Etiquette - An Essential Ingredient to Your Success As a Public Speaker

Sadly, the public speaking circle has its fair share of individuals who think they have a right to be treated better than anyone else. Conventions of public speakers are quite a sight. It's like battle of the egos, and to be perfectly honest the really big names tend to stay away from such gatherings. I know of a number of speakers who at one time threw a tantrum or acted in a very demanding way while being paid to speak, word subsequently spread like wildfire, and they found themselves waiting a very long time before receiving any more bookings.

So now that you've seen a clear picture of the negative side of things, let's talk about general etiquette and manners. If you are invited as a guest speaker, make an effort not to be demanding. Treat everyone courteously and with respect. Be aware that hotel staff are often overworked and they simply may not be able to react to your request for a jug of water as quickly as you would like. Build a reputation as being easy to work with and you will benefit greatly in the long run.

Etiquette while on stage also deserves your consideration. Speak in a way that suits the circumstance and audience. Sometimes this may mean being very formal, addressing individuals as Sir, whereas other times it's preferable to be down to earth and colloquial in your speech and etiquette.

It is the opinion of the author, and many other experienced speakers that bad language (swearing) is never acceptable. Even if you think the audience will be fine with it, you can be sure that you will offend someone, so it's just not worth it. Besides, swearing is usually used as a substitute for someone who has poor grammar. A person who avoids swearing will always be treated with more respect than someone who litters their presentation with expletives (even if it is done as part of a joke).

If your presentation is a formal affair or you are being paid, it's a kindness to express thanks to everyone who has helped you. Commonly this includes the company that hired you to speak, the organisers, the technicians, and of course the audience for their attention. Don't draw this out into a long speech, a brief mention is all that is needed, and you can be sure that it goes a long way to all those concerned. Apart from being a common courtesy, it will cast you in a positive light and you'll be remembered for it.

Paul Daniels is often described as The Johnny Carson of England. In his home country he is a household name due to his more than 20 years of prime-time TV shows that have been broadcast to 41 countries. Paul's course: The Stress Free Guide To Public Speaking and Presentations is the International best selling speaking course - visit: http://www.stressfreepublicspeaking.com for more information.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Get Real

Humans are born storytellers, but our education system doesn't help... Read More

How To Make A Blue Ribbon Presentation Every Time

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

No More Stagefright - Have Fun Speaking!

7 Tips that calm and center you before your presentation:1.... Read More

How to Write and Deliver an Outstanding Speech - Using the PEPP Talk Forumla

I learned my craft as a speaker a long time... Read More

Speaker Partnership Offers Trade Show Value

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

Will Speak for Food - Using Free Speeches to Attract Customers

If you want to get in front of prospective customers,... Read More

Demand Dignity in Public Speaking Training

Mandy*, a bright, attractive professional woman, had a fear of... Read More

Start Conversations as Easily as You Start a Car

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

The Best Practical Tips for Overcoming Stage Fright

As one who does some speech coaching, I have heard... Read More

Conquer Presentation Anxiety: Olympic Athletes Show Us How

Whether going for the gold or giving a presentation, the... Read More

Speak With a Relaxed Body and Mind

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

Directing Voiceovers: Dont Be, Do!

Directing a voice-over talent you've hired to read a spot... Read More

Ten Fatal Flaws Frequently Found from the Podium

1. No clear purpose for the presentation. What is the... Read More

Pay Attention To Your Appearance!

During the coffee break of one conference I attended, whispers... Read More

How to Gracefully Leave After a Seminar or Speech When Someone is Hogging Your Time!

Meeting planners know the value of meticulous planning. They are... Read More

Ethics in Speaking: A Practical Point of View

Often managers have to deliver presentations with unpleasant content. The... Read More

How to Get Started In Public Speaking

Public speaking is among the five most feared activities human... Read More

Youre Making Me Nervous

Almost everybody is nervous when they stand up to speak.... Read More

Make The Most of Examples and Stories

Examples and stories can bring your presentations alive. They can... Read More

15 Ways To Keep Your Speaking Inspiring and Creative

When stressed or blocked it is wise to make a... Read More

Public Speaking for Scaredy Cats

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

How to Give a Speech Without Dying

Two of the top fears of most people are dying... Read More

Are You Talking the Talk?

"More learning occurs through emotion than through intellect" C.S. LewisEven... Read More

Be Brief!

Centuries ago great speakers often spoke two hours and more.... 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

Is Information Delivery Instruction?

Do you work for one of those organisations whose "training"... Read More

Getting on the Speakers List

How do you get your name on a speakers list?Speaking... Read More

Foreign Translations of Your Talk - How Do You Ensure Your Message is Delivered Properly?

There are a number of possibilities as to how this... Read More

Choosing a Hot Keyword: Advice for Aspiring Public Speakers

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

The Little-Known Speechwriting Secrets That Won George W Bush The US Election

He's been accused of "mangling the language, destroying its meaning... Read More

How to Polish Your Speaking Skills: Its Time for T.I.P.S.

When requested to write an article about public speaking tips,... Read More

Does Uptalk Make you Upchuck?

Uptalk is invading the work place and is reaching epidemic... Read More

Voice Coaching - Training Your Voice to Give Better Presentations

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