10 Things I Know About... Public Speaking
10. WORST OPENER
Avoid the deadly yet common, “Today I’m gonna talk about . . .” Instead, open with a startling fact or a question.
9. LOOKS COUNT
Nervous speakers usually stand frozen in one place or they pace. To avoid that trap, speak for an equal time from few different positions (left, right and center).
8. SCREEN TIME
PowerPoint kills many presentations because most audiences hate watching a screen. Nix PowerPoint if possible. If not, avoid reading from your slides.
7. VEIL THE JITTERS
Nervous speakers have shaky hands. Avoid this tell by holding a leather portfolio under your notes.
6. TAKE YOUR TIME
Ninety percent of speakers talk too fast. Did you know a fast pace will give you an appearance of less authority? Slow it down.
5. MAKE CONNECTIONS
Even some of the best speakers still don’t know how to make effective eye contact. The secret is to make a point to an individual before moving on.
4. UMMM…
Trying to stop the “ums” and “ahs”? Forget it. If you try during your presentation you will actually do it more. The solution: stop saying “um” and “ah” in your daily conversations with friends.
3. NO STRETCHING
Every minute counts. Audiences can sniff out when you are trying to stretch your material to cover more time, and they bitterly resent it. Prepare for every minute, and have extra material in case you have more time.
2. WANT APPLAUSE?
Did you know that the closer to one another your audience members sit, the more likely they are to applaud? Place seats close together, and avoid gaps in your audience.
1. END WITH FLAIR
Avoid the deadly yet common closer, “And that’s about it . . . any questions?” End with a call to action or a powerful quote that leaves people energized.
Damelio is founder of Target Intellect in Westborough. Check out his blog at www.targetintellect.com/blog.
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