April, 2004
The 10 Biggest Mistakes in Public Speaking

 

The 10 Biggest Mistakes in Public Speaking
   
Public Speaking often dreaded and feared, but no more. It is my goal to offer professional tips to ladies who aspire to inspire. Public Speaking is an acquired skill that can benefit anyone who has a message. Here are some helpful no no's:

#1. STARTING WITH A WHIMPER. "Thank you very much for that great introduction." NO, no, no, no, no, no, no! Well, as you see, thanking the emcee for your intro is-WRONG. Instead, start your speech with a BANG! Not a whinny whimper.
Start your talk with a startling statistic, an "head-on" statement, or even a fascinating quote. Think of something to grab your audience right from the beginning. A question always get your listener's attention and gets them interested in what you have to say.

 

#2. IMITATE OTHER SPEAKERS. Practice from the Professionals, but DO NOT emulate these individuals. They are people too and often times make mistakes. This practice and study can lead you to discover your own speaking style. Always stay Authentic that is what makes you your best. Effective speakers adapt their own style to the platform issue given and speak conversationally to the audience. The more conversational you are the more natural, "open and outward" you become and that's the key.

 


#3.DON'T "WORK" THE ROOM. If you fail to "work the room", you miss out on enhancing your credibility with your audience and increasing your rolodex. You should always arrive early to meet & greet your audience prior to your presentation. If you forget or arrive "on time" then take advantage of the mingling afterwards to get business cards and promote yourself.

 

 

   #4. FORGET TO USE RELAXATION TECHNIQUES. Being nervous is natural, but before you hit the spotlight remember to relax. Use the time before your presentation to relax, by breathing deeply from your diaphragm for one or two minutes. Visualize yourself on stage, smiling, speaking fluently and being successful. You may want to try shrugging or massaging the tension out of your shoulder and neck area, while going through this breathing and visualization process. Do whatever you need to do to relax and enjoy this opportunity.
#5. READING A SPEECH WITH NOTE CARDS. When I see a speaker with note cards, I think either that person is not organized or I (audience) was not important enough for them to prepare a proper presentation. In either case, the assumption made by the audience is not a good one. Instead of reading, use a "keyword" outline. The keywords will help you complete your thoughts. Look at the word(s)-look at the audience-then speak. If you use an outline or a prop, have it placed at the podium before the event begins, do not get caught walking to the podium with something in your hand.  

#6. USING ANOTHER'S STORY. Don't use someone else's stories, unless it is use with one of your stories to support your opinion, details or point. The audience wants to connect with you not your Aunt Peggy from Puck Presentation, Pennsylvania. If you think your life is boring and you don't have any great stories to tell, you're not looking deep enough. Keeping a journal is a wonderful way to collect stories!

 

 

 
#7. SPEAKING WITHOUT "IT". "IT" in this circumstance means, "passion". Speaking without passion will bore your audience to tears! If you speak passionately about the topic or issue, chances are people will listen. An added benefit is that your public speaking fears will dissipate when you are truly excited about the subject matter. When you speak with passion you inspire others and as a titleholder you are expected to inspire and set the standard.  

#8. ENDING WITH Q & A. Don't save question and answer session for the end. Most executives end meetings with a Q & A, but you are a speaker; so, tell the audience "I will take any questions…" and then say (to conclude), " We will move to our closing point." After the Q&A, tell a story that ties in to your main theme. Finish the speech with a quote, call to action or question. Whatever ending you choose, make it memorable.

 
#9. NOT BEING PREPARED. Bill Gove, former 1st President of National Speakers Association, often times said, " I'm not scared, 'cause I'm prepared." That is so true! Being prepared allows you to concentrate on the delivery not the message. You already know what you are going to say. Now practice how you are going to say it. If you're not prepared ahead of time, you will be scared. It's amazing how many bright people do not heed this warning. Speaking in front of the right group of people can better enhance their perception of you as a leader and possibly open doors for you down the road.  

#10. ANYONE CAN SPEAK. Yes! Most anyone can speak, but public speaking is an acquired skill. Many executives think anyone can speak in front of a group, it's easy, and no special training or skill is involved. Wrong! Nothing could be further from the truth. Speaking like any other learned skill requires time and practice.

 

 

 

 

 

If you have any questions on this week's article, e-mail Jamie at info@pageantdiva.com

 

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