By Hans Hasselfors
Have you ever wondered if what you know about public speaking is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on public speaking. The content of the speech should match the information needed by the audience. Preparing the material carefully and specifically can ensure success on your public speaking endeavor. It will be helpful to tape record one's own speech and then listen to it carefully. Do this in front of the mirror. This would tell you which are the strong points and which are the weaknesses of your speech.
Below are the most important things to take note of when invited to do a public speech:
* Doing a speech is like performing as an actor on stage. The attire should be appropriate to the occasion. If the topic is serious, then be serious. The image should reflect the topic being presented. However, it does not mean that he has to look boring at all. Despite the seriousness of the topic, project yourself as an enthusiastic, lively, and confident speaker.
*It is often said that the eyes are the windows to a person's soul. Do eye contact when giving the speech presentation. Never ever stick to only one person in the room. Look at the people as if they've been long time friends and acquaintance.
*The opener must be really catchy. This will get the audience's attention. These people have a lot of things going on in their minds prior to hearing the speech presentation and a good eye opener of the speaker's words would definitely get their minds into participating during the talk. An icebreaker will help; write the topic on a board and ask the audience what things they would want to hear about the topic. Lastly, never miss a good joke.
* Make a pause. This will let the speaker and the listeners to reflect and absorb everything that has been said. Never look like someone who is already out of air.
You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about public speaking. But don't be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.
*Enhance presentations by using audio-visual materials. There should be plan A and B, so that if ever one plan does not work, there is an alternative that can be used.
*Keeping track of the time is important so as not to bore the audience. Never go beyond the time allotted since there could be other speakers and listeners could also have other appointments.
* Provide a main point of what has been discussed at the end.
* Open the floor for questions and never fear not being able to answer each. Remember, prior to making that speech, necessary research should have been made.
*Enjoy the whole experience. The audience can feel any discomfort that the speaker is feeling at the moment. Do not make pretensions, just relax as long as the topic is well researched and clear. The image projected is often remembered more than the topic discussed anyway.
Of course, it's impossible to put everything about public speaking into just one article. But you can't deny that you've just added to your understanding about public speaking, and that's time well spent.
