Never Be Nervous About Speaking In Public Again
Last week, I drove up to Rutgers University to spend the morning learning new skills for speaking in public. Class was held at the Eagleton Institute for Politics at the Wood Lawn Mansion.
I believe that what you say, how you say it, when you say it.....and when you choose not to say it are extremely important, whether you're in the middle of a business meeting or having a one-on-one interaction with a dear family member. Sitting across the kitchen table from a client demands excellent communication practices, as well. Improving your skills is always a very good thing, especially for those of us who's lively-hood depend upon customer/client satisfaction.
Karla Jackson Brewer, a Rutger's professor and also founder of the 'Sine Quanon: Allies in Healing' center in New York City was the teacher for the class. Let me just say that she was nothing short of excellent.
Here is a brief overview of what I learned:
Points to remember about public speaking
1) Speak slowly and clearly. Stand tall with your weight balanced on both feet when you present yourself to the group. Be present....put yourself in a position to respond and react.
2) Let people hear the punctuation. No question marks at the end of your sentences unless making a list. A statement that sounds like a question has no authority!
3) Avoid run-on sentences.
4) Breathe regularly. Pause occasionally so your audience can take in what you are saying. Some folks don't give themselves enough oxygen. Take ten deep breaths before you begin. This helps to project your voice.
5) Tell them what you are going to tell them. Tell it to them. Then tell them what you told them. Audiences want to listen, even if they are hostile. They want you to do well.
6) Never apologize. Don't say, "I'm sorry." Instead say, "Bear with me", "Give me a minute" or "Just a minute". Don't apologize for losing your place. Only apologize if something goes wrong. Don't panic if the lights go out or if the smoke alarm goes off.
7) Lists or a series of points should only consist of 3 items. People can easily remember 3's. 3 points/3 paragraphs/3 thoughts.
8) Talk as if you are talking to a friend. Do not use jargon. Sometimes the simplest statement is the most powerful.
9) Over-learn your 3 points.
10) Move within a 4 foot diameter of the podium, called the 'Speaker's Square'. Don't be afraid to use your hands. If you find yourself shaking, simply take a step to the side to change things up a bit. Don't fiddle with your hair.
11) Make eye contact. If afraid, find the most sympathetic face and talk to that person for a short period of time, then move your glance to others in the audience.
12) Speak and project the voice from your diaphragm. Bounce it off the back wall. If your voice gets locked in the throat, breathe to release it. Later, explore what is blocking that area either physically or emotionally, and do some therapeutic healing work. We connote deeper voices with authority.
13) Anyone can be an effective public speaker no matter what his/her style.
14) Never swallow the ends of your words or sentence. Strongly end each sentence. In English, the end of a sentence is indicated by a downward or lower tone.
15) Speak from the heart. Let people see your authentic self.
16) Connect your points with meaningful details. Be specific and concise. It is useful to present vivid examples of the things to which you refer in your talk.
17) Acknowledge applause. Receive it. Smile! Don't step on the laugh lines.
18) Practice often. Use a tape recorder, speak in front of a mirror or to friends who can point out habitual movements. Watch out for fillers such as 'um', 'so' 'like' or 'you know'.
19) Get friends to videotape you making a short speech.
20) Use every opportunity to perfect your public speaking style.
Practice. Practice. Practice.
Try to have fun out there.
(and if you really run into trouble, you could always put into action that old tried-and-true tip of imagining the audience in their underwear!)
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