 |
Boulder Speakeasy II
|
|
10 Tips For Successful Public Speaking | ||
|
|
Feeling
some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and healthy. It shows
you care about doing well. But, too much nervousness can be detrimental.
Here's how you can control your nervousness and make effective, memorable
presentations:
1.
Know the room.
Be familiar with the place in which you will speak. Arrive early, walk
around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual
aids.
2.
Know the audience.
Greet some of the audience as they arrive. It's easier to speak to a group
of friends than to a group of strangers.
3.
Know your material.
If you're not familiar with your material or are uncomfortable with it,
your nervousness will increase. Practice your speech and revise it if
necessary.
4.
Relax.
Ease tension by doing exercises.
5.
Visualize yourself giving
your speech. Imagine yourself
speaking, your voice loud, clear, and assured. When you visualize yourself
as successful, you will be successful.
6.
Realize that people want
you to succeed. Audiences want
you to be interesting, stimulating, informative, and entertaining. They
don't want you to fail.
7.
Don't apologize.
If you mention your nervousness or apologize for any problems you think
you have with your speech, you may be calling the audience's attention to
something they hadn't noticed. Keep silent.
8.
Concentrate on the message
-- not the medium. Focus your
attention away from your own anxieties, and outwardly toward your message
and your audience. Your nervousness will dissipate.
9.
Turn
nervousness into positive energy.
Harness your nervous energy and transform it into vitality and enthusiasm.
10. Gain experience. Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club can provide the experience you need.
VISIT A TOASTMASTERS CLUB! Toastmasters clubs meet in the morning, at noon, and in the evening in approximately 70 countries worldwide. No matter where you live, work, or travel you are more than likely to find a club nearby. © 1998-2001 Toastmasters InternationalThe names "Toastmasters International", "Toastmasters" and the Toastmasters International emblem are trademarks protected in the United States, Canada and other countries where Toastmasters Clubs exist. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. |
Many years ago Albert Einstein was asked to speak at Harvard University. After being given a glowing introduction, the celebrated physicist walked to the lectern, gazed at the expectant audience before him, paused for what seemed an eternity, then said, "I really have nothing to say" - and sat down! Stunned by what they had just heard, the audience remained silent. Then Einstein got up again, approached the lectern once more and added, "When I have something to say, I'll come back."
Even
the geniuses among us may sometimes have a difficult time coming up with
speech topics. But once you've made a commitment to speak, Einstein's
theory of topic selection is probably best avoided.
|