To Insure Success in Speaking: Anticipate

We all know that to be a careful driver on the highways, we need always to anticipate. When we see brake lights ahead, we anticipate some traffic problem and slow down. If we come to an intersection we look ahead to see if anyone is entering it before us. In like manner, to be an effective speaker we need to anticipate.

? We need to anticipate with our notes. Always be a sentence or thought ahead so that you can look at notes as you are finishing a thought and thus do not have to pause to find your place in your notes.

? Anticipate the response of the audience. Be prepared to pause for laughter or for the audience to take a moment to assimilate an important thought. Look for the smile or the pondering look so that you will know to stop for a moment.

? Anticipate questions the audience may ask. Seek to think ahead about the types of questions which might be asked based on the content of your presentation. Consider any current issue that might relate to your topic that could create questions for you. If you are speaking on international travel, for example, be prepared for questions on SARS.

? Anticipate the unexpected. Think about things that might go wrong and prepare for them. Know where the light switches and electrical outlets are. Know who is in charge of the public address system. Sometimes you may need to know how to turn off the music that is wafting through the hotel sound system before you speak.

? Anticipate the emotional atmosphere based on the content of your speech. If you are about to share a touching story, you may want to slow down your rate of speech or use a softer tone of voice. If you are moving to an exciting narrative, you will probably seek to speed up the rate and incorporate more volume.

Anticipation will help you maintain a confident and competent manner in speaking. Few variables will create hesitancy or indecision in your speaking manner because you have considered contingencies ahead of time and are ready for them.

Stephen D. Boyd, Ph.D., CSP, is a professor of speech communication at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Kentucky. He works with organizations that want to speak and listen more effectively to increase personal and professional performance. He can be reached at 800-727-6520 or visit http://www.sboyd.com for free articles and resources to improve your communication skills.

---

How to Create a Compelling Media Kit

A well-built media kit is vital for effective marketing. Without... Read More

How to Give a Speech Without Dying

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

How to Become a More Persuasive Speaker: A Systems Approach

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

How To Start With Public Speaking

I don't know how many books, articles, manuals and scripts... Read More

12 Ways to be a Confident Public Speaker

Speak from your heart. If you believe in what you... Read More

Speaker Partnership Offers Trade Show Value

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

Be a Guest Speaker and Attract Business

Being a guest speaker in front of the right audience... Read More

No More Stagefright - Have Fun Speaking!

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

Make Your Talks Pay: Have People Stand In Line Eager Give You Their Business Card

If you've ever been on stage, doing a talk or... Read More

Speaking Body Language

I observed an almost surreal event when I was a... Read More

Speaking for FUN and PROFIT

How do you gain contacts from a speaking engagement?The name... Read More

Now Appearing: 9 Tips for a Well-Attended Event

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

Top 7 Tips for Speakers

Public Speaking is the number one way to advance your... Read More

Make The Most of Examples and Stories

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

How to Present Your Proposal at an Executive Meeting

What's the worst reaction you've ever gotten when you made... Read More

Speak With E?s Part 2

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

Speak in Public! Who Me?

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

Getting on the Speakers List

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

Public Speaking: Getting the Room Set-up Right

I don't know why it is, but no matter how... Read More

Executive Public Speaking for English as a Second Language (ESL)

Public Speaking is a challenging skill. It is TOUGH! For... Read More

Speech Tips - Ten Things to Remember When Accepting an Award

Many people are recognised for their work, industry, sporting or... Read More

A Quick Tip for Delivering a Great Speech

Does speaking in public leave you tongue-tied? Do you stumble... Read More

How To Use Microphones

Microphones are designed to help your voice, not replace it.... 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

Ten Fatal Flaws Frequently Found from the Podium

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

How To Handle Audience Questions Effectively

For some reason, the prospect of having to answer audience... Read More

Is Information Delivery Instruction?

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

Shortcuts to Eloquence

You have probably had the experience of listening to a... Read More

Fear

FearOf what am I afraid, you ask. Of myself, I... Read More

Speaking On Your Feet

Your ability to communicate effectively will account for most of... Read More

Fee Credibility is a Must

Think of it like this: your fee credibility is as... Read More