Public Speaking Tips

The following article has been provided by one of our members Richard Mack during Jan2008. Feedback is most welcome. (Please E-mail: vppr at cottonwoodspeakers.org )

10 top tips on public speaking

(to be moved to a new articles page)

The following tips are submitted by our members:

Public speaking tip #1 - Know your audience

When preparing a speech, and thinking about the goal of the speech, it is ideal to consider the audience. If the audience doesn't receive your message, what was the point in investing your time? How much do you know about them, their values, beliefs, background, desires, or anything else you can guess is likely? This will help you decide what parts of your message will be obvious to the audience and which parts you'll need to focus on, to pick the best words, anecdote, humour or prop to facilitate your point(s).

Shirley Thompson, Jan2008

General Toastmaster Tips to enjoy your learning journey

The primary goal at our club is to learn speaking skills in as fun an environment as possible!

We do encourage those who want to, to participate in speech contests, because this helps to focus even more on improvement, and potential skills, being with a wider cross-section of the community, across the country, not just local club members.

The Toastmasters International programme starts with guiding you through the following skills, so we recommend the following tips: -

1. Learn to talk about yourself, because personal anecdotes bring rapport with the audience; people increasingly trust you and want to hear what you have to say.

2. Organise your speech, because you need an opening to capture attention, a body, and leave time for your conclusion.

3. Get to the point, because the audience wants to be led to the your conclusion, so they understand the purpose of your speech.

4. Understand how you use words, because you need to be understood by the audience. (Think what it will be like to listen to you.)

5. Let your body speak, because body language is so important in human interaction; think about gestures, eye contact, and the emotions you're demonstrating.

6.Use vocal variety, because you don't want your audience to go to sleep. Listen to news readers; which do you prefer and why?

7. Research your topic, because you'll need some evidence to convince your audience.

8. Use visual aids/props, because they can help you can powerfully and quickly express ideas.

9. Practice persuasion, because people will be inspired, convinced and take action, assuming that's your intention.

10. Learn to inspire, because then you'll fully connect with your audience.

For Public Speaking, Effective Presentations and Presentation Skills, Confidence to Speak in Public and Building Self-Esteem: Cottonwood Speakers, Bournemouth (Poole Christchurch Wimborne Dorset Ringwood Hampshire)

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Have you read the latest copy of 'The Toastmaster'?

All members of Toastmasters International receive a copy of "The Toastmaster". This is a monthly magazine with features and regular articles to help everyone make the most of their membership and become a more effective public speaker.