Hate it or not, the ability to speak well in public is a necessary skill for anyone wishing to get ahead in the world of business, politics, or any field of endeavor today. The twenty-first century is the age of effective communication.
Consider the charismatic figure of Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential election campaign, striding across numerous stages and platforms all over the country, electrifying audiences with fiery, stimulating public speeches. Would he have won the presidency without this talent to connect powerfully and positively with many people during a single presentation? Probably not.
Admittedly, few of us will reach the skill level of President Obama in addressing groups of people, but there are simple steps which can be mastered by anyone to assure success. The projected audience may be large or small, young or old and the settings vary from a college classroom, to a boardroom, to an elaborate auditorium. By following these guidelines, you'll do well in communicating before a group.
1. Know your material, but don't try to cram everything you know into your speech. Several main points, with background information will be sufficient. Information overload will not be helpful to your audience. Plan for a question period later when additional points may be addressed.
2. Choose a topic you're interested in and are enthusiastic about. The audience will catch and reflect your enthusiasm.
3. Practice, practice, practice. Rehearse aloud, use a tape recorder, speak in front of a mirror and before friends and family members. Speak slowly. Vary your tone. Insert pauses after critical points. Make up cue cards with bullet points in large font as back-ups, but know your material well enough so that you won't need them.
4. Be well-groomed. Wear something comfortable, yet neat and professional-looking.
5. Arrive early; walk around the speaking area. Practice using the microphone.
6. Engage in positive self-talk. " You are going to be great! You have something worthwhile to share and these people need to hear it." Visualize yourself giving the speech. Imagine speaking loudly, clearly and confidently, and the audience applauding.
7. Take several deep breaths before beginning. Pick out two or three friendly faces in different sections of the audience and attempt to keep eye contact with them. Try to look natural. Move around, use gestures.
8. Think of the audience as your brothers and sisters. They want you to do well. They are glad it's you up there and not them. Concentrate on helping them, by getting your message across as clearly as possible. Think of them, try to forget your nervousness.
9. Be aware of time limitations. The sustained attention span of the average adult has been estimated to be about 20 minutes. After that, you're probably talking to the walls. Be direct, be clear, be finished.
10. If a follow-up is needed, arrange for a question period, small-group discussions, a video or slide presentation or refreshments and perhaps a written evaluation of the evening.
Being a confident, charismatic speaker will be an important asset for whatever career path you choose. The most important factors for success are experience and practice. If you feel you need extra help, join the local Toastmasters Club. It is an organization which has helped millions of people hone their speaking skills and overcome their nervousness about speaking in public.
Check the Toastmasters World Headquarters web site to find a club in your area.
http://reports.toastmasters.org/findaclub/
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