LECTURES ll –

Deliver them confidently

        Your introduction and your conclusion are the two most important parts of your speech. Never read them but “punch them home” with vigour and energy. Spend time to get them right during your preparation. They are so important!

A handful of tips to help you relax and improve your next presentatioN

* Before you start

        Dress for your audience. Your clothes should be comfortable and suit the occasion.

        Before you are due to speak get the feel of the meeting. Sit at the back of the room and observe the other speakers and the reaction of the audience.

        Go to the toilet.

        During a break check the sound system to get your levels right and to see how you needed to adjust your microphone.      

* At the start

      When it’s your turn to speak don’t be in a hurry. Take your time to compose yourself, adjust the microphone, arrange your notes. Take a deep breath, pause and smile at a friend.

        Always address the chair. The preferred form of address is ; “Mister Chairman”, “Madam Chair”  

* Share your ideas and feelings

        First try to relate to your audience and to your subject. Often a good anecdote will get the attention of your audience and let them tune into the tone of your voice.

        People want new information and ideas. Share your experiences and ideas and your emotions. Be enthusiastic about your topic.

* Watch the audience

      Can they hear you?

        If they look bored. Tell them an anecdote or a yarn. Take a break, or ask them a question. Ask them to stand and have a stretch.

        If you “dry up” don’t panic. Compose your-self and start on another topic. Make it look natural.

  * Use good visual aids

      A good visual aid can save you much talking but they must be simple and easy to see. Do not look at written words and read it aloud.

        Never turn your back on your audience.

        A picture of an event or a place can set a scene and save you much talking.

Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“The end should be a climax,

not an anti-climax!”

        For those in need,  download our FREE book “NO JOB! WHAT NOW? available from our website.

Source: Time-Savers, Moss Associates .Ltd  New Zealand; McGraw-Hill, Australia; Times Business Books,  a Federal Publishing House, Singapore and  Qingdao Publishing House, China.