Speaking in public - lesson 1.
Hey there!
If you have ever thought of speaking in public, but never really gave it a go, here is your chance to learn some of the "do's and dont's" of the industry....
FIrst thing, when you want to speak, is to choose a topic. Yes, I know, it might sound like a "DOH!" - comment to you, but you have no idea how many people I meet who want to do what I do, and when I ask them about their topic, they go blank and say: "I don't know yet.."
Your topic should be something you are passionate about. Something that rocked your world - emotionally! Emotions are what we can share - and what people can relate to. Nobody, or VERY few people can relate, when I tell them about being at the start at a world championship final in my single scull - not that many people have done that! - BUT! - they can relate to the pressure and stress when you know you have to perform the best you've ever done, and that there is no way, you get another chance... the "now or never" feeling... we've all had that.. at exams, giving a speach at a wedding or an interview... If you go into the emotions, and tell people how you DELT with them, you will have given them something valuable they can use in their own life... So first, find you topic and the emotions you went through - write them down, and start shaping your story.....
Recent Comments
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Nice Tony Robbins : is one those speakers that has the ability to inspire me, Might be cool to be a motivational speaker myself one day , though i think i would begin with a more personal approach like coaching ! :D
Yeah Mike... you have to find your own way! - I started with the talks, and got the hang of it... started to like it, and after 10 talks, it was all good... I'll try to give you all some tips and tricks to how I do, than you can see if it resonates with you or not! :-D
Hi I like this because I am not a public speaker but a fashion designer I can relate to what you are saying because in this field you have to know your topic also.But your drawing and design is your audience it has to relay your thoughts and design to someone in order for it to work. Then the designed garment is your speech and then hopefully your sell. Now that I pointed that out I relate to what you are saying. You have to have that so called niche that we are told about on this site or passion to get the speech rolling first you have to get the attention of the people then you have to paint them a mental picture and then keep them in your imaginary video really seeing and feeling your words you say. In short make them be right there with you, sharing your experiences with you. I hope this was a helpful comment because a speaker I am not.
Thanks - designerman - Robert
it's funny Robert, I just responded to caylynn's post right before I saw yours, and that is just what I wrote! - you need them to come over to you side, and see, what you see.. If you can do that, you've succeeded.. and they will feel blessed and wiser... :-D
Agree about the emotions, Jeff. Similar emotions or needs in the 'now' form a bond between speaker and listener. Connecting is the core element in public speaking, teaching, helping and writing good content. You give what people need to hear, need to know and need to have to make their lives comfortable, pleasurable and pleasant. All this would not happen without our sincere passion and belief in what is real and valuable. Thank you for your post. ^_~
I love connecting with the audience... I love to see them with wide eyes and open mouth, just taking everything in, not caring where in the room they are, or what they look like, they are just HERE right now, with me, in the story... I think that's what I am good at, and what makes the talks valuable... If you can take people on a journey with you... :-D
When you pastor a church as I do, speaking to a crowd is just part of your existance. However, as you have well said you have to prepare your topic and express your passion to your audience be it a church or another type of public forum. First efforts can be stressful but after some experience it is a delightful experience to share your ideas with others as a public speaker. Jump in! You have to start somewhere. My first speech was as a 7th grade student and was on the life of Babe Ruth. LOL
Ha ha ha!! Great start!!! :-D and you are right... the more you do it, the more you enjoy it!!!
Emotion is good, learn to connect with the audience. There are specific ways to do this. If you haven't seen "There's no such thing as public speaking" give it a look, Its available on Amazon and was written by an actor about public speaking.
I will check it out! - I teach public speaking as well.. I've done 2.500 talks over the last 14 years - and it is how I make my living! - so I am always interested in how other people do! - thank you very much! :-D
Putting topic with emotional diligence, what an awesome first step...get to the good stuff first.....thanks for your post.
On this post...There was a typo you might want to edit for future use....
"BUT! - the can relate...................the.....should probably be they,
just looking out for you friend, I am not a nit picker just a team player.
I'll get into more detail along the way.. but first things first! - so important to know what emotion you want the audience to be left with, and which ones you want them to go through, on the way! :-D
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Great article with lots of nuggets. Delivering a speech on what one is passionate sbout sure has a positive effect in capturing the audience's attention and connecting with them.
It really is esssentail! - and you have to let the audience see, feel and hear, that THIS is something, that you really care about... why else, should they listen? :-D