Nothing has changed since sometime around 420 BC when the world’s most influential philosopher, Plato stated: “Know thyself”. This is good advice to remember when asked to give a presentation and battling something known as “performance anxiety” in the wonderful world of public speaking. Usually in my seminars, I get attendees up and speaking immediately before they even consider being “scared”. They first take a very small step such as stating their name and something they like to do. Then, as our time together progresses through a 3-hour seminar or an ongoing 12-week online course, I continue slowly building their confidence. Tom Hopkins, known worldwide as a best selling author and sales trainer states: “Do what you fear most, and you control fear”.
Whether public speaking to you is something that you “fear most” or you just need a few pointers to keep your anxiety level to a minimum, my ten “knows” of public speaking may be invaluable for your next presentation:
KNOW YOUR STUFF. Most public speaking mentors will tell you to know your material. But here’s something that is sometimes overlooked. Why not simply speak on something you already know? When you speak on something you already know, you are already an expert at some level and you’ll tend to speak more passionate about it. For those times when you can’t choose your topic, inject personal stories about things that you know within your presentation but… be sure to make sure they serve to make a point.
KNOW YOUR VOICE. In voiceover work, as when you hear someone narrating a commercial, a voiceover actor pays close attention to all aspects of the voice. You can do a bit of research to find how a voiceover artist prepares, at one of my favorite voiceover coach’s site: http://www.voiceacting.com. James R. Alburger In public speaking we need to know what our voice is capable of doing. Experiment and practice areas in your speech, using variation of highness and lowness (pitch), the slow or fast pacing of our words, and pause in places to show emphasis. Work to speak more conversationally and not like an announcer selling cars on the radio.
KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS. What are you good at? Are you good at painting, cooking, or accounting? Just as there is no such thing as a natural born painter, chef, or accountant, so too, there is no such thing as a natural born speaker. Invite evaluation from others. Ask what things you do best when you present. Do you use gestures well? Do you have a contagious smile? Are you humorous? Use your best attributes in your presentations and slowly incorporate other things you’d like to improve upon. Speaking is something you’ll do the rest of your life. Every episode is an opportunity to improve.
KNOW YOUR FACE. Your face is your fortune. Your face may not grace any page of a celebrity magazine, but we all have a smile, use it. You have facial expressions so let your face “express”. Look excited and you’ll be excited. Remember that to the audience, many times nervousness translates as excitement. Going beyond facial expressions, work on your body “expressions” as well. This is called body movement. And, don’t be tied to the lectern, move around a bit. This will ease your anxiety as well. Conduct a bit of research on the use of body movement for presenting. Study the science of body movement, which is called “body language” to add interest in your presentations.
KNOW YOUR PROPS. I believe that every speaker should use a few props when giving every speech. It adds interest, makes points clearer, and gives the speaker a “security blanket to hold onto! Try it; you’ll like it!
KNOW YOUR VENUE. There’s probably nothing more disconcerting than to get to a place to deliver your presentation and seeing that the room setup is not conducive to presenting well. I try to get as much information prior to the event about the venue I’ll be presenting at. Then I get there early. You’ll be more comfortable after getting a “feel” for the room.
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE (BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER). Do research before your event to learn about your audience. What age are they? What level of education do they have? What do they like to do after work? Then incorporate this information in your presentation and you’ll relate well with them. During your delivery, when you get feedback like smiles, nods of affirmation, and laughter, your performance anxiety will surely melt away. Also, after your presentation, ask for sincere feedback, and be sure to take notes and actually use this valuable feedback to do better. Remember when your thoughts are on others, and not on yourself, you’ll have less performance anxiety.
KNOW THAT YOUR AUDIENCE DOESN’T HAVE A SCRIPT. The audience doesn’t know what your speech is about. They will not know if you leave out a few words, or points. Of course, always strive to do your best, but knowing that the audience does not have a written script as to what you will say, should bolster your confidence and decrease any stress.
KNOW YOUR SPEECH DOESN’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT. This is much like point eight above; know that you are always learning and getting better. No one in the audience is perfect and they’ll relate better to you when you are more “human”. Believe that the audience is your friend and want you to succeed!
