Speaking in public can be a daunting experience and a challenge, it is , however, a skill you can develop.  Many people share something in common – FEAR.  This fear can be paralyzing; having a strategy, however, can dissipate the fear.

Here are a few tips to help develop your public speaking skills, but remember one thing, nothing helps more to increase your confidence and remove the fear than thoroughly rehearsing your speech.

Control Your Environmentb2ap3_thumbnail_podium.png

Simply put, know what resources you need or are available to you.  Visit t, he site and rehearse your speech if possible.  At a minimum ensure the site has all that you need to make your performance a success, if it doesn’t, then you must adapt to the environment.

Know Your Material

Be authentic ~ Don’t Memorize Your Speech. The audience will view you as the subject matter expert on the topic, this is one good reason to rehearse your speech, not only will it dissipate the fear, but it will also flow from you effortlessly, raising your level of confidence and professionalism.

Know your Audience

Knowing your audience will aid in shaping the content you have planned to deliver.  For example, if you’re speaking to high school students, the language you use will be different than the one you would choose for doctorate candidates.

Share a Story

The idea here is to connect with your audience emotionally. Use eye to eye contact as this will help you to establish a favorable rapport during the process, one that can very easily lead to a favorable outcome. If they like you, they will talk with you; if they trust you they will do business with you.  If using slides, limit them to 6 bullets per slide and spend no more than three minutes in each.  You want your audience paying attention to you, not a power point show.

It doesn’t end at the podium

Use overhead and directed question to stimulate your audience, and remember to follow up with those that are interested in you topic.  Have hand outs and critique forms ready to distribute at the end, this will help you get feedback and continue to improve; it will also give you a good idea with whom to follow up first.

b2ap3_thumbnail_Picture.JPGJorge Gutierrez is an accomplished and experienced Executive Coach, Business Coach, Leadership Development Coach, Sales Trainer and Consultant. His team of Certified Leadership and Life Coaches partner with individuals to drive growth. Certified to conduct individual and organizational assessments to identify and provide gap analyses and solutions for non-profits and for profit organizations. Jorge’s passion and purpose is to serve others and develop human capital through leadership development and quality of life improvement

 

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