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.
Humans are born storytellers, but our education system doesn't help... Read More
You can make a Blue Ribbon presentation each and every... Read More
7 Tips that calm and center you before your presentation:1.... Read More
I learned my craft as a speaker a long time... Read More
Want to gain added exposure at a trade show? Consider... Read More
If you want to get in front of prospective customers,... Read More
Mandy*, a bright, attractive professional woman, had a fear of... Read More
Starting a car is easy. Put the key in, turn... Read More
As one who does some speech coaching, I have heard... Read More
Whether going for the gold or giving a presentation, the... Read More
Fear of public speaking is No.1. Death is No.4. So... Read More
Directing a voice-over talent you've hired to read a spot... Read More
1. No clear purpose for the presentation. What is the... Read More
During the coffee break of one conference I attended, whispers... Read More
Meeting planners know the value of meticulous planning. They are... Read More
Often managers have to deliver presentations with unpleasant content. The... Read More
Public speaking is among the five most feared activities human... Read More
Almost everybody is nervous when they stand up to speak.... Read More
Examples and stories can bring your presentations alive. They can... Read More
When stressed or blocked it is wise to make a... Read More
Business communications researchers have studied the phenomenon of stage fright... Read More
Two of the top fears of most people are dying... Read More
"More learning occurs through emotion than through intellect" C.S. LewisEven... Read More
Centuries ago great speakers often spoke two hours and more.... Read More
Wouldn't it be great if you didn't have to be... Read More
Do you work for one of those organisations whose "training"... Read More
How do you get your name on a speakers list?Speaking... Read More
There are a number of possibilities as to how this... Read More
When choosing keywords, you'll want to stay away from using... Read More
He's been accused of "mangling the language, destroying its meaning... Read More
When requested to write an article about public speaking tips,... Read More
Uptalk is invading the work place and is reaching epidemic... Read More
Picture a cool crisp autumn morning in the wide open... Read More
What are the 5 best ways of getting known in... Read More
"Educate, Energize, Entertain, and provide an experience for your audience"1.... Read More
1. No speech is ever perfect. Perfectionism creates more fear.... Read More
What is worse than wearing a tuxedo to an event... Read More
You know, those really important outside groups of people whose... Read More
A well-built media kit is vital for effective marketing. Without... Read More
You can make a Blue Ribbon presentation each and every... Read More
One of the biggest regrets of my life is that... Read More
While teaching a two-day Speaking Confidence program to a group... Read More
One of the most important tools speakers use is their... Read More
Meeting planners know the value of meticulous planning. They are... Read More
Public speaking is among the five most feared activities human... Read More
Most of us get nervous about making a speech, whether... Read More
Avoid the painWhich would you prefer - root canal dental... Read More
Entering the speaking industry can be both daunting and exciting.... Read More
The fear of speaking in public is well-documented, often discussed,... Read More
Your ability to communicate effectively will account for most of... Read More
Do you believe in natural laws? Laws like:? What goes... Read More
You're a bright, dynamic executive. You've been scheduled to give... Read More
Sure you have catecholamines ? all speakers do. (including Sir... Read More
Nearly as dreaded as snakes and spiders, public speaking ranks... Read More
Use your voice to your advantage. One of your main... Read More
Speaking in public can be a powerful way to build... Read More
Ever notice how smoothly some speakers or writers move you... Read More
When Robert Middleton moved his marketing consulting practice, Action Plan... Read More
Delivering an effective presentation to 20 or to 200 people... Read More
Speak from your heart. If you believe in what you... Read More
Toastmasters.... Toastmasters....What is Toastmasters?Is it a bunch of guys in... Read More
Who do you know that knows that you speak?There is... Read More
When I made the decision to do free workshops and... Read More
Starting a car is easy. Put the key in, turn... Read More
We all know that to be a careful driver on... Read More
Aside from fielding and asking questions, there are other ways... Read More
Public Speaking |