KNOW THAT THERE IS MORE TO KNOW. Join Toastmasters, associate with other speakers, take courses, and learn a different hobby. Enjoy life and enjoy speaking about it.
Ok, I like to add value to all of my products and services so I’ll offer one more “know”: KNOW THAT YOU’LL NEVER KNOW. There are many “knows” that I haven’t covered here because of space limitations. I’m sure you can think of some of your own. Don’t stop learning and keep improving.
Don’t wait to be asked to speak. Look for (and make) opportunities to speak, just like my friend, Darren LaCroix, the Toastmaster 2001 World Champion Speaker. He had severe stage fright when he started but today he triumphantly expresses in his mantra, “stage time, stage time, stage time.”
Get to know these ten “knows” of public speaking and they will help you to say, “yes” the next time you’re asked to speak.
Whether public speaking to you is something that you “fear most” or you just need a few pointers to keep your anxiety level to a minimum, my ten “knows” of public speaking may be invaluable for your next presentation:
KNOW YOUR STUFF. Most public speaking mentors will tell you to know your material. But here’s something that is sometimes overlooked. Why not simply speak on something you already know? When you speak on something you already know, you are already an expert at some level and you’ll tend to speak more passionate about it. For those times when you can’t choose your topic, inject personal stories about things that you know within your presentation but… be sure to make sure they serve to make a point.
KNOW YOUR VOICE. In voiceover work, as when you hear someone narrating a commercial, a voiceover actor pays close attention to all aspects of the voice. You can do a bit of research to find how a voiceover artist prepares, at one of my favorite voiceover coach’s site: http://www.voiceacting.com. James R. Alburger In public speaking we need to know what our voice is capable of doing. Experiment and practice areas in your speech, using variation of highness and lowness (pitch), the slow or fast pacing of our words, and pause in places to show emphasis. Work to speak more conversationally and not like an announcer selling cars on the radio.
KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS. What are you good at? Are you good at painting, cooking, or accounting? Just as there is no such thing as a natural born painter, chef, or accountant, so too, there is no such thing as a natural born speaker. Invite evaluation from others. Ask what things you do best when you present. Do you use gestures well? Do you have a contagious smile? Are you humorous? Use your best attributes in your presentations and slowly incorporate other things you’d like to improve upon. Speaking is something you’ll do the rest of your life. Every episode is an opportunity to improve.
KNOW YOUR FACE. Your face is your fortune. Your face may not grace any page of a celebrity magazine, but we all have a smile, use it. You have facial expressions so let your face “express”. Look excited and you’ll be excited. Remember that to the audience, many times nervousness translates as excitement. Going beyond facial expressions, work on your body “expressions” as well. This is called body movement. And, don’t be tied to the lectern, move around a bit. This will ease your anxiety as well. Conduct a bit of research on the use of body movement for presenting. Study the science of body movement, which is called “body language” to add interest in your presentations.
KNOW YOUR PROPS. I believe that every speaker should use a few props when giving every speech. It adds interest, makes points clearer, and gives the speaker a “security blanket to hold onto! Try it; you’ll like it!
KNOW YOUR VENUE. There’s probably nothing more disconcerting than to get to a place to deliver your presentation and seeing that the room setup is not conducive to presenting well. I try to get as much information prior to the event about the venue I’ll be presenting at. Then I get there early. You’ll be more comfortable after getting a “feel” for the room.
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE (BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER). Do research before your event to learn about your audience. What age are they? What level of education do they have? What do they like to do after work? Then incorporate this information in your presentation and you’ll relate well with them. During your delivery, when you get feedback like smiles, nods of affirmation, and laughter, your performance anxiety will surely melt away. Also, after your presentation, ask for sincere feedback, and be sure to take notes and actually use this valuable feedback to do better. Remember when your thoughts are on others, and not on yourself, you’ll have less performance anxiety.
KNOW THAT YOUR AUDIENCE DOESN’T HAVE A SCRIPT. The audience doesn’t know what your speech is about. They will not know if you leave out a few words, or points. Of course, always strive to do your best, but knowing that the audience does not have a written script as to what you will say, should bolster your confidence and decrease any stress.
KNOW YOUR SPEECH DOESN’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT. This is much like point eight above; know that you are always learning and getting better. No one in the audience is perfect and they’ll relate better to you when you are more “human”. Believe that the audience is your friend and want you to succeed!
