Help ! Public Speaking !
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Probably too late for your first - but for future reference, drop in at a local ToastMasters or Rostrum branch where practicing and coaching are usually free, friendly, and aimed at the business community - they normally meet lunchtime or early evening weekly and there is normally a branch in every major city.
A couple of things from me.
Don't pick up pieces of paper like crib sheets etc if you don't have too. I used to fold the 'used' sheets and put them down. One day I didnt, and spent the rest of the presentation runiing my thumb and forfinger along the fold line. By the time I'd finished the fold crease was so sharp, you could have cleaved your way through runny Camembert with it.
If you have time and you can get a vid cam, vid yourself doing the presentation. an excellent way of picking up any annoying habits you may have, like folding paper for example! No prizes for guessing how I found that out.
If your presentation is in any way contentious, do not allow any questions until the end, if really pushed make a note of the Q and ensure that you make it clear you will address the point at the end. I used to talk about noise to the public, one small question can rapidly lead to others and it snowballs, so you may not even finish the presentation. Then the audience think 'He's cr@p, what was he on about? it didn't make sense'. It also prevents a 'activist' hijacking your presentation. If you get a heckler, keep talking over them, so long as you don't lose your thread, it's very difficult for a questioner to successfully intervene. Maggie Thatch was brilliant at that technique, something the current Home Secretary could learn from when addressing the public
Don't pick up pieces of paper like crib sheets etc if you don't have too. I used to fold the 'used' sheets and put them down. One day I didnt, and spent the rest of the presentation runiing my thumb and forfinger along the fold line. By the time I'd finished the fold crease was so sharp, you could have cleaved your way through runny Camembert with it.
If you have time and you can get a vid cam, vid yourself doing the presentation. an excellent way of picking up any annoying habits you may have, like folding paper for example! No prizes for guessing how I found that out.
If your presentation is in any way contentious, do not allow any questions until the end, if really pushed make a note of the Q and ensure that you make it clear you will address the point at the end. I used to talk about noise to the public, one small question can rapidly lead to others and it snowballs, so you may not even finish the presentation. Then the audience think 'He's cr@p, what was he on about? it didn't make sense'. It also prevents a 'activist' hijacking your presentation. If you get a heckler, keep talking over them, so long as you don't lose your thread, it's very difficult for a questioner to successfully intervene. Maggie Thatch was brilliant at that technique, something the current Home Secretary could learn from when addressing the public
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Remember to emphasise words as you are making your speech so that people don't get bored listening to a monotone drone!
Also watch out for any mannerisms / habits you might have (and worse, might not know you have) such as jangling keys in your pocket, playing with your shirt cuffs, saying 'erm' every other word etc etc. People like me pick up on that and spend more time counting how often you do it, than they do on listening to what you have to say.
Finally, a chinese proverb: "I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand". It might not apply to your subject, but it demonstates the value of presentational aids and audience participation (where appropriate).
Also watch out for any mannerisms / habits you might have (and worse, might not know you have) such as jangling keys in your pocket, playing with your shirt cuffs, saying 'erm' every other word etc etc. People like me pick up on that and spend more time counting how often you do it, than they do on listening to what you have to say.
Finally, a chinese proverb: "I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand". It might not apply to your subject, but it demonstates the value of presentational aids and audience participation (where appropriate).
Last edited by tonkatechie; 28th Sep 2006 at 00:11. Reason: Edited to add: Good luck!
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Many thanks to all for the advice - still scared witless but I'm looking forward to it despite the nerves. I will take it all on board and remember your support on the day. Of course, once I am a Noo Labour MP, you can all go and get stuffed 
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Lots of good advice above.
The only area where I'd disagree is starting off with an 'introduction' to your speech.
Your opening words should have immediate impact.
No intro. Straight in with something which immediately grabs their attention, and makes them think 'This is going to be good.'
Then an intro to what you're going to say, if you think it's really necessary.
Your ending is equally important. End with impact - don't just fizzle out.
If you have a good beginning and a good ending, the middle usually looks after itself - provided the beginning and end aren't too far apart.
If people start looking at their watches, move to your good ending as soon as possible, summarising the remaining good/important points you were going to make.
If they start shaking them, you've blown it.
Good luck.
FL
The only area where I'd disagree is starting off with an 'introduction' to your speech.
Your opening words should have immediate impact.
No intro. Straight in with something which immediately grabs their attention, and makes them think 'This is going to be good.'
Then an intro to what you're going to say, if you think it's really necessary.
Your ending is equally important. End with impact - don't just fizzle out.
If you have a good beginning and a good ending, the middle usually looks after itself - provided the beginning and end aren't too far apart.
