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)!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Become the best speaker you know!

Want to know the tips and tricks of master presenters? Here is where to look.

You will find quick-n-dirty bits to help make you the best speaker you know!

I must warn you, if you begin using these tips, people will be asking you to give more speeches. I also must mention that this is an audio blog. That means I use a service called Jott (www.jott.com) to dictate to this blog. That means there may be the occasional typo, although Jott is amazingly accurate. And free (so far). So, thanks to Jott, I can telephone in an idea when it hits me and there it appears, all fresh and ready to help you out.

I am a professional speaker, trainer, author (public speaking texts), and college professor of speech communication. You can trust my advice. I hope to be of service to you in your journey to be the best speaker you know!

Mark Butland
www.markbutland.com