KNOW THAT THERE IS MORE TO KNOW. Join Toastmasters, associate with other speakers, take courses, and learn a different hobby. Enjoy life and enjoy speaking about it.
Ok, I like to add value to all of my products and services so I’ll offer one more “know”: KNOW THAT YOU’LL NEVER KNOW. There are many “knows” that I haven’t covered here because of space limitations. I’m sure you can think of some of your own. Don’t stop learning and keep improving.
Don’t wait to be asked to speak. Look for (and make) opportunities to speak, just like my friend, Darren LaCroix, the Toastmaster 2001 World Champion Speaker. He had severe stage fright when he started but today he triumphantly expresses in his mantra, “stage time, stage time, stage time.”
Get to know these ten “knows” of public speaking and they will help you to say, “yes” the next time you’re asked to speak.
The thing that helped me from this article is the "know that the audience doesn't have a script." When I speak to people, I tend to worry about what will come out of my mouth and this sometimes make me hesitant to talk to someone. Your audience doesn't know what you'll say and that should really help your confidence, like you stated. I shall remember this advice in the future!
ReplyDeleteI found it very interesting what was said in this blog. The point that really got to me was "Know that your audience doesn't have a script." That really helps to ease tension when you may leave a word or two out and to know that nobody else will know about it.
ReplyDeleteHi Ter,
ReplyDeleteYour article was extremely helpful to me! I never really thought about the fact that the audience doesn't know exactly what you meant to say so if you mess up a little it's ok. No reason for panic! Also, it's important to remember that you can't know everything that will happen. Thanks for the advice!
Hi Ter,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment of Plato's, "Know Thyself", to help with public speaking. I did have a thought about knowing your voice. I thought of the elder people in our church that have hearing difficulties and thought that possible some voice tones and sounds aren't as easily heard which would affect speaking. Diane B. for your Oral Communications Class
I enjoyed the part in 'memorize your intro' about talking with the audience not at them. This helps me feel less nervous if I make the audience part of the conversation instead of me just talking at them. I also think that using word pictures is a great idea. I always like to be able to picture what people are saying.Abby Wolter - DBU Oral Comm Spring
ReplyDeleteReferring to "5 Tips to Make Your Speech Memorable"
ReplyDeleteAll five of the tips were excellent! I especially thought that painting a picture with your words was a good tip. You audience will be a lot more interested and will relate to your speech. I also think it is good to have a conclusion as well as a summary. Adding something at the end makes it a little more entertaining and leave a lasting impression.
-Elisse Black
Oral Communications
I can understand the benefit of a prop. I think that is a great idea. Not only will you have something in your hands, you can demonstrate what you are talking about. I enjoyed reading your blog. You did a great job.
ReplyDeleteKaren White COM103
The blog, “5 Tips to Make Your Speech Memorable,” was very insightful. I enjoyed the preparation part the best because it stated to find something about the speech topic that interests you. Something I learned from the blog was there is a difference in summary and conclusion. I was always taught to summarize as my conclusion, but now I am going to try to do a summary then the conclusion.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post and found it very helpful. There were a lot of helpful hints on how the audience only expects what you give them because they have "no script" I thought that was a great point. Also something I learned throughout the course is to focus more on the audience then yourself and it helps to calm your nerves. From experience that point is so true. I will use some of the tactics mentioned in this blog to continue my improvement in public speaking in the future.
ReplyDeleteNatalie Beckstrand
Oral Comm
I think all of the tips were helpful. I think one of the most important things is to know your stuff. The other things will come easier if you know what you're talking about. Your blog is really helpful.
ReplyDeleteTer,
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of the ideas and suggestions, knowing what your going to talk about and your voice tone is really a key point. I will remember all of these techniques and I will travel with them daily, it's so important.
Lynelle
I like the statement "Know that your audience doesn't have a script." This will help me because I tend to mix things up once and a while and to my advantage as you said, "The audience doesn't know what your speech is about." So this does reduce stress and will help me out big time, you give good advice.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the using props idea. I like that you referred to it as a "security blanket" because it's so true! This helps me becuase regardless of what the prop is I am a hopeless fidgeter and having something in my hand to fidget with truely calms my nerves and helps provide a distraction from wondering how ridiculous I look.
