How to improve your public speaking?

[KevinP]

Anyone have any advice about improve one's public speaking? I've looked at several books but they all start with the premise that it's a terrifying thing, painting the picture with sweaty palms, sleepless nights full of dread, etc.

But I'm a teacher. I'm not the least bit afraid to talk in front of a group of people. I do it every day. I just think I could be more dynamic. I want to be able to control the room and have rapport with the audience, etc.

I've got a presentation I'll be giving in December and my PhD advisor is flying in (to give a presentation, not to see mine). He's a great public speaker, which is what's making me think about this more.

Any suggestions?

[Saul]

Anyone have any advice about improve one's public speaking? I've looked at several books but they all start with the premise that it's a terrifying thing, painting the picture with sweaty palms, sleepless nights full of dread, etc.

But I'm a teacher. I'm not the least bit afraid to talk in front of a group of people. I do it every day. I just think I could be more dynamic. I want to be able to control the room and have rapport with the audience, etc.

I've got a presentation I'll be giving in December and my PhD advisor is flying in (to give a presentation, not to see mine). He's a great public speaker, which is what's making me think about this more.

Any suggestions?

You just need to accept that you're not perfect and you will make some mistakes while you speak. Once you will completely accept yourself as an imperfect human being, the audience will follow through and will not demand from you to be a recorded voice but a live one with feelings, one that is bound to make mistakes and errors but nevertheless strong inside.
subcontiencely, you will generate a level of confidence that will arouse appreciation and respect for you. Once you will accept yourself the way you are, others will too.

Best Wishes,

[bhodges]

I have spoken in front of groups many times, and it is not as difficult as people think.  The best advice I've received: be prepared, with whatever subject you're going to speak on.  A little homework--not to excess--works wonders.  And if you need to write down some things, either in full or just as "talking points," that can be very helpful.  Sometimes just a few key points on an index card is all you need. 

And realize that your audience wants you to do well.  They want you to speak easily, naturally and confidently.  Practicing alone is good, perhaps in front of a mirror so you can observe how you look making points. 

Then get plenty of rest, and make sure when speaking time comes that you are well-fed and watered, so you won't be hampered by a growling stomach or low blood sugar. 

--Bruce

[маразм1]

dont drink too much coffee

[locrian]

I have spoken in front of groups many times, and it is not as difficult as people think.  The best advice I've received: be prepared, with whatever subject you're going to speak on.  A little homework--not to excess--works wonders.  And if you need to write down some things, either in full or just as "talking points," that can be very helpful.  Sometimes just a few key points on an index card is all you need. 

And realize that your audience wants you to do well.  They want you to speak easily, naturally and confidently.  Practicing alone is good, perhaps in front of a mirror so you can observe how you look making points. 

Then get plenty of rest, and make sure when speaking time comes that you are well-fed and watered, so you won't be hampered by a growling stomach or low blood sugar. 

--Bruce

Bruce,

What's your occupation, if you don't mind telling us?

[bhodges]

Bruce,

What's your occupation, if you don't mind telling us?

I do consulting for nonprofit organizations, so much of my speaking has been presentations at board meetings, but I've also hosted panel discussions (i.e., at intermission) with musicians.  If you're prepared, it's actually kind of fun.

--Bruce

[locrian]

I do consulting for nonprofit organizations, so much of my speaking has been presentations at board meetings, but I've also hosted panel discussions (i.e., at intermission) with musicians.  If you're prepared, it's actually kind of fun.

--Bruce

Thanks for sharing.

[andy]

I'm a PhD student, so I have to do lots of presentations. My best advice is to record yourself giving a talk and then analyze it. You'll notice yourself doing little things like fidgeting and such. Once you know what you're doing wrong, you'll be able to change for the better.

[knight66]

There are many styles and you have to hit on what works for you. It can also depend on just how far you are from the audience and how big it is, whether they know you, etc. I usually have the thing written in full, then abbreviate it to key points on small cards. The last thing I write is the intro, that is when I like to have a few laughs and asides, get them used to my accent and voice before I say anything of significance and build rapport. I also like to play off-the-cuff a fair bit, but that can be dangerous.

I eyeball people and depending on the sort of occasion I encourage heckling, but...this is not advice, rather it is my preferred method. What works for me might be awful for another and vice versa.

Some advice: empty keys and coins out of your pockets so you do not jingle distractingly, do not drink carbonated water as it might come back on you, have a handkerchief in easy reach, still water and...if you are inclined to speak quickly slow down. Vary the pace a bit, if you can, walk about. DON'T indicate you are nervous, that itself makes the audience nervous, try to relax, don't go over time. Above all, don't be boring.

Mike

[KevinP]

Went to a Toastmaster's club meeting tonight. This seems like a very good opportunity for me. Even in some of the impromptu speeches I made tonight, I made people laugh but I wasn't quite connecting eyes. Looks like a good place to practice.