Public Speaking Tips (Book)

Public Speaking Tips

Preparing for Speeches

What is the purpose of your speech? To inform? To persuade? To entertain? Once you know the general purpose of your speech you can begin to prepare for your speech.

1. Step # 1 -- Select a topic for your speech
   Use the Audience Centered approach to select your topic.
    
2. Step # 2 -- Compose your Specific Purpose Statement, Central Idea, & Main Points.
   Use the Audience Centered approach as you compose these.
    
3. Step # 3 -- Research your speech
   Internet Resources -- Virtual Library.
    
4. Step # 4 -- Be Audience Centered -- Audience Analysis
   Who is your audience and what are their needs?
    
5. Step # 5 -- Supporting Your Speech
   Use support materials that are: Pertinent; Varied; Sufficient; Detailed; Appropriate.
    
6. Step # 6 -- Outlining Your Speech
   Use the basic informative outline to organize materials.
    
7. Step # 7 -- Select Visual Aids for Your Speech
   Guideline and tips for using visual aids.
    
8. Step # 8 -- Practicing Your Speech
   Perfect Practice makes Perfect.
    
9. Step # 9 -- Using Creative Visualization to Ensure a Successful Speech
   Tips on using Visualization to help prepare you for your presentation.
    
10. Step # 10 -- Presenting Your Speech on Speech Day
    Tips on giving effective presentations and tips on dealing with that "extra energy" on "Game Day."

Speech Practice

• Go to the room where you will give your presentation to get a feel for the environment/set-up. Practice in front of a friend or friends without stopping, just as you will want to give your presentation on speech day.
• Practice in front of a mirror (full length if possible).
• Practice using visual aids so you know how much time they will take up and how to incorporate them into your speech.
• Practice with background noise (ie.- turn on the tv, radio, etc.) in order to practice with distractions.
• Practice with the actual speaking outline you will use in your presentation.
• Practice your speech dressed as you plan to be for your actual presentation so that you can feel comfortable and ready to speak.
• Time yourself. -- Make sure that you are consistently within your time frame.
• Video tape yourself if possible. This is the best way for you to be able to see what your mistakes are so that you can fix them before you give your presentation.
• Practice becoming aware of your posture and mannerisms as you speak. If you are going to use movement on speech day -- you need to practice moving--keep it controlled and natural. 
• Eliminate any distracting mannerisms you may have. Distracting mannerisms include (but are not limited to) many nervous habits you might have (i.e. playing with a ring or necklace, tucking hair behind your ear, playing with a pen, cracking knuckles, etc.). These are actions you can easily avoid doing if you are aware of them. Take off your jewlry; tie your hair back or moose it down; get rid of the pen, etc...
  
  Don'tSpeakers often do things that drive their audiences crazy. Don't!
  
  
• Never have change or keys in your pockets. You do not want to have the sound of objects competing with your voice.
• Never wear a hat, unless it is part of your presentation. Dress appropriately any time you give a presentation. It is better to make a credible first impression by looking as if you are interested in giving a good speech.
• Do not use distracting mannerisms. This includes many nervous habits you might have (i.e. playing with a ring or necklace, tucking hair behind your ear, playing with a pen; cracking knuckles, etc.). These are actions you can easily avoid doing if you are aware of them. Take off your jewlry; tie your hair back or moose it down; get rid of the pen, etc...
• Do not stand with your arms crossed or your hands in your pockets. This type of posture prevents you from gesturing and may even make your audience uncomfortable.
• Never apologize if you make a mistake while giving a speech. Simply correct the mistake and move on. You never want to draw light to an error, chances are most people will miss it anyway. Along these same lines never make faces when you make a mistake it is better to just keep going.
• Don't put your visual aids up in front of the class before you explain them. Rather introduce them as you are speaking. Also, don't keep visual aids up after you are no longer referring to them. Use Visual Cues on your speaking outline to easily avoid these blunders.
• Don't practice your speech holding on to your speaking outline. When you are practicing put your outline on something - Music stand; A box; A high counter, anything to simulate the lectern that you will be presenting with.

Speech Day!

Eye Contact  
          Using natural, direct eye contact helps your audience feel  
          connected to you.  
Gestures  
         Gestures can help you paint pictures with words, but make sure
         they don't get in the way, and they are natural.  
Enthusiasm  
         Be enthusiastic. If you don't care, why should your audience? 
         Your enthusiasm builds your audience's enthusiasm. 
Articulation  
        Articulate your words clearly so the members of your audience will  
        understand you.  
Breathe  
        Breathing helps you control nervousness. It also gives you time to 
        gather your thoughts. Remember that a pause can be used to  
        provide emphasis.  
Posture  
        Correct posture conveys confidence.  
Tone  
        The tone of your voice can create or change a mood.  
Dress  
        Dress for success. Be neat and professional. Don't wear loud  
        accessories that will distract members of the audience.  
Language  
        Use proper language and be careful not to use non-words and fillers  
        such as "um" and "uh" too often.  
Smile  
        A smile will not only make you look and feel better, but also make  
        your audience more receptive.