Public SPEAKER Hints

Keep in mind the fleeting nature of oral communication when you are preparing to give a speech. People will remember little of what you say.

                Five of the best hints for public speakers

* First impressions are important

        Dress for your audience. Try to mirror their dress code. If in doubt it’s better to be overdressed than dressed too casually.

        When you start to speak don’t be in a hurry  – compose yourself, take a deep breath, look for a friend and smile.

* Establish a rapport

        At the start try telling a story to gain attention and for your audience to get used to your voice. “Do you know we have much in common……. ”

* Stick to the ‘bare bones’

        Keep to your speech plan. Keep it simple. Don’t get sidetracked with too much content. That’s the mistake most inexperienced speakers make.

        First, tell your audience what you plan to tell them. Tell them by amplifying your message then sum up.

* Watch your audience

        Don’t put your head down and read a prepared speech. Don’t read written words. Chat to them as you would normally speak.                 Have notes to keep your thoughts in a logical order and to remind you of any anecdotes and yarns you plan to tell as memory joggers for your audience.

        If they are looking weary get them to stand and stretch.

* Be enthusiastic

        Enthusiasm is contagious and audiences respond to enthusiastic speakers. Try sharing your feelings and emotions to lift the interest level of your talk.

        If you dry up don’t panic. Pause, compose yourself and start on another point. Make it look natural.

        Never forget eighty percent of a presentation is preparation.

Geoffrey Moss ( mossassociates.co.nz)

“Be brief, sincere, enthusiastic and seated.”

Source: “Revitalise YOUR Business. Guidelines for new leader-managers”,  First published in New Zealand and later by the Singapore Institute of Management. As “Business Secrets” and as “Secrets for New Managers” by Cengage Learning Asia, McGraw-Hill, Australia and in Thai by Se-Education, Bangkok. Available as an e-book from Amazon.com and VitalSource Bookshelf.