Dear High Achiever:
Some people say the #1 Fear in Life (more than death is … Public Speaking).
I don’t necessarily know that’s true but if you’re interested in where it ranks, feel free to Google the topic and check the various surveys for yourself. This FYI is going to be focused on the core competencies of presenting.
I’m going to change the format that I usually use in the FYI Newsletter and provide you with more of a “Checklist” or the “Cliff Notes” style of the Public Speakers Hand Book.
I’ve been speaking professionally since I was 26 years old. As many of my readers already know, the dynamics of public speaking and professional selling are my passion. I’m a learning junkie and a life-long student of the art and science of both disciplines. Today, I want to provide you with the foundational competencies to help you present more effectively. The tips, tools and techniques I’m going to share will take you from “nervous to natural” and “good to great” to “BEST”. Apply and practice these strategies and you will be 100% more effective whether you are presenting to an audience of one or one-thousand.
I’m going to start with a quote that I believe every public presenter / speaker needs to memorize.
“If you want to be successful faster, you must double your rate of failure. Success lies on the far side of failure.” – Thomas J. Watson
The way to get better at speaking is to speak, often.
Remember: Every time you communicate you are presenting.
10 Common Causes of Public Speaking Stress
Define Objectives:
What – Are you going to talk about?
How – What do you have to say and how much time do you have to say it?
Why – What is my audience going to learn and hopefully apply?
Experience has taught me that knowing my audience and “owning my talk” are the two most critical factors to my success. This makes complete sense but few speakers take time to survey the audience or have a real strategy for “owning their talk”. Both are relatively simple processes but often overlooked. Your main goal is to keep your audience interested and engaged, both emotionally and intelligently.
Always remember this when presenting:
Your Audience Wants You To Succeed
Have you ever gone to a concert or a play and hoped it sucked? Of course not. Your audience has the same mindset when coming to hear you speak. Instead of thinking that they are judging you, just remember they are rooting for you.
Take a moment and write down the characteristics of a good speaker. Whatever you write down are the characteristics you need to practice and display. Here are a few I can think of when I’m sitting in the audience.
Send me an email on what you would add to this list.
Here are Four Types of Audience Members you will most likely have in every presentation. It’s important to remember this and accept the fact they exist and control the environment. (This list is compliments of my friend Tony Jeary).
Simple Rehearsal and Preparation Techniques and Behaviors
If you want to grow and profit both personally and professionally, start speaking. I would recommend joining your local Toastmasters or volunteering to speak at your chamber meetings. Every organization is looking for good speakers. There are plenty of opportunities to share your expertise, get free exposure, build credibility and even generate significant revenue from speaking.
If you are interested in a Presentation Mastery workshop for your organization or if you would like to sponsor or attend a local program in your area send me an email and we can discuss the opportunity.
Go Out and Make This Your Best Year Ever!
Eric Taylor is the Chief Inspiration Officer of SelfGrowth.com and founder of New Jersey based Empowerment Group International. He delivers more than 100 energized and interactive keynotes, workshops and seminars each year to corporations, associations and tradeshows. He is the author of the Energy Passport, Co-creator of the Best Year Ever! Success System and Co-author of The Complete Sales Training Encyclopedia. To get complete details about Eric’s background, his products and services, visit Eric Taylor’s Blog and review Eric Taylor’s Profile.