|
Know your key publics and objectives.
Time is a limited resource. Know whether this opportunity represents
value for both you and your audience.
Know you audience.
Talk with two or three people to get a feeling for what matters
to THIS audience—their issues, values, level of knowledge.
Sketch you talk.
How will you engage your audience? How will you move across salient
points? What is the one message people will come away with?
Find good sources.
Prepare rich background notes and save as short text files. Create
a table with columns for filename, author, date source, keyword,
and a short summary. This will save tons of work if you later want
to post this on an intranet.
Build sound bites.
Write. Be articulate in less than 100 words (40-60 is best) on every
point you want to make. You’ll need a core message, supported
by clear major points, each supported by relevant details. Your
first 20 words are critical.
Prototype.
A ten minute talk is 1600-1800 words. Tape yourself. See what you
haven’t said. See what can be trimmed. Edit your written text.
Recast your outline. Tape again. This is to clarify and focus your
thinking.
Speak, don’t read.
You don’t prepare a talk, you prepare YOURSELF for a talk.
The spoken word reveals presence, energy, interest, conviction;
these are lost on paper. An outline will keep you on track.
Bring a handout.
In formal situations, a copy of your speech is expected. The media
will follow a prepared text and note and departure in content. Speak,
but realize you’re going on record.
Watch for feedback.
A live audience means real-time feedback. When their attention is
rapt, you audience will resemble a still photograph of freeze-frame
video. This is what public speaking is all about.
FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions—a key part of any public speaking
engagement in the question and answer period. Collect questions
like hockey cards. Prepare credible, informative, 40-60 word answers
for them.
Al Czarnecki is an accredited public relations professional
with 30 years experience. You can find tips and resources on public
relations and social marketing at his website: http://topstory.ca
See also:
7 Tips for Effective
Speeches
Review
of Your Guide to Public Speaking
Secrets
of a Worthwhile Presentation
Don't
Neglect Your Presentation Skills
Seven golden
rules for more effective speaking
The HotLink Resource
Shelf: Going for Gold!
Smooth
Talking! Explore the Paid Speaking Market
Speaking
to the Media
|
| SOURCESCalendar
