|
Public speaking is a lot of fun. It's great to connect with your audience and feel that you've made a difference in people's lives.
Don't psyche yourself out. Know that everyone there wants to hear what you have to say, and wants to like you. They want you to succeed. They're on your side.
Don't memorize or have cue cards. Speak from the heart, and speak from experience. Don't be afraid to inject a little humor, and don't be afraid to involve your audience by asking them questions. Tell anecdotes. Worried you're going to cry? It's human to cry. Don't be embarrassed... if you do, your audience will probably cry with you. You'll show them how powerful the subject is, and made a huge impact.
Plan out what you want to say and what your goal is. What do you want your audience to take away from the speech? Find out from the person who is hosting the event how long they want you to speak for, and what they want you to accomplish in your talk.
Listen to a tape from Zig Zigler, and notice how he draws his audience in through weaving stories about his life and experience.
Write up a rough outline of what you want to say with just a few cue words. Practice your talk with that outline, and then get to the point where you don't need it anymore. You can certainly have it with you on the podium in case you draw blank.. but try not to use it. Even though you've