Public Speaking:Keys and Tips

"There are ways to overcome the fear of public speaking.


Standing up in public to address a few people or a crowd can be a terrifying ordeal. If the idea fills you with dread you're not alone. Fear of public speaking is the most common anxiety experienced by adults.


Three keys:

Public speaking can be anything from making a speech at a club to doing a presentation at work, or saying a few fond words at a birthday party. People usually fall down when they are terrified of getting things wrong but with practise you can overcome this and other public speaking fears.

A good way to learn the art is to take a course at your local community college. Geoff Stone, an ex-television journalist who has taught public speaking to HSC students and Prime Ministers alike, believes there are three keys to becoming a good speaker:

1. Overcoming your nerves.

2. Knowing how to structure your speech.

3. Being able to deliver your message with energy and enthusiasm.

"When you start speaking, think about giving the gift of your information to the audience," Geoff says.

Tips for success:

Constructive visualisation

You can build up your confidence by visualising yourself giving your speech successfully. Do this whenever you have a few spare moments in the day. And be positive. Say to yourself "I will speak with confidence and success," and repeat this over and again.

Structure

Every good speech has a beginning, middle and end. The simplest way to think of structure, Geoff advises, is to "tell them what you're going to tell them, then tell them, then tell them what you've told them".

Summary notes

It's a good idea to make a summary of your key points on palm cards, using different colours so you can easily keep track of where you are in the speech. With any notes or cards, make sure your writing or type is large enough to see without straining.

Practise makes perfect

Practise your whole speech out loud imagining the audience in front of you. If you have a video or tape recorder, tape the speech so you can review yourself when it's done. If you can gather some family members to practise on it will help you get used to an audience. If you don't have access to any of these, just rehearse in front of a mirror.

Slowly does it

When it comes to delivering your speech, don't rush it. And don't be afraid if you lose track of what you are saying. Just pause for a moment, take a sip of water and pick up the thread again. Your audience won't mind, and probably won't even notice!

Remember

First and foremost, it's important to be yourself.

People in the audience will not require you to deliver the perfect speech, they simply want to get something out of the experience.

You've achieved what you set out to do, if your audience walks away having learned something new, feeling better about themselves or having been entertained."

From Better Homes & Gardens.

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Whiel I am not an excellent nor am I a seasoned public speaker, I find the following tips helpful:

1. KISS - Always keep the speech short and simple [keep it simple stupid], especially if you're not a seasoned speaker or have been asked to give an impromptu speech or remarks.

2. Keep a basic outline of what you're planning to say and keep to your outline. A speech does not need to be lengthy, especially if it is an impromptu remark. A shorter speech with sense is always better than a seemingly 'longer' wherein you dwell and keep reapeating yourself. Your audience will appreciate a 'to the point' speech.

3. Do not use a well worn joke or anecdote, if it is not too original don't repeat it.

4. If there are more than one speaker, listen to what they are saying and either add on or elaborate on the finer points without copying their speech. If you don't have something of import to say, a shorter speech is better.

5. Be confident and speak loudly/audiblly. Your audience will notice if you are not confident and nervous.

6. If you can prepare, be fully prepared & research your topic, otherwise KISS.