When was the last time you had to make a speech? Did it go as well
as you would have liked? Are you ready for the next time? Most of
us do not like to speak in public. Yet our success in life - getting
the job, the contract or the sale, in having others listen to and
understand our ideas - depends on our ability to communicate effectively.
Here are some ideas to give your next presentation more positive
impact.
You must remember this!
Most people spend hours thinking about what they are going to say.
However what you say is frequently not as important as how you say
it. Studies show that words account for only a small part of the
total message you convey to others. The rest comes from style, perceived
confidence, use of voice, body language and other non-verbal forms
of communication. Think of it this way. Remember the worst presentation
you've ever heard. One that was really atrocious. Was it someone
who was totally boring or monotone? Did you feel they didn't really
care? Now think of the best presenter you've ever seen. Their energy
and enthusiasm. The modulation in their voice as they shared ideas
that really mattered to them. The connection they made with you
personally. In most cases, it's how they spoke that affected you
most. The more you become a speaker that others want to hear, the
more effective you will be.
They must understand you.
Good communication is more than just talking. It's about building
a bridge of understanding between you and your listeners. To do
that, you will need to: Have a worthwhile message and be ready to
communicate it. Relate your message to your audience. If you don't,
you won't keep their attention for long. Watch your tone. Do not
let strong emotions and argumentativeness interfere with your message.
Obtain feedback. Find out if your audience understands your ideas.
If they do not, you did not do a good job of communicating. Keep
persuasion to the end. When you are confident that your audience
understands you, then focus on getting then to adopt your point
of view. Be specific about actions. Tell your audience exactly what
to do in reaction to your message, or no changes will occur.
Don't wait until it's too late.
If you expect to open your mouth in public again (other than maybe
to eat a sandwich) then remember the "Five Ps of Public Speaking":
Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. Do not wait until you
are about to present. It's not worth the stress, or to risk looking
like a fool. Take time to prepare. Practice. And perfect one of
the most important skills in society today: Presenting yourself
to others. Good luck!
Peter Urs Bender
is author of the best-selling book Secrets of Power Presentations.
See Peter Urs Bender's listing in Sources
and visit www.PeterUrsBender.com
for more tips.
See also:
7 Tips for Effective
Speeches
Review
of Your Guide to Public Speaking
Secrets
of a Worthwhile Presentation
Seven golden
rules for more effective speaking
Going
to the Public: Ten public speaking tips
The HotLink Resource
Shelf: Going for Gold!
Smooth
Talking! Explore the Paid Speaking Market
Speaking
to the Media
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