SPEAKING IN PUBLIC

                           PUBLIC SPEAKING

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this paper is to give you a brief overview of the main things to think about when
it comes to public speaking. It includes the definition , , an illustration of the different type of presentations, and a 10 point list of how
one can ruin a presentation. Despite being a seasoned public speaker myself I have
to admit that some of the simple steps
discussed hereinafter is something that
I should adhere to more diligently myself
and, more importantly should help make
public speaking better experience
– for both you and your audience.


The take-away message
If someone who missed your talk were to ask an audience member in the elevator to sum
it up, what would you like that person to say? Focus on that message. Start out with this
summary statement in mind and build your presentation around it.
Plan your delivery
There are three main ways to deliver a speech. You can read it directly off a script. You can
develop a set of bullet points that map out what you’re going to say in each section rather
than scripting the whole thing word for word. Or you can memorize your speech, which
entails rehearsing it to the point where you internalize every word. Don't do number one
as reading a speech is the most boring thing for everyone! For me bullet points proved to
be the most reasonable system as remembering the entire speech by heart might prove
too stressful or time-consuming. Don't write out the material word-by-word and don't plan
on reading text even if you do have it all written down. Having the text written out and
parts of it memorized will constrain you. Memorize the structure of the talk and the outline,
but not every word.
Timing
People rarely want to listen to someone for longer than the allotted time. Few people are
such amazing speakers that an audience can't get enough of them. Do not assume you
are one of those few. Wrap up your talk on time. To achieve this goal, ask someone to give
you time cues by indicating when you have five minutes left, two minutes and when you
have run out of time. Once you get the last notice, you should stop.

10 WAYS TO RUIN A
PRESENTATION

Take a really long time to explain
what your talk is about.
Speak slowly and dramatically.
Why talk when you can orate?
Make sure you subtly let everyone
know how important you are.
Refer to your book repeatedly.
Even better, quote yourself from it.
Speak at great length about the history of your

organization and its glorious achievements.
Use lots of unexplained technical
jargon to make yourself sound smart.
Cram your slides with numerous text
bullet points and multiple fonts.
Don’t bother rehearsing to check
how long your talk is running.
Never, ever make eye contact
with anyone in the audience
Sound as if you’re reciting
your talk from memory


Flexibility
Organize your talk and know it well enough to have the flexibility to skip certain parts or
expand on others depending on the circumstances. For example, if you do add a last-min￾ute introduction, be flexible to skip a part of the prepared content.
Practice makes perfect
Practice the presentation a few times: more if you have less experience, less if you are a
more seasoned public speaker. It can be especially helpful to give the talk to someone
who is not in your field and is not intimately familiar with the material. This is helpful in
seeing whether you have made the talk too narrowly focused or overly technical. Such a
practice session does not have to involve the entire talk, it can consist of telling someone
about your presentation outline.
Conclusion
Finish your speech by one or several of the following (depending on the circumstances
in which you are making your delivery): a) thank the organizers and everyone involved in
the event, particularly the volunteers by acknowledging their contribution; b) repeat your
main message one last time, especially if you are aiming to convince or influence an audi￾ence who are decision-makers or similar; c) provide some contact information, including
an email address and Web site when applicable; d) mention that you welcome people’s
feedback and they should feel free to ask you questions either after the session or by
sending you an email.