Public Speaking - Part I Give Presentations Like a Pro
Recently I had to give a short presentation before an audience of about 300 people, most of whom where total
strangers to me. To say I wasn't nervous would be one of the most outlandish lies ever told. Before I took the podium beads of sweat
dripped down my back, my stomach was in a horrible knot, and I could barely remember my own name, never mind what I was supposed to say.
Public speaking can be a nerve-wracking, gut twisting and harrowing experience.
Fortunately for me I've learned several techniques that, despite my nervousness, helped me give a professional and fluent presentation.
Here are a few pointers that can help make you a public speaking pro too.
Advanced Preparation
One of the most important steps in public speaking is to prepare, and prepare well. What is the topic you will be speaking about? How
long should your presentation be? Will you be using visual aids of any kind? What type of people will be in the audience? Do they know
very little about the subject to be discussed, or are they well versed in it? Will there be a question and answer session after the
presentation? What type of questions might I be asked?
Once you have the answer to the questions above and any others that you can think of that are apropos, you will be able to do the research
necessary to prepare your presentation.
Give Your Speech From an Outline
There is no experience more terrifying then after you've worked hard to memorize your presentation, you forget what you're supposed to say next
smack dab in the middle of it. However, if you use an outline, that problem can be avoided.
What is an outline you ask? Well, an outline is a listing of the key points of your presentation written in order from the introduction to the
conclusion. More then likely, you will be giving a presentation on information you're familiar with. By putting the key points that you want
to cover on an index card, or whatever you choose to use, you will have a guide that will jog you memory on what your next point will be. Your
presentation will be free flowing and spontaneous instead of mechanical and wooden, as it would be if you simply repeat written text verbatim.
One thing that I always do is write out my entire introduction as part of my outline. That way, when I draw a blank when I first step in front of
the microphone, I have my introduction right in front of me. You'll find that once you get those first few words out, the rest of the presentation
will be a piece of cake.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Its impossible to overemphasize how important it is to practice your presentation. Once you've done your research and you know exactly what you want
to say, make your outline and then start practicing. Be sure to practice in front of a mirror. Looking at yourself as you give your presentation is
a good way to check your gestures and make sure you have good eye contact with the audience, which are both essential parts of public speaking.
In next weeks communication tip on public speaking, I will tell you why eye contact and gestures are vital if you want to give a good speech.
Until then, plan in advance, speak from an outline, and practice, practice, practice, and you will be well on your way to becoming a master in the art of public speaking.
|
