master the lectern

Effective Public Speaking is about making connections.

1st:
Connect to yourself.

2nd:
Connect to the subject/topic.

3rd:
Connect to your audience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tel# 828-279-7363

E-mail ken@kenmail.us

For

Kenneth Macfarlane

 

Public Speaking Tips...

Tips on public speaking

As the cliché goes forests have been lost trying to capture and explain the skill of public speaking in books.  

"For me SKILL is the first ingredient that requires practice and commitment. The ART comes when you know yourself and your style well enough to explore and paint original word pictures. You need to accept that you will slip up get embarrassed that is where the commitment to move ahead comes into play."

Over the past thirty years I have had my fair share of embarrassing moments whilst addressing an audience.
I remember once whilst giving a talk in front of an 800 strong audience I lost it. My mind went blank. I watched it happen. Every idea I had decided to abandon my consciousness like an emergency evacuation. I could not access any tangible thought. For what seemed like an eternity this meat body stood silent on the stage.
What to do?  “I am sorry folks” I said “I have lost it I have just watched every thought walk out on me, please don’t follow their lead.”
There was a spontaneous burst of laughter from the crowd: I had made a connection. They knew exactly what I felt like.

	First tip: Be Honest: Say it like it is for you.

Thereafter the audience may still not agree with what you saying but, you will be remembered for being genuine. 
For me, the incident in that auditorium was the first time I had spoken with my unique voice. I was not performing. I was communicating.

	Second tip: Make a sincere connection People always remember an emotional hook.

before the will remember facts. Back up your facts with personal experiences for instance “This happened to me and I felt so stupid I am sure you know what I mean?”… pause…. “But what it did teach me was”…then go onto state the fact/message or information you want to impart.
Humor, many times I have made people laugh not by telling a joke but by laughing at myself and being a little humble. Humor is a great tool to pull in your audience but don’t try to manufacture it.

	Third tip: Do not open with a joke it is a high gamble.

Unless you are absolutely familiar with your audience. It’s one of these high odds gambles: If your opening joke falls flat then there is a high chance that the rest of your speech will not be taken seriously.
Preparation: If you commit your speech to memory you will always be focusing on remembering rather than being there with your audience.

	Fourth tip: Facts need to be correct use a visual aid to display facts.

At least have them written down and do not be afraid to refer to them. Getting facts right is more important than showing off your memory. And if, you are repeating this speech over and over (like a sales presentation) you will after a few times, remember the facts without effort.
The most anxious time I had was giving a TV interview from a remote location. The monitor went dead and I could not see the interviewer. I was asked to keep looking at the monitor as I responded even though the interviewer’s voice was coming from a speaker 45degrees to my left. The subject I was defending was contentious. I wanted to turn to the sound. My boss afterwards said I looked shifty eyed and did not present well.

	Fifth tip: control your environment room check, sound check.

Make sure everything is where you need it to be. Test the sound equipment and, do the visual aids work? Have you water? Do you have someone who can signal five minutes before your time is up? (Really important in a Q &A session)
What should I have done in that TV situation? Today I would say “I am sorry Mr ….. I cannot see you, my monitor has gone dead.” That way the audience knows why you might be in discomfort. Professionals might disagree with this approach but I was not a TV presenter by profession.

 

Facilitating Success

public speaking tips from Kenneth Macfarlane