Public Speaking - Overview

Writer and  lexicographer Samuel Johnson took the view that any dictionary was better than no dictionary.
Suggested Video.
Five Basic Public Speaking Tips.  Toastmasters advise speakers to -
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  • Know their subject.
  • Practice.
  • Know their audience and facilities.
  • Never apologise.
  • Visualise a successful speech.
  • Focus on the message.
  • Speak with passion.
Wellness.​
Note: One of my team is a senior member of Toastmasters Int. 
  • ​Keep calm:  It's important the speaker appears confident. A confident speaker allows the audience to relax and enjoy what's being said. Remember, the audience wants to enjoy themselves, they want the speaker to succeed.
  • ​Be in the moment:  Distraction is the enemy of all speakers.  The past doesn't exist, the future doesn't exist, there is only the now.
  • Speak your truth consistently and without being combative or aggressive:  In the unlikely event of a hostile reception, avoid getting into an argument with your audience. No matter what the provocation, your mood or the disposition of those listening, keep to your topic, say what you have to say, thank your audience and leave.
  • Be yourself:  People want to identify with the speaker, the only way they can do that is if you show them who you are. Whatever techniques you adopt to help with your presentation make sure they are an extension of your personality.  I constantly advise speakers, if you're not completely comfortable with telling jokes, don't tell jokes!
  • Be happy:  If you are enjoying yourself the audience will follow.

What's Next?

The simple truth is, the better you prepare and the more you practice the more accomplished you will be as a public speaker.  That said I also believe that  99% of being a successful speaker is just having the confidence to stand up and talk. For many the fear of standing up and facing a group of people is so great they can never see themselves doing it.

The first thing to understand is that all great speakers experience some level of fear, especially in the final moments before an event. This is good news, it means you're not alone and any fears or nerves you have can be overcome.

Overcoming the fear of public speaking starts with context. Imagine that a friend has come to your home and asked you to describe your favourite board game and how it is played. Do you think you would feel nervous doing this? The answer is likely to be no.  You are familiar with the subject, the audience and your surroundings, there is nothing to be nervous about.

The trick then is to reproduce these circumstances when you are speaking in public.  You can do this by - 
  1. Researching the Subject.  You need to be comfortable with the subject matter. Remember, unless this is a formal lecture to a group of undergraduates, a few facts stated simply will go a along way.
  2. Researching the audience.  It's very rare for a speaker to face an unknown audience.  More often than not the speaker and the audience are connected in some way. As a speaker it is up to you to find out what that connection is and exploit it from the very beginning of the talk. 
  3. Practising your talk.  This can be the most difficult thing. Once you have talked to yourself in the mirror and bored your partner, your pets and any children hanging around it can be challenging to find people willing to sit still and give constructive criticism. This is why organisations like Toastmasters are so useful. Here you will find ready-made groups of like-minded people with the sole purpose of helping you become a better public speaker.
  4. Having familiar things with you.  It's impossible to recreate your home or office environment everywhere you speak. What is possible is for you to use props. Props are like comfort blankets; they are there when you need them and they can make you feel at home.  Also if you lose your way in the talk they can help to bring you back.

For more advanced speakers I suggest - 
  1. Make a bold entrance or create a dramatic opening.
  2. Construct a detailed outline which can be memorised and then supported by keywords on cards.
  3. Decide the main purpose and focus of your talk and construct one concise paragraph that communicates this to the audience from the beginning.
  4. Making sure that you have plenty of support materials available when questions are asked or doubts are raised.
  5. Assemble appropriate anecdotes that can be layered into the talk.  This allows you to create a unique experience for the audience.
  6. Use visual aids.
  7. Practice your timing.
  8. Consider finishing whith a question and answer session.

How Can I Help?

Follow up today with an Introduction to public speaking one-on-one session:  I can help with your specific issues in a private 50 minute delivered live online via Zoom Video.
​£47 per session.
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