Originally Speaking – Public Speaking Tips

Tomorrow I am honored to be presenting a workshop on public speaking skills to Americorp Members at United Way of Southern Nevada. The purpose of the  workshop is to help the members better articulate the mission of the Americorp and the goals of the site that each one represents. The following is the Agenda for the seminar.

Originally Speaking – Public Speaking Tips (PDF)

1. Ask yourself what is the purpose of the speech. (To inform, motivate, persuade, entertain, etc.)

2. Know your material

a. Research your topic

b. Narrow the information (don’t be too general)

3. Write your speech

a. Introduction

b. Body

c. Conclusion

4. Rehearse your presentation

a. Practice your speech as if you were giving it to a live audience

i. Limit audible pauses (ah’s, you know, write, it’s like)

ii. Practice your grammar

b. Record your presentation (video or audio)

i. How did you deliver the speech?

ii. Was it smooth or disjointed?

5. Speaking

a. Projecting

i. Volume

b. Vocal variety

i. Don’t be monotone

c. Pace

i. Don’t talk too fast or too slow

ii. Vary the speed for effect

6. Gestures

a. Posture

i. Stand up straight

b. Hands

i. Placement of hands

c. Movement

i. Move to make a point

ii. Don’t pace back and forth

iii. Don’t sway back and forth

7. Eye Contact

a. Look at the audience

8. Know your audience

a. What is the purpose of the meeting?

b. What are the audiences political, religious, philanthropic, etc. tendency’s

9. Dress for success

a. Dress professionally

10. Have Fun