Speech as Art

Here's an idea: the next time you're creating a speech, look at it from a different lense, that is look at it like an artist looks at painting, ask yourself if it has balance, if it has texture, if has depth and substance, and if it is communicating something that suggest personal meaning to each of your listeners, then you become the artist and the vehicle for your art is your speech. listen

Powered by Jott

What's my passion?

Speaker Kristy Angel from Austin Texas suggests that discovering your passion is a process, not a product. We should tune in from time to time and find out what things we're passionately for or against. In that way, we can get closer and closer daily to our true purpose and make sure we're always on the right track. This should guide the areas you choose to speak on as well as helping you find your true purpose. listen

Powered by Jott

Practice (or not)!

I've been told it's important to practice. Sometimes that's true. I decide how important the presentation is and then adjust accordingly. You may be like me --- pretty quick on your feet. Most of the time, a little mental practice is enough. But when it really matters like presenting to the lcal Chamber of Commerce, I'll practice fifteen or twenty times. I'm pleased with the results because I'm less nervous. Good luck, and remember to practice (or not)!

listen

Powered by Jott

Electronic Speaker File

Consider creating a speech file in your desktop. In an earlier blog entry I suggested you create a folder for 3 topics and put things in them as you run across good material. I find that I'm typically looking on the internet for things relating the 2 or 3 speech topics that I always speak on. By having a folder for each available on my desktop, I can drag and file interesting articles and visuals. Later, when I'm putting together a speech, I have access to all of that without hours of wasted surfing time on the net trying to find that one piece I saw before but don't know exactly where it was. Give it a try.

listen

Powered by Jott

Power Presenter

Ever wonder why some people are powerful as they present? Think of power as having 3 parts. These are competence, trustworthiness and dynamism. You can be competent by speaking about only those things that you're familiar with, have experience with, and continue to grow in your knowledge. You can be trustworthy by having your audience's best interest in mind and making sure your facts have been checked and your information is accurate. Finally, you can be dynamic by continuing to practice your presentation skills. Honing your skills will make you a more dynamic presenter. These things together, being more competent, trustworthy and dynamic, will create the powerful presence you deserve.

listen

Powered by Jott

Consider Using Visual Icons

Consider using icons in your speaker notes. Most speakers use notes to track their thoughts. This can be a mixed blessing. While it helps us remember important ideas, it also can take away from critical audience eye contact. Try this! Create an icon that represents an important point in your the next presentation.

When I do meeting effectiveness presentations, an icon I put in my speaking notes is the shape of the face of a clock. When I see that Icon in my notes, it reminds me that one rule to implement in meetings is "no monologuing" or hogging the clock. No ones should ever speak for more than 6 minutes in a meeting.

Glancing at the clock face icon reminds me of this important point but only takes a fraction of a second to see in my notes. Result: I remember what I want to tell my audience but retail strong eye-contact. Try creating your own icon to help you have more time to look 'em in the eyes. listen

Powered by Jott

Public speaking tip:...

Public speaking tip: You should always have three topics that you're continually collecting material for. Choose three things that either relate to your career or hobbies. You can expect people would ask you about these topics! Start collecting material so that you'll be able to pull together speeches on your three topics quickly. Again, three topics, no more, no less. We call this a speaker's file. Your collection of materials will grow and so will your reputation as someone with interesting things to say.

Powered by Jott