The ABCs of Public Speaking

If your work is in the field of sales, insurance or education, your communication abilities may have more impact on your job than you realize. Many people dislike speaking in front of a group or in public. However, since this is a process that is unavoidable in numerous occupations, why not find out less stressful ways to do it?

The most common obstacles in public spaking are being nervous in public, forgetting information and feeling unorganized. We have several ways to overcome these.Our counteractive skills will be:

A - APPROACH

This covers how you come to a presentation. Are you prepared? How long are you expected to talk? Preparation is one of the greatest tools you have available in putting yourself in a better position for your delivery.

A reminder about public speaking: The picture that may come to mind could be standing in front of 10-20 people with an overhead projector, pointer and handouts. Do not forget that even when you are selling a car, suit or insurance, that is still public speaking, albeit to a smaller audience.

Preparation means not only knowing the data, but being able to discuss and answer questions pertaining to what you are talking about. Anxiety is minimized greatly depending upon your preparation practices. You should research and know your subject matter well. It is helpful when you have a personal passion for the topic. This sincerity comes across to the audience. It is much easier to sell or promote something that you enjoy and have found beneficial.

Practice your presentation at least 5 to 7 times. This will allow you to iron out the wrinkles. Ask a friend or associate to critique you as you practice. Video cameras are also an incredible tool to review and observe your delivery in the same manner your audience would.

 

B - BODY LANGUAGE

What you do using body language (hands, expressions, posture, etc.) convey to your audience confidence or fear, focus or confusion. Good eye contact is essential to clear communication. Scan slowly across the room while avoiding staring. Looking at the floor or ceiling is undesirable, since these actions send a message of distrust and uncertainty to the onlooker.

A nice smile will put your audience at ease and allow for more approachability. A smile can ease a tense situation. Don't cross your arms over your chest. This tends to give an impression of defense and protection. Relax your arms and use natural gestures with your hands. For example, if talking about a small rock or a LARGE boulder, utilize hand gestures that will reinforce your point.

Be aware of markers and pointers. If you are a fiddler, your audience will be distracted with your handling objects. It would be best to place them at arms length except when direct usage is necessary.

 

C - COMMUNICATE

To communicate basically means to take the thoughts and ideas that you have and convey them to an individual or group and maintain the intent of purpose. This may sound simple but how many times are messages understood differently from the intent of the transmission?

Just as with a radio station there must be a transmitter and a receiver. Your audience is the receiver, are they tuned to the station you are transmitting? You may need to adjust your frequency to WBAT/FM (What Benefits Are There For Me?), the station most audiences are tuned to. This simple adjustment should key you in on the needs of your audience. This will aid you in delivering information that an audience is eager to learn about. Another way to show your audience you have a genuine concern for them is to ask if they understand or have questions.

 

Practice these ABC's at every opportunity you have when talking in family, social and business settings and you will be on your way to more confident public speaking.

Source: http://www.speaking.com/articles_html/JamesMack_609.html