Public Speaking: Confidence Building Tips
It is also true that giving a presentation to colleagues has become a normal part of people's working lives. Once it was just those in executive positions who had to master the art of presentation, but now absolutely anyone can be asked to present their ideas in this way. Learning to speak well in public can help overcome shyness and self- consciousness, and help people to think clearly under any circumstances, whether in everyday life or in the work place.
Make no mistake, delivering an effective presentation to a group of people of any size is difficult. Because of the easy availability of all sorts of information these days from the internet and other media sources, listeners expect more from speakers today. More in the way of content, more in the way of entertainment value. Audiences want a presentation delivered with personality and verve.
Preparation.
Preparation is everything. The first essential for a speaker is to be familiar with his subject. If you have been asked to give a presentation on your own pet subject, then this will not be a problem. Think about it for several days, and do any necessary research. Find out as much as possible about the group you will be speaking to. Perhaps you can dig up some little known fact about their club or organisation. Audiences like to hear stories about themselves!
Structure your Presentation
Make sure you structure your speech. Begin with something to get the attention of your audience, perhaps the fact you discovered about their club, or a comment on a current event. Another way to gain immediate attention is to ask a question. This is a technique used by many professional speakers.
Make sure you have only two or three main points in your speech, and back these up with examples or statistics. Try to use a visual aid if possible. You can simply use a flip chart or graph, or display an object. If you use an overhead projector, make sure your slides are of good quality. There is nothing more irritating to an audience than inadequate or blurred presentation slides. Better to have none at all.
To Read or not to Read
Most beginners feel happier if they can stand and read their speech. This should be avoided at all costs. You must look at the audience during your presentation and maintain good eye contact. The trick is to let your eyes roam the audience, covering all corners of the room. To enable you to do this, use note cards instead of reading your speech. Make sure each card has a word or phrase that will act as a trigger for a particular train of thought. Practise your presentation with these cards several times. This is very important, and can help reduce stress and anxiety on the day. Make sure you use variety in your tone of voice, and smile!
A Good Closing
You have just treated your audience to a first class presentation, so you must leave them with something to think about. You could summarise your main points, or again, ask a question. Another technique used by the professionals is to close with a quotation or a brief poem. If you choose this option, make sure the quotation or poem is relevant to your presentation.
The points discussed here are the basics to encourage you to be the speaker people will want to listen to.
Related Tags: speech, presentation, public speaking tips
Patricia Noble is a qualified healthcare professional. She also has interests in home business enterprises and advises on public speaking. Please visit http://www.publicspeakingadvice.com and http://www.whyzit.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- How To Use A Story To Engage Your Audience
Preparing your speech and writing appropriate stories can be a challenge at the best of times, but t - Public Speaking Articles - Channel Surfing Across the Internet
For more information please check Live Internet TV Website: http://top-liveinternet-tv.com/ The - Public Speaking Articles - How Should We Respond to the Cheonan Incident?
The million dollar question is how should we respond to the sinking of the Cheonan? The sinking was - Keep It Simple In Public Speaking
How often had you heard the premise in public speaking that you should tell your audience what you w - Groom Wedding Speech - Write A Speech That Will Stun Everyone.
During the planning of the wedding, one of the most important aspect to take into account is the wed - Motivational Speakers Profiled - John Thakara
John Thackara is a design expert, bestselling author and businessman best known for bringing design - Powerpoint In Training - When A Good Thing Is Not A Good Thing
I thought I'd write a few words about a topic that often comes up in discussions about training, and - How To Get Benefit From Motivational Speakers?
Motivation is something that every one needs to do well. When a machine falls out in repair, you wil - How To Deal With Public Speaking Pressure
Most of us are afraid about public speaking. It is a scenario which puts a substantial amount of anx - Dealing With Public Speaking Anxiety
Most people are terrified about presenting and public speaking. It is just a situation that places a
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Public Speaking : Connection
If you don't recognize the importance of connecting, then your message, no matter how important, wil - Top 10 Do Nots When Working With Meeting Planners
1. Don't Be Demanding - Remember planners are only going to book speakers who they like, this is pre - Better Typography and More Readable Text in PowerPoint
PowerPoint is, fundamentally, a tool for communication, and the heart of that communication is writt - Learn How To Dress Up Your Presentation The Easy Way
Honoring individuals for their achievements may say a great deal about the person but can also demon - How To Eliminate Speaking Jitters: Eight Sure-Fire Strategies To Help You Be More Natural
Do you avoid giving speeches because the stress drives you up the wall? Do you give speeches, but ha - The Mental Game of Speaking: Are You a Mentally Tough Speaking Athlete?
Can you play at the top of your speaking game on demand? How do you handle the rigors of the high st - 5 Things To Conquer Before Any Group Discussion For The Indian Institutes Of Management
Congrats -If you are one of the lucky participants who cleared the CAT Exam. However now you must sh - The Perfect Wedding Speech
Giving the Best Man's speech at a wedding. Is that something that fills you with dread, or is it som - How To Connect With Your Audience
How To Connect With Your Audience! Every presentation is a new and different experience deter - 3 Powerful reasons why listening brings success in the IIM Group Discussion and Personal Interview
Many believe that to be a leader you must be the one with the right vision, strategies and viewpoint