A reason we’re here, a story to share, a way that we can help others become better people simply by sharing our knowledge.
Having published my first book, Bringing Happiness Home, I’m often asked to speak and, to be honest, I love sharing my take on Happiness with the world.
I’ve begun facilitating public speaking workshops in Wollongong and the participants are loving them. Not only do they achieve all they wanted to in the public speaking arena but they also gain personal confidence, motivation and begin to see opportunities where before there was only fear and hesitation.
Today I’ve compiled my Top 8 Tips for stepping out, standing up and being heard:
1. Know your subject – If you’re presenting, you are assumed to be knowledgeable on your topic and able to speak confidently about the theme at hand. The first step in a great presentation is to get familiar with your subject and choose carefully the areas that you will present on. Choose things that will interest people and help them to identify with the subject and make it easy enough to follow. Do your research and allow your knowledge to build your confidence.
2. It’s OK to be nervous - The most common reason people don’t get out there with their powerful and unique message is they aren’t able to push through their nerves. As humans we are meant to feel a full range of emotions. Nerves, anxiety and outright fear are completely normal human responses when we push ourselves outside of our comfort zone. Don’t ever use nerves as an excuse. Breathe and focus on what you can give to the audience. As you shift your focus and attention from your own experience towards giving to others you’ll notice your nerves begin to fade into the background. Chances are you will always feel a little nervous or anxious before a presentation; learn to deal with the emotion so that you can move forward. Practise not just the presentation but dealing with your emotions.
3. A catchy opening – How many exceptional speakers do you hear start with “Welcome… blah blah blah.” Not too many! The first words that come out of your mouth are what’s going to grab your audience’s attention and in my opinion, ‘Welcome’ simply isn’t going to do it! A great opening might be “As we flew over the mountain ranges the red fuel light came on and we knew we were in pretty deep trouble…” Now you have my attention! For those of you who are saying “But that’s never happened to me,” I say, stop making excuses. Every single one of us has a great story or two and there is absolutely nothing wrong with telling it in the third person, or even weaving it into your day. Get creative, and do what you need to do to really get their interest. First impressions are critical in the speaking game!
4. Key points – Now that you have their attention, begin to weave in your key points. Don’t try to overload the audience, generally 3 -5 main points are all we will recall in an ideal situation. Make a point, then tell a story to highlight how it works, or the importance of that point. People may not remember the points, but if a story is told well they will keep the meaning behind it.
5. Eye contact and voice modulation – If anything will kill an audience’s interest it’s lack of eye contact and a monotone voice. You don’t need to necessarily trawl the audience with your eyes, but when you do make eye contact, make it deliberate, and get that person completely refocused on what you’re saying. With your eyes alone you can engage a room, and with your voice and body language you can move them emotionally and take them on a journey.
6. Practice – Nothing will take the place of practice. Knowledge will not, confidence will not and enthusiasm will not. You simply must practise your speech, rehearse it over and over again, get comfortable with stumbling on words and forgetting your place.
The first public speech I made was in front of an audience of over 100 people. I know, nothing like jumping in the deep end! I was asked at the event if I was nervous, and of course I replied “Yes, a little.” In truth, I was nervous a lot!
That nervousness was also matched with a confidence that came about from practising the speech around 25 times before I stood in front of an audience. Without exaggerating, I had rehearsed the 40-minute presentation about 25 times before actually giving it. The practice gave me confidence.
If you have the opportunity to practise with a friend or associate before the event, even better. Ask them for specific feedback on what you can do to improve it and be clear in your directions on how to give feedback. The last thing you want is them to say ‘That was great’ when it sucked.
7. Minimal notes – When you know your subject and have practised it extensively, there should be no need for long notes. I always have notes with me, however I never have more than one piece of paper (unless it’s a full day’s training.) It should be enough to just have your opening statement, key points, and closing statement. I have seen more people tripped up by a written speech than I have by anything else.
8. A concluding statement that will be remembered - Please, please don’t end your speech with ‘Thank you’! You don’t what the last thing they remember to be ‘Thank you’. You want your audience to remember your key message, so make it outstanding!
An ending that I often use is “I implore you to work at it, day by day, week by week, until you get the life you desire!” I can add before that sentence anything relevant to my topic, however, I want my audience to always remember that I can’t do the work for them. It’s them that must do it and in that closing that’s the message I leave them with. A little more powerful than ‘Thank you’.
So think about what your key message is and what you are trying to leave your audience with and create an amazing conclusion that will leave them clapping till their hands hurt!!!
If you’re really ready to step up and give an amazing presentation, check out our public speaking workshops. Over two mornings you’ll learn all the tricks of the trade and get the opportunity to face your fears and become an awesome speaker!
The next workshop is Friday 9th and Saturday 10th April.
This is run as a two-part workshop. Cost $197.
In this 2-part workshop you will:
? Learn the importance of body language
? Uncover your potential and style as a speaker
? Write and deliver an amazing and dynamic presentation
? Learn numerous speaking and communication skills
? Deal with fears and gain confidence as a speaker
? Have plenty of practise to cement your new skills
? Develop skills to influence and engage your audience
Dates Available
April: Friday 9th & Saturday 10th
May: Monday 3rd (Full day)
June: Friday 4th & Monday 7th
July: Monday 5th & Friday 9th
October: Friday 29th & Saturday 30th
November: Monday 15th & Friday 19th
If you like what I’m writing or would like to give me some feedback, I’d love to hear from you. Shoot me an email at jodie@advancedcoachingsolutions.com.au
This column was written by Jodie Cooper of Advanced Coaching Solutions. Jodie specialises in assisting people to find their own brilliance, tap into it and live their lives to their full potential. Her passion and enthusiasm for helping people show in everything she does, from helping teens understand their thought processes to assisting executives to make drastic changes.
Check out her websites at:
www.advancedcoachingsolutions.com.au
www.bringinghappinesshome.com.au
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