The book began with a scenario of a
person public speaking. This speech was a complete failure, being
that the individual had no knowledge how to start his presentation
and get the audience interested. Also, he did not give a good
entrance on stage; his palms were sweating, and a drop of sweat was
rolling down his forehead. This of course, is the perfect example of
an inexperienced public speaker.
One very important
thing about public speaking: being prepared and rehearsed. For
example, if you just walk up to that platform and surprise! You have
no idea what to say or do. This is just a basic example. However,
situations like this have occurred, and that is why it is always
important to prepare and rehearse. It’s no different than
putting on a play; you plan, create, and rehearse. A good habit to
form is to do a dress and tech rehearsal prior to the day of the
presentation. You could even ask a few friends to come over and act
as the audience. This might seem strange at first, but when the day
of finally comes, you will have already experienced how it’s like
to be on a stage, talking to an audience, and you won’t be quite so
nervous.
Once you begin your
speech, picture yourself saying: “Hi, I am so glad you all could
come out to this event. I think this subject is very important
because it impacts me in a numerous amount of ways.” What word do
you think is being used most here? It’s I. You’re just
spewing off about yourself. This is the worst mistake you
could make while presenting. Why? Because this causes the audience to
be disinterested. The audience doesn’t care about you.
They didn’t come out to this event to listen to an “About Me”
they came to be inspired and fascinated. The number one
thing that will draw in an audience is to talk about them. How
what your talking about will impact them.
Before you even
decide on doing a presentation however, it is always important to ask
yourself three questions. What do you want to accomplish when
doing this talk? How will you present the information? Is your topic
important and prominent? Now, let’s break up these questions
further. The first question: What mind frame do you want your
audience to have when you’re done with your presentation?
Basically, will they be on the same spectrum as you? Second question:
Will you present the information in a way that will be bland
and drift your audience away? More simply, make your information
interesting. Make it understandable. One good method to use is
to use metaphors. This will give your audience a clearer picture of
what you’re talking about. Now, third question: If your
presentation is about how we should all love rap music, will this
impact and improve anything in a productive way? No. Absolutely not.
Therefore, think about your topic, and ask yourself why you
want to do it.
To get your
audience inspired and take action, you need your objectives to be
realistic. If I say, “We should sell cookies and raise 1000
dollars.” Then my, do I need a lot of cookie-lovers and batter.
Look at your reaction to the cookie idea. You were probably thinking,
“Is this some idea of a big joke?” This is exactly the
mind frame your audience will have as well. However, if you say, “We
should sell cars and electronics and raise 1000 dollars.” This
is more reasonable. Your audience will consider this. But my friend,
consideration is not enough. You need to give at least five
reasons how and why this should work. You need to get your audience
sure about themselves.
Next, your voice.
Just the manner in which your voice is going is important. A lot of
people don’t notice, but we humans tend to mumble and
mix up all of our words. You need to listen to yourself as
you speak. Catch yourself when saying things like “um” or “uh”.
A good habit to form is to listen to yourself as you talk to a
close friend. You wouldn’t really think about clarity while talking
about Riley’s new baby, would you? Just this habit alone will
improve your speech immensely. Another good routine to start is to
read books your working on aloud. Try and stumble on fewer words each
time, until, surprise! One day, you’ll find that your speech is
completely flawless and clear.
Going back to the
scenario that began this book; a person is nervous and uneasy in
public speaking. Ever heard of the saying, “Practice makes
perfect”? well, this abides to a numerous amount of situations,
however public speaking is not one of them. Sure, you get used to
being nervous, but how exactly do you perform a speech without the
butterflies? Unfortunately, you cannot completely eliminate the
nervous breakdown you have before stepping onto that stage, but what
you can do is find ways to control it. Again, rehearse
your presentation, so that you know what you’re going to say
and how you’re going to deliver it.
Now, at the end of
a presentation, we always should have a Q&A session, to give your
audience a chance to ask. The way you give your answer is very
crucial. It is very important to be open and sincere when
answering a question. Also, if a person was to ask you a question
with a very argumentative nature, it’s very essential not to
mirror their tone. If you, the speaker and leader of a large group of
people, are arguing with an audience member, how petty would
that seem? Therefore, make sure the question is merely out of
curiosity and inquiry, rather than to put you down. If you come
across one of these questions, than just answer in the most open way
you could, and never, ever get frustrated.
Suppose a person is
to ask you a question that debunks all your ideas and plans. What a
pleasant “The End” to your presentation that would be! This is
why, after your Q&A session, always prepare a closing. You can
never know with questions what kind of ending they will leave, that
is why it is important for you to decide what kind of
conclusion your presentation will take. Conclude with a final flare
to your presentation that will leave an inerasable mark in your
audience’s hearts. Something that your listeners come home and
really think about what you said in bed. Play with their emotions,
and be specific. Most importantly, conclude leaving your audience
members satisfied and ready to take action.
I learned a lot
while reading this book, and I will definitely put these ideas to
practice! This is just a brief summary of the book, just to get a
feel of how it’s like. I highly recommend this book if you’re
planning to do presentations, or if you’re just having a casual
conversation. Public speaking is in the form of many situations; you
could be taking to three people, or over 100 people. However, this
doesn’t matter. It’s all about delivery, content, and state.
You’d be surprised what situations could be considered public
speaking. It could be just having a normal conversation with a close
friend. Imagine how good your voice will sound with clarity and no
“ums” Even if you’re a completely confident person, there’s
always more to learn, so never stop!!
Finis
PS. This book is very informative for all you shy people out there by the way :) it will completely change your life!
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