to give a prepared speech and sound natural?

As a speech coach, I see hundreds of people who are wedded to their words. Like Linus clutching his blanket, they won't let go of their script. The result can be a presentation that sounds canned, insincere, boring, and dispassionate. So how do you sound conversational?

Know your content cold. You may be reading word for word because you don't have a command of the material. To practice sounding conversational, choose a subject that you know very well.

Use bullet points. Once you have scripted your message, take each main point and create an outline. Under each main point, write a subpoint.

Memorize concepts, not words. To sound conversational, get the concept in your mind. Forget about stringing words together in perfect sequence. Actors are masters at memorizing words and delivering them naturally. Most of us fail miserably at that. If you forget a word, you will freeze. If you memorize the concept you can explain it in your own words, much like you would in a personal conversation. Each time you may say it differently. So what? Nobody will know the difference. The proof of the pudding is this: Did the message come across?

Build stories, analogies, and metaphors. Presenters are most natural when they are telling stories. Stories are visual with a built in sequence. You don't have to memorize words. You only need to recall the experience. By telling stories, and adding metaphors and analogies, you will find your passion. Watch how your new enthusiasm draws in your listeners.

Put yourself in the listener's shoes. How do you feel when a telemarketer calls you and reads a script? You wouldn't buy from that person. Why? They don't sound like they know the product if they have to read. And they sound dispassionate. That's what it's like for your audience when you read your speech.

Imagine speaking to one person. It's rare for a person to memorize words when speaking to one person. Instead of giving a speech to a group, imagine you are having a conversation with one person. You'll be amazed at how much more animated and natural you will sound.

Face your fear. Most people are afraid they will blank out. That's why they memorize and cling to the written word. And that fear usually manifests. A better idea is to plan your recovery. If you are afraid you will blank out by being conversational, have a back-up plan. Have some humorous lines you can whip out. Practice feeling comfortable with a dramatic silence. Have an audience exercise you can try.

Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse and let go. The only way to know your content cold is to practice out loud and time yourself. When you get to a point where you are comfortable, stop rehearsing and let go. Get a good night's sleep. Let all that practice you did seep into your unconscious. You'll wake up feeling more confident.

The next time you have a presentation, remember it's just a conversation.

Copyright Diane DiResta 2005. All rights reserved.

Diane DiResta, President of DiResta Communications, Inc. is an International speaker, coach, and author of Knockout Presentations: How to Deliver Your Message with Power, Punch, and Pizzazz. To subscribe to Impact Player, a free online newsletter visit http://www.diresta.com.

---

Presentation Skills Without PowerPoint

Can you identify what each of these actions or activities... Read More

Start Conversations as Easily as You Start a Car

Starting a car is easy. Put the key in, turn... Read More

Analyzing Your Audience and Assessing Comprehension Through Feedback

Aside from fielding and asking questions, there are other ways... Read More

Poised for Success: How Developing Self-Awareness Can Improve Your Presentations

There are a number of factors that determine how your... Read More

10 Tips for Better -- and Less Scary! -- Public Speaking

The fear of speaking in public is well-documented, often discussed,... Read More

Public Speaking for Scaredy Cats

Business communications researchers have studied the phenomenon of stage fright... Read More

Boost Your Confidence, Credibility, and Career

There's one skill you can develop that will boost your... Read More

Ten Tips on Speaking with Authority and Power

No matter how good you are as a presenter, there... Read More

So Youre Going to Make a Speech

What Do I Talk About?Start by asking yourself three questions:1.... Read More

How to Become a More Persuasive Speaker: A Systems Approach

There is no surer way to get ahead in business... Read More

Speech Writing Secrets Of President Bill Clinton

Speaking in public can be a powerful way to build... Read More

How To Get Paid Every Time You Speak - REALLY!

For many, speaking or training is a full time business.... Read More

Now Appearing: 9 Tips for a Well-Attended Event

When I made the decision to do free workshops and... Read More

What is YOUR Speaking Expertise?

Why do you have to be an expert when getting... Read More

Voice Coaching - Training Your Voice to Give Better Presentations

Picture a cool crisp autumn morning in the wide open... Read More

Speaker Partnership Offers Trade Show Value

Want to gain added exposure at a trade show? Consider... Read More

How To Make A Blue Ribbon Presentation Every Time

You can make a Blue Ribbon presentation each and every... Read More

10 Worst Tips To Give A Speaker

1. Learn the speech by heart or read it from... Read More

Lose Stagefright Over Your Lunch Hour

While teaching a two-day Speaking Confidence program to a group... Read More

How Well Do You Speak?

The ability to speak well can enhance your career, clinch... Read More

Conversationally Speaking

"Would you like to say a few words?" How many... Read More

How VALUABLE is Your Speaking Topic?

What information can be used immediately by the audience and... Read More

The Ps and Qs of Public Speaking

Avoid the painWhich would you prefer - root canal dental... Read More

Speak With a Relaxed Body and Mind

Fear of public speaking is No.1. Death is No.4. So... Read More

Speak in Public! Who Me?

The first time I had to speak in front of... Read More

Speak With E?s Part 2

"Educate, Energize, Entertain, and provide an experience for your audience"1.... Read More

Let Your Products Sell Your Name: For Public Speakers

Wouldn't it be great if you didn't have to be... Read More

The Top 5 Public Speaking Questions Answered

There are a number of questions that we consistently get... Read More

How to Answer Questions Your Audience Will Ask

In elementary school, most of us asked questions which were... Read More

Giving Presentations: Public Speaking Secrets in a Nutshell

A high level manager contacted me in a panic. He... Read More

What is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters.... Toastmasters....What is Toastmasters?Is it a bunch of guys in... Read More

Speakers Learn How to Define Your Niche

This is one of the hardest things speakers have to... Read More

Choosing a Hot Keyword: Advice for Aspiring Public Speakers

When choosing keywords, you'll want to stay away from using... Read More