ReplyDeleteTer-
ReplyDeleteI really like what you stated about knowing your props. I think that using a propr would surely help anyone who is nervous when giving a speech or talking to a crowd. I really like this idea and think that I will try it! Thanks
Hi Ter,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, when you use a topic that you want to talk about it's so much easier to present to people. Props help a lot too. I hope after reading this article, I will overcome my fear of presenting topics in front of other people.
Megan Beck
Oral Communications
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article, and particularly loved the pointers and advice it gave. I liked the know your audience, and know your stuff ones especially. It is much easier to talk about something you know, and it gives you a sense of something familiar and comfortable. When public speaking is so terrifying to some, it can give you ease your mind. I prefer to know who I am speaking to, and like to know what to expect. Knowing the audience I am speaking to gives me an idea of what they would like to hear as well.
ReplyDeleteJulia Werbelow - Oral Communications
Why couldn't something like this been taught to Fourth Graders? I remember back in fourth grade we had to do book reports in front of the class and I would just ramble throught to get down with it.
ReplyDeleteI should also mention that because not having been taught these tricks prior to Ter's Online Oral Communications class I would like I said just ramble off what I had to say, look at the paper before me, or just focus on one thing that was on the opposite side from me until I was done with the report.
ReplyDeleteHeatherM., one of Ter's Online Winter 2010 Quarter students
I think the "know" that I liked best was "Know your speech doesn't have to be perfect". It is one of the hardest things to do, but, it is true, an audience will relate better to you if they know you are human and make mistakes too. It is important to do your best and know your stuff, it is equally important to be able to swing back after making a mistake.
ReplyDeleteTer,
ReplyDeleteI found this information to be very helpful in understanding how to feel more comfortable speaking in public. I think the "Know your audience doesn't have a script" is one that would help me. I tend to get caught up on my words, trying to stay on the script of what I wrote. I think it's good to know that you can skip or add different words to your speech and know that the audience has no idea that you might of messed up a little.
I have enjoyed the articles about public speaking on the blogspot. The articles are clear and to the point. Very easy to read and very easy to gleen pointers from. I learned alot from the Oral Communications class and now feel more comfortable speaking in public. I will continue to push myself in this area so that I can get better at at. I think one of the most valuable points I learned is to practice and know the content of my speech so I can feel at ease.
ReplyDeletePatty W-L
Oral Communications
For Ter Scott's COM 103-- Oral Communications class we wer to: "Go to the end of the latest article and post your comments: State how the articles on the blog have helped you, and what areas you will continue to work on throughout your career."
ReplyDeleteWell, I thought that they were informative and most of what was said could possibly be used for just about any type of public speaking. As to what I will work on: making "ums" into pauses, more around a bit more, etc."
Again, these blog were helpful in learning how to improve our public speaking skills.
Heather Maciejeski
Ter-
ReplyDeleteI think it is imperative that you know your audience prior to preparing your speech. You don't want to prepare a speech for the general public and then realize you are speaking to professionals from your field. On the other hand you don't want to use business specific jargon if you are not speaking with business people.
Ter-
ReplyDeleteI agree that you need to know your audience before you even start to prepare your speech. You certainly don't want to be using a lot of business specific jargon if you are speaking to laypersons in the general public.
I agree that to know your strengths is a great way to decrease anxiety when speaking. When speaking in front of people I can remember that I have a way with gestures that emphasizes points and helps to keep peoples interest. In this way I can feel comfortable knowing the audience is listening.
ReplyDeleteI agree that having a prop is definitely like a security blanket and it really does help. I think it makes the situation more comfortable. Something that helps me is knowing my audience. I never thought about researching the kind of people I would be presenting in front of, but it really does make sense to kind of get a back round on what kind of people they are.
ReplyDeleteTen Knows to Extinguish your Fear
ReplyDeleteApril 21, 2010
It helps to know my audience has no idea as to what I plan to say, not even a program brochure can predict what will be said. This will help in the future in presenting my speach. Thank you!
tlarson
oral communications
Hi Ter,
ReplyDeleteI like both Know Your Face and Knowing Your Props. I feel the same way. If you feel good and look good, it will show in your expression. Body language will help too. Moving around like you know what you are doing, you will kind of look like you are in control. Not being stuck be hind a podium will help you to unfreeze. With that said, props will also help you to relax, you will feel better, it will be easier and you will be more comfortable.
