Public Speaking Tips Presented by Robin Hall and Linda Ross, Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences

Fear of Public Speaking Population No.3 fear=Death No.2 fear=Snakes No.1 fear=Public Speaking Stage fright -In spotlight -unprepared -inexperienced

Effective Communication Preparation Practice Presence

Effective Communication Preparation – research – format – speak on what you know – notes are ok to outline main points (note cards vs. full sized paper )

“The audience has come to hear you, not merely to stare at images tossed onto a screen. Build a strong PowerPoint program, but make sure that your spoken remarks are no less compelling. "PowerPoint doesn't give presentations — PowerPoint makes slides.” Matt Thornhill, president of Audience First.

PowerPoint Guidelines Uncluttered slides No more than 5 lines Good text contrast Large enough font Be prepared to improvise in case of technical difficulties!!!!

PowerPoint Tips Have compelling material Keep it simple Minimize numbers in slides Don't be a parrot Time your remarks

PowerPoint Tips Give it a rest Use vibrant colors Use various images, videos, cartoons, graphics Distribute handouts at the end Edit ruthlessly, then let someone else review

Effective Communication Practice - practice makes perfect (but don’t memorize!) - revision - get time right

Effective Communication Presence - nervousness -body language -voice tone -gestures -eye contact -positive attitude

Things You Should Do Eye contact Can glance at notes Appropriate gestures Rhetorical questions to involve audience

Things You Should Do Use an introduction to: – Get attention – Introduce the topic – Provide motivation – Establish credibility – Preview the speech Use a conclusion to: – Summarize your speech – Reemphasize the main idea – Motivate a response – Provide closure

Things You Shouldn’t Do Read directly from notes Read directly from screen Turn back on audience Slouch, hands in pockets No um, ah, you know’s No nervous gestures Talk too fast, Talk too quietly

Examples of what NOT to do: Sample – “The unique features of this presentation is the tips given here are time tested over 25 years among youth “

Matter15 Public Speaking #2 ORGANISE your speech into three basic parts Attractive - INTRODUCTION Meaningful - MAIN SPEECH Clear & Crisp - CONCLUSION

LANGUAGE16 Public Speaking- LANGUAGE #11 AVOID grammatical faults

LANGUAGE17 Public Speaking #19 AVOID : Putting on an unnatural / foreign accent

Ten Successful Tips Control the “Butterflies” Know the room- become familiar with the place of presentation Know the audience- greet or chat with the audience before hand. It’s easier to speak to friends than to strangers Know your material-increased nervousness is due to un-preparedness

Ten Successful Tips Control the “Butterflies” Know the room- become familiar with the place of presentation Know the audience- greet or chat with the audience before hand. It’s easier to speak to friends than to strangers Know your material-increased nervousness is due to un-preparedness

Control the “Butterflies” Relaxation- relax entire body by stretching and breathing so as to ease the tension Visualize giving your speech-Visualize yourself giving your speech from start to finish. By visualizing yourself successful, you will be successful!

Control the “Butterflies” People want you to succeed-the audience is there to see you succeed, not to fail Don’t apologize-by mentioning your nervousness or apologizing, you’ll only be calling the audience’s attention to mistakes. Smile and act natural.

Control the “Butterflies” Concentrate on your message-not the medium. Focus on the message you are trying to convey and not on your anxieties – Keep your speech focused – Divide your speech into compact segments – Analyze your audience carefully – Adapt to situation Turn nervousness into positive energy- nervousness increases adrenaline, transform it into vitality and enthusiasm

Control the “Butterflies” Gain experience-experience builds confidence, which is key to effective public speaking

Practice takes you from this..

To this….

Public Speaking Icebreaker If you could be any public speaker (famous or not), who would it be and why?

Public Speaking Resources Toastmasters International Toastmasters meetings are comprised of approximately 20 people who meet weekly or bi-weekly for an hour or two. Participants practice and learn skills by filling a meeting role. There is no instructor; instead, each speech and meeting is critiqued by a member in a positive manner, focusing on what was done right and what could be improved.

Public Speaking Resources The Toastmasters website has information on: -Giving a Eulogy -Toasting Tips -Presenting an Award -Accepting an Award -What You Should Have Said - Business Presentations - The 10 Commandments of Communication

Public Speaking Resources Books In The SpotLight, Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Performing by Janet E. Esposito Public Speaking (8th Edition) by Michael Osborn, Suzanne Osborn and Randall Osborn The Exceptional Presenter: A Proven Formula to Open Up and Own the Room by Timothy J. Koegel

Public Speaking Resources Books How to Leave Your Audiences Begging for More by Chris King 101 Secrets of Highly Effective Speakers, Caryl Rae Krannich Ph.D. Great Session Openers, Closers, and Energizers: Quick Activities for Warming Up Your Audience and Ending on a High Note by Marlene Caroselli