If people start looking at their watches, move to your good ending as soon as possible, summarising the remaining good/important points you were going to make.
If they start shaking them, you've blown it.
Good luck.
FL
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It says much for the good taste and high intellectual standard of ppruners that nobody has yet suggested the traditional opening of:
"This is the second time today that I have risen from a warm seat with a piece of paper in my hand"
Well done all.
"This is the second time today that I have risen from a warm seat with a piece of paper in my hand"
Well done all.
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Like the previous poster says, 'a good beginning, a good ending, as close together as possible as possible.' Or my favourite, 'synonymous to a 1960's Mini-Skirt, short enough to be interesting but long enough to cover the essentials!'
Make them laugh in the first 30 seconds (quote some of these replies would be my advice) and you have them in your hand. Don't stand still, walk around the stage, keep your hands out of your pockets. If the subject allows, ham it up but don't patronise (that's when you talk down to people).
Enjoy the occasion, it can be great fun but you must know your subject.
Make them laugh in the first 30 seconds (quote some of these replies would be my advice) and you have them in your hand. Don't stand still, walk around the stage, keep your hands out of your pockets. If the subject allows, ham it up but don't patronise (that's when you talk down to people).
Enjoy the occasion, it can be great fun but you must know your subject.
Gentleman Aviator
It says much for the good taste and high intellectual standard of ppruners
1. "I had too little time to prepare so I'm using a speech I used earlier this week to the local LGTB Forum .... so I apologise to those of you who've already heard it"
OR
2. "I must apologise for an obscure speech defect I have. For some reason my voice sends homosexualists to sleep ......" (always good for first speech after a good lunch!)
"Or my favourite, 'synonymous to a 1960's Mini-Skirt, short enough to be interesting but long enough to cover the essentials!' "
I first coined that in 1972 when I had to give a speech at the ULAS Annual Dinner as Senior Student....
Actually I said "A speech should be like a mini-skirt. Short enough to remain decent, yet containing much of interest!".
I vaguely recall that after a good dinner at the Piccadilly Hotel, including copious amounts of wine, then a hip flask of Glenfiddich on the bus back to THQ, followed by a few beers, I decided it would be a great idea to try Guinness for the first time. It lasted about 45 seconds, including a 30 sec gallop to trap 2 where I said goodbye to it. I've never touched it since!
I first coined that in 1972 when I had to give a speech at the ULAS Annual Dinner as Senior Student....
Actually I said "A speech should be like a mini-skirt. Short enough to remain decent, yet containing much of interest!".
I vaguely recall that after a good dinner at the Piccadilly Hotel, including copious amounts of wine, then a hip flask of Glenfiddich on the bus back to THQ, followed by a few beers, I decided it would be a great idea to try Guinness for the first time. It lasted about 45 seconds, including a 30 sec gallop to trap 2 where I said goodbye to it. I've never touched it since!
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Confessions of a Guinness drinker
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Public speaking
Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Preferably in front of several co-workers. Instead of looking your audience in the eye, look slightly over their heads at the back of the room. It will appear to the audience that you are looking at them but will be less distracting for you. ( I had to deliver a memorial service speech for one of my staff officers and got this advice from my chaplain). If you will be subject to questions rehearse with staff officers/co-workers and have them ask you the most difficult questions possible so that you have practiced these. Almost eveybody is somewhat nervous even if you speak often so be aware that public speaking is difficult for a majority of people.
Good Luck
Good Luck
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Aside from the content, the best bit of advice I have ever had regarding public speaking is speed.
When you are talking to people you know in a small enviroment you will be speaking fairly quickly.
When you speak to a large crowd you should slow your speaking down. In your own mind reduce how quickly you speak each word, to you it should seem slow, but to others it will appear normal. If you are nervous, it is apparent to others by how quickly you rattle your speech/presentation out. Slowing it down will make you appear more confident, which in turn will make you feel more confident.
good luck
When you are talking to people you know in a small enviroment you will be speaking fairly quickly.
When you speak to a large crowd you should slow your speaking down. In your own mind reduce how quickly you speak each word, to you it should seem slow, but to others it will appear normal. If you are nervous, it is apparent to others by how quickly you rattle your speech/presentation out. Slowing it down will make you appear more confident, which in turn will make you feel more confident.
good luck
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On no account imagine a naked audience - I stood in front of 150 people with an obvious semi having thought about one of the Bridesmaids in a state of undress. Still, she appreciated it and I got to see it for real later!
"Follow your dreams, You can reach your goals, I’m living proof!"
Eric Cartman
"Follow your dreams, You can reach your goals, I’m living proof!"
Eric Cartman