Thank you
Vickie
Know your face.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. You feel good, you look good and you will be good. with your facial expressions, will help portray your messages along with your body language. Moving around while your talking is a good idea. I see how it would relax you. Then the props, with something to hold and walking around, who would of thought.
Thank you
Vickie Luck
I agree on the very first one. I believe that yes it is easier to talk about something that you already know things about. This way you can keep talking on the subject because you have so much information already in your head. This will make speaking easier also because I think if you really know what you are talking about and have the facts you are more confortable with it. I also liked the idea of using props. It makes the speech more fun and interesting when props are used. I am a do and see kind of learner so I would like to use props.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Borresch, Oral Communications Spring Semester
I deffinately agree with "know your face". I think that moving around in moderation can keep your audiences attention as well as help releive some nervous energy.
ReplyDeleteTen Knows to Extinguish Fear, i sent a post earlier but found it was not posted, so here I go again! I thought this was a very good article with information to look back on. one of the things I thought was the best was "Know your audience before during and after." It makes a difference in how you present your speech when your comfortable with who your speaking to.
ReplyDeletethanks Ter.
Ten Knows to Extinguish Fear, i sent a post earlier but found it was not posted, so here I go again! I thought this was a very good article with information to look back on. one of the things I thought was the best was "Know your audience before during and after." It makes a difference in how you present your speech when your comfortable with who your speaking to.
ReplyDeletethanks Ter.
I definitely agree that talking about something you already are knowledgeable in is especially helpful. When I am skilled in the area that I am speaking about I can lose my place in my speech to a certain degree and it isn't as noticeable as if I was not confident and informed in the subject of my speech.
ReplyDeleteTer I really enjoyed your article the statement that I enjoyed the most about your article was "Know your stuff." It really is good thing to know your stuff when you are speaking it boosts your self esteem and show someone else that really know what you are talking about. The feeling is great to actually be able to explain your self and get your statement across.Thanks for the article it was very educational. Shannon Merritt
ReplyDeleteI liked it best when Plato said "Know thy self." This is so true when it comes to public speaking and anything in life in general.To know thy self is know your audience and show how much self esteem you have and how strong of a person you really are. To stand alone and speak aloud is to be fearless and strong.
ReplyDeleteI really agree on the part that your speech don't have to be perfect. That is true cause it don't have to be. The audience doesn't know what the speech says just you. It will help me knowing that they can't see what my speech says and we are all not perfect at what we do or write
ReplyDeleteDiane C
I agree with several points in this article. How it is important to know your material as well as being comfortable with it, the importance of being at ease with yourself. I find these to be useful tools that I implement in everyday conversations but I can see that with practice and patience I can be a much better public speaker. Thanks for the article.
ReplyDeleteIn this article I found that I agree on the tip about knowing your stuff. I have had to do speeches in the past and have always made sure to do as much research to make sure I completely understand what I am talking about. Especially, if there is the option for the audience to ask questions at the end. The two points that helped me out were the idea of having a prop to help me out while I'm giving the speech and that the audience doesn't have a script so that I can feel more comfortable during the speech.
ReplyDeleteBecky Poverud
Oral Communications Summer Quarter
I really enjoyed the article, it is all good information that I need to know. The statement, 'Know that your speech doesn't have to be perfect', helps me the most. Knowing that my speech does not have to be perfect, helps me to relax more. Most of my aniexty in giving a speech is thinking that it has to be perfect and that it will not be. It is good to remind myself that being imperfect is what may connect my audience to me and it takes alot of pressure off doing the speech.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about it this way, but as this article says, "The audience does not have a script." This is a very great point that I am sure many overlook. When I give a speech I get nervous and forget words, or change them. Being able to remember that the audience does not know what your speech states, will help me relax a little and be able to give a speech more clearly, without losing my place and getting more nervous. Misty Hannahs Oral Communications
ReplyDeleteHello. I really enjoyed reading your article. The one know that helped me alot was 'Know your speech doesn't have to be perfect'. Knowing that I don't have to concentrate as much on having my speech perfect, helps to relax me. I think my biggest anxiety comes from worring that my speech is not perfect enough. It is good to remind myself that it does not have to be perfect, and in so doing I may connect more with my audience.
ReplyDeleteThank-you, Ostara
To know your material is very important in making a speech. You can make your speech without having to look down at your notes as often, so you can engage the audience better.
ReplyDeleteRebecca Goranson Oral Communication Fall 2010
I enjoyed the entire reading. The part that is really going to stick with me is talking about someting htat you are comfortable with, and know. It makes the tones of your voice coome more naturally and not such a struggle to feel like you have to keep the audience awake. It also gave me alot of good tips on not stopping and losing track because I said the wrong word but said one with the same meaning.
ReplyDeleteColleen Winberg
I have never had to give a speech, but I guess it may help to know it doesn't have to be perfect. Giving a speech makes me a bit nervous.
ReplyDeleteI like the tip "your audience doesn't have a script". That is reassuring to know if I mess up I can keep going without being embarrassed and should help me relax more to give a great speech.
ReplyDeleteOral Communications Fall 2010
I think the first part of the article where it says "know your stuff", it is a lot easier if you know the subject you are giving a speech about. And to know your speech doesn't have to be perfect, that it is okay to make a mistake.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very important to know your stuff. You wanna know what you are talking about when speaking to an audience so you dont sound stupid. That part will help me and i will do more research on the topic to which iam speaking about.
ReplyDeleteI found all ten of the tips on public speaking to be very helpful. I agree that knowing your stuff and injecting personal stories about things I already know will help me to feel more comfortable when public speaking. I think studying my facial expressions and listening to my voice will also be things I can do to feel more comfortable when public speaking.
ReplyDeleteThis article/blog was informative and interesting. Very true its easier to talk on something that you know and more enjoyable. Preparing for my first class speech these 10 knows will help, thanks for making them known.
ReplyDeleteTer,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the public doesn't know what you are going to be talking about. That would help me alot cuase then if i mess up they won't know it. And it will help with the stress and anxiety about given the speech.
I agree with having props. It think that by being able to almost take a break from thinking because the material is visiable and people aren't looking at you so much any more they are looking at the prop give you a little time to recoup for the next topic and also make you more at ease because it breakes the eye contact the audience has with you. I use some sort of prop any time that I can. For me it makes me feel like they understand the point of the speech better, as I am a visual learner, and it also makes it easier for me to speak by showing not just speaking.
ReplyDeleteKnow Your Strengths...
ReplyDeleteI found this step to be true if you know your strengths you will improve yourself and it will help in how you give your speech or in speaking to others. I know that I am assertive but can be aggressive also in voicing my opinions, so this will help me to tone back in my speeches and will also help me for preparing for my future career.
Know your strengths...
ReplyDeleteThis step really reached out to me. I know from experience of doing public speaking in high school classes, and doing readings at church, that I have learned what helps me. I have learned what I am good at doing, if I have time to study the material I will be giving a speech on almost 9 times out of 10 I always do better.
Hanna Krivinchuk
COM103
Knowing yourself is vital in giving speeches. Knowing what you can and can not do will also give yourself some confidence in giving speeches. Taking some personal episodes and working them into your presentation will benefit you so very much. I totally agree on that. I sometimes do this when writing papers. Making it more personal helps talk about a lot of things in everything.
ReplyDeleteReading this helped me because the audience doesn't know what your suppose/want to say. Everyone isn't perfect. Making sure you give all the points you want is a bad thing. If you make plans for an hour long presentation, then make your presentation able to go an hour and a half just in case you miss a few points than you don't have a shorter presentation because you only prepared an hour long one. Good backup information for people.
I defintely get being comfortable with yourself and smiling, getting friendly with your audience.
ReplyDeleteI like the part with stepping away from the podium and walking around, I think this will help
Ter ~
ReplyDeleteOne of my biggest problems is anxiety. I have had an anxiety disorder since I was a little girl. I have learned to just take 5 minutes by myself when I get nervous or anxious. It is almost like I use a relaxation technique and think of all black. I have found in my own studies for myself, that if you talk yourself down and keep telling yourself not to get to excited, and keep telling yourself, "I can do this".
From this article I have found that, getting to know your audience and surroundings, could possibly make it that much easier in having a easier time giving your speech in front of a room of people you are unfamiliar with. I will definately take this tool and use it when I give my next speech.
Thank you~ Mckenzie Banks~DBU
Ter,
ReplyDeleteAll of your blogs have helped me become a better speaker because what you say really helps me look into what I am going to do. All of your tips and tricks are wonderful, they have helped me develop greatly as a speaker. I hope that some day once I start my career if I do have to give a speech in front of my coworkers I will remember these things. I also appreciate you directing us to other blogs as well, some of their advice has also helped me along the way. I will be sure to check in to see if there is anything new that can maybe help me out in my future career. Thank you very much.
Hanna Krivinchuk COM103 fall 2010
A lot of good ideas here. I especially liked the one about talking about something you already know. I would think that it would be easier to make a presentation on something you personally already feel passionate about just like in a personal conversation.
ReplyDeleteBrigitte
I agree with knowing what you are giving the speech about and your tone of voice. This will help me alot cause sometime I don't know the tone of my voice and they might think that I am yelling at them or not speaking high enough and knowing what I am talking about will be a big help so that I can give pointers of what I am saying.
ReplyDeleteI think you make great points that most of us would never think of. I hate talking in public but you give great tips that I can read and reread that might help in the future. I never would have considred that my body movement was inmportant in relation to what I was talking about. Facial expressions and body movement probably are what we are thinking about when prepareing and giving a speach
ReplyDeleteThe two "knows" I find most helpful for me are "know that your audience doesnt have a script" and "know your voice". The first really helps as I prepare for my first speech because it takes the pressure off me to be perfect and helps me focus more on just getting my message out there and being myself. I am a much better writer than speaker but learning to not rely heavily on a script will help me immensely. The second one I mentioned helps too because it makes me more concious about my use of voice. This I need to experiment with. I have a very quiet voice by nature and when I am nervous I speed up too much. Maybe when I practice my speech I will pay attention to this area.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Elaine Wiggins
Oral Communications 103
DBU
Ter,
ReplyDeleteI really like the thought of knowing that when giving a speech the audience does not have a copy so they don't know when you miss something or dont say it in order. It's something I never thought of before and I know it will now help me when I have to speak in front of a crowd.
Kari A.- DBU
I especially agree with the "know your props" portion of this blog. I will use thsi idea at my next address to m cuib scout's parents during the next pack meeting. This will definately help me feel more comfortable speaking.
ReplyDelete-Shane Linge (DBU)
I really found it helpful to know that nobody is just a born speaker or norn anything, It takes time, people makes mistakes and thats okay the audience doesnt exactly know what your going to say next anyway. I agree about how its important to 'know your audience' because you may be able to which around some words and be able to target them more to gain there interest.
ReplyDeleteHi Ter:
ReplyDeleteI found many of the knows in this article to be very helpful, a couple that stood out to me were 1. Know your venue. I think that would be a very helpful one if you are talking to folks in an unfamiliar place. 2. Also a key one was the audience doesn't have a script. I am always afraid of making mistakes in front of people and don't want to embarrass myself, and I think that remembering that they don't know what I am going to say would take alot of anxiety away. 3. I also like the one about knowing who the audience is, age, etc.
Very useful information.
I have found that the articles on fear of public speaking has been the most helpful. I have always hated speaking in front of people even if it was a small group. I have now found ways to get around that as I have learned to relax and tell myself that the audience doesn't know if I make a mistake or forget a sentence or two. Thank you for the opportunity to become even a tad more relaxed and know that next time I am asked to speak I dont have to get over worked up about doing it. Thanks Ter!
