Public Speaking Extraordinaire

Some of this may seem obvious but it is all very important to a successful speech.

Hopefully, since you selected your subject you know the subject thoroughly. If not, make sure and master the subject totally.

Consider the needs of the audience; what do they want to hear? What problem can you solve for them?

Develop an outline of the speech; put it in a logical order.

Use the outline and develop your speech. Tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them then, tell them what you told them.

Another words, an outline, the speech, then a review.

I think the next step is the most important: practice, practice, practice.

Practice until you are totally comfortable with the presentation.

Record your speech then critique it over and over again.

Practice while you drive your car or while you exercise.

Strengthen the weak parts or work around them. If you are a little shaky on some portion of the speech take it out.

Prepare any handouts: a word of caution, do not give out handouts until after the speech.

Arrive early to confirm everything is in place and ready to go. Test every aspect. Learn where the light switched are, get everything plugged in but most of all arrive early.

Welcome the audience as they arrive: establish a relationship with a few attendees.

Now presenting speech:

Take a few deep breaths as you start. Don't get in a hurry it you do you will soon run out of breath. Public Speech Secrets Extraordinaire

Don't be in a hurry to dive in with your presentation.

Look members of the audience in the eye, concentrate on one person at a time.

Appear to be confident, pleasant and relaxed.

Make sure the person farthest away can hear you, ask him or her if they can hear.

Use humor appropriately not too much but certainly some. It relaxes the audience and yourself.

Using Visual Aids:

Most speeches today are presented using a projector with a laptop computer attached.

Microsoft PowerPoint is an excellent software package to use.

Don't get overly fancy; don't make the slide show the star of the show.

Do not read the slides to your audience. Most people can read. You can highlight portions of the slide with examples.

Keep the presentation on track. If you answer too many questions you make get off track. Put the question off until after the presentation.

Sometimes an audience member will attempt to take over your speech don't let that happen. Put them off until later or after the speech.

Remember to breath. This will control any stage fright that you may have. Again, practice, practice, practice.