1 An Introduction to Effective Public Speaking Dr. Michael A. Shires Pepperdine School of Public Policy Monday, August 19, 2002 New Student Orientation in Malibu, California

2 Public Speaking Skills are Mandatory for Successful Careers in Public Policy  Need to convey ideas clearly and effectively  Often need to deliver the ideas yourself to get them fair hearing  Your personal style is key to your success –Must be your style –Build off your strengths  More important than writing

3 Nervousness Is Always There!  Tension is a good thing  Will always be with you  Practice is key to managing it

4 The First Step Is To Focus On Your Purpose  Right style is function of audience and goals –Convince –Inform –Entertain  Your purpose is to get ideas across and sell them  People are there to hear you –Even if they have no choice

5 Four Keys to Effective Speaking  Preparing adequately  Organizing the session  Delivering the goods  Building rapport

6 Preparing Strengthens Your Talk By Increasing Your Confidence  Overprepare—make sure you know your stuff!  Practice orally and often if you are nervous  Know your audience –Practice answers to anticipated questions  Practice answers to difficult or inflammatory questions

7 Four Keys to Effective Speaking  Preparing adequately  Deal with logistics  Delivering the goods  Building rapport

8 Try To Resolve Logistical Concerns In Advance  Know the details of presentation setting  Bring what you need with you  Test changing slides and any needed technology  Plan on worst case

9 Four Keys to Effective Speaking  Preparing adequately  Deal with logistics  Delivering the goods  Building rapport

10 Delivery Is The Bottom Line  Stand  Dress and even overdress  Speak clearly  Do not read  Establish eye contact

11 More Things To Avoid…  Speak with NOT AT audience  Avoid distracting mannerisms –Rocking –Pacing –Touching face –“You know”, “Um”, “Uh”  Breathe

12 Four Keys to Effective Speaking  Preparing adequately  Deal with logistics  Delivering the goods  Building rapport

13 Remember Your Goal is To Build A Relationship With The Audience  Maintain eye contact with audience –Remember culture parameters  Keep eye contact with other than principal players –They may be counting on feedback from others  Use language that validates audience

14 Rapport Requires Personal Integrity  Be upfront about serious situations (usually)  Preserve key elements of style –Be bold –Be appropriate  Do NOT personalize critiques or attacks –Be respectful –Whoever loses temper first, loses edge

15 The End Is Often As Important As the Opening  Be thankful for their time and express appreciation –Do not devalue yourself too much—they may believe it  Make sure to practice “getting off the stage”  Use their (and your) time wisely

16 One Final Thought  Most important way to get better: PRACTICE!!!!!!  Toastmasters