ReplyDeleteIn reading your blog this semester I have learned that there is more to public speaking then I had originally thought. I thought that you wrote a speech, on a subject that you had researched thoroughly, stood up in front of people and read what you had written. I was wrong, maybe that is why, for years, I have hated giving speeches. I was too wrapped up in the ‘me’ of speech giving and focused too little on the other aspects. Your blog articles have opened up my mind and eyes into what the truth about public speaking is. You need to know more than just the facts to give a good and memorable speech. You need to know the people you are speaking to and yourself. Dialogue, facial expressions, body movement, all play a big role in public speaking, as does the facts and props. Learning what words are meaningful and ‘filler’ can help a person sound professional and knowledgeable. The way a person carries themselves can also lend a hand in making any speech enjoyable. I hope that in the future I can keep these things in mind, and also remember that whenever I am speaking in public that the people are more than likely ready to listen and learn something new, not waiting to criticize everything I do and say.
ReplyDeleteHi Ter,
ReplyDeleteI really liked all of the pointers that you have listed. The one that really stuck out to me was, "Know Your Stuff". I think it is very important when it comes to giving a speech to "Know your stuff" because it will give you more confidence in what you are talking about. I also liked "know your audience doesn't have a script". It helps to remember this in the event that I were to get a bit off track or forget something I "was" going to say, noone will know the difference.
Hi Ter- Actually there are 2 "knows" that I would like to comment on. First, is "Know your stuff", I think that is very important because how can you posibly speak with knowledge or passion on a subject if you really dont know the subject. I like the idea of interjecting personal stories but there again ou need to know the subject for your story to make sense. So now I know to really go the extra mile and really know what I am talking about.
ReplyDeleteI also really like the "know" that the audience does not have a script. Knowing you do not need to go word for word in your speech would be a great help. I can see myself losing my place and getting flustered. Now when I think of this "know" I can just carry on without getting flustered.
Therese P. DBU
This was a helpful article. It focused on knowing yourself and your strengths. It helped me realize that you need to focus on what you are comfortable and stick to topics you know about. If you do not know about the subject then you need to do enough research until you are comfortable. It is a good idea to know your audience and have good understanding on how you should get your points across.
ReplyDeleteI all Ten Knows will help when speaking to different groups. The one I had a problem with when giving my first speech was Know your Voice. I have a tendency to not talk loud enough when nervous. Which also goes hand in hand for me with Know your Face.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the useful information.
This article was very helpful to me. One of the points that stuck out to me was knowing your strengths and sharing what you are good at, and after you do that, try and improve on the things that you don't know much about. I also thought that knowing your voice was a good point too because when I get up in front of people, my voice is very shaky and quiet. Very useful points! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis blog has many good tips. There are a couple that I agree with and I think will help me in the future. I've never thought about it before that my audience doesn't have a script and doesn't know what I will be saying. This helps me know that the audience doesn't have a script so they won't know what I'm going to say. In the past I've been afraid that I will miss something and the whole audience will know. The point about the speech not being perfect helps me on this fear also. Another problem or fear I have is that I don't speak loud enough for my audience to hear me. "Know your voice" is helpful here also.
ReplyDeleteI agree with "know your strengths" and "know your voice". It's important to be able to project yourself and draw on what you are sure of. I found this whole blog very helpful in guiding me in the right direction for public speaking.
ReplyDeleteI especially like Know your strengths. Asking for evaluation from others is a great idea. We all have a perception about how we look and speak but we don't always know how we look and sound to others. Getting good, constructive feedback can be very helpful.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Leonard
My favorite statement was "Do what you fear most, and you control fear." The reason I like this is because I have always told my kids that if you fear everything and don't try to get over your fears then your fears will own you instead of you owning your fears.
ReplyDeleteSandra P DBU student
This is a great article. I agree that when you speak about something you know it's much easier! I was active with a animal rescue group and had to speak at events. I found that I had much less anxiety and delivered a better speech because I knew all the information and was very passionate about our cause. Your tip on remembering that the audience doesn't have a script is something that I definitely need to put to use. I have a tendency to feel that if I leave out something, I've ruined my speech and become more nervous and things go downhill from there. Thank you for all these great tips
ReplyDeleteI agree that When you are making a speech that you don't know that well to put a personal experience into your speech.
ReplyDeleteThis will help me to not be so stressed or nervous when I'm making a speech.
DeeAnna Patnaude
Oral Communications Online DBU 2012
I like the know your audience does not know your script. This can help you be less stressed as no one will know if you forgot something. I have found that when I have left something out accidentally, usually it was replaced with something I did not have in the speech before and it usually works out!
ReplyDelete