TRICKS OF THE TRADE

The first thing to know about public speaking is this: Everyone is scared! In fact, in tests to determine what is most feared among adults, speaking in public ranks first, at 40.6%, outstripping height, snakes and death.
We offer some quick tips and tricks to help you manage the beast.

TRICKS AND TIPS

Prepare  An actor must prepare for each performance. We call it getting grounded. The actor must control the room or the room will control the actor. The same is true for public speaking. Before making a presentation, turn off the phone and put a note on the door that you are not to be disturbed. Sit quietly and keep your breath moving for three minutes at whatever pace is comfortable. When you focus on breathing, you are present. The more you concentrate on the inflow and outflow of your breath, the less inclined you will be to worry about the presentation you are about to make.

Project  You have to be heard, so learn to project your voice. A good exercise is to lie on your back with a book on your stomach. Imagine someone on the other end of the room holding a baseball glove. As you speak the letters of the alphabet, imagine that you are throwing them into the glove. Or imagine that your child is across the street and is about to step in front of a moving car. If your child is in danger, you'll project.

Enunciate  In addition to being audible, your words must be understandable. You can improve your diction by clenching a pencil just inside your teeth - we're not kidding - and reading out loud. This exercise strengthens the lips and tongue and helps refine their movement over the teeth.

15-Second Rule  You should be able to state the three major points of your presentation in less than 15 seconds. If you can't, you are likely to ramble.

IMPROMPTU SPEAKING

THINK
Break topic into a pattern of organization:

Past, present and future
or
Topic 1,2,3
or
Pros and cons

THEN SPEAK
Make introductory remarks, thank yous, I’m happy to speak on…

Develop a clear preview of your main points
then
Deliver the body of the presentation
then
Review the main points
then
Conclude the presentation with a strong, positive statement

ORGANIZING YOUR SPEECH

What a Successful Opening Does

• Gets the audience’s attention
• Introduces the topic
• Helps the audience relate to the speaker’s message
• Takes five to ten percent of the total speech time

Opening Techniques

• Explain why the topic is important
• Make a surprising statement
• Create suspense or curiosity
• Tell a story or anecdote
• Ask a rhetorical question
• Begin with a quotation
• Refer to the occasion

What a Successful Conclusion Does

• Gives a feeling of closing
• Review the main points
• Makes an impact
• Takes five to ten percent of the total speech time

Closing Techniques

• End with a quotation
• Tell a story or anecdote
• Call for action
• Ask rhetorical question

TIPS FROM PRESENTING TO WIN BY JERRY WEISSMAN

"The problem is that nobody knows how to tell a story. And what’s worse, nobody knows that they don’t know how to tell a story!"

"A clear and concise story can give a presenter the clarity of mind to present with poise."

"The good presenter grabs their minds at the beginning of the presentation, navigates them through all the various parts, themes, and ideas, never letting go, and then deposits them at the call to action."

"The slides are there to support the presenter, not the other way around."

"We’re measured by our recovery. Mistakes will happen. It’s our recovery that the audience will measure. Keep a 'Positive' face and put all your energy into your recovery."

SUGGESTED READING

Winning Presentations by Jerry Weissman

I Can See You Naked by Ron Hoff

Q&A A Survival Guide for Tough, Trick and Hostile Questions by Myles Martel, Ph.D.

Effective Presentations by Steve Mandel

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Online resources for books on speaking and presentations include amazon.com and 3M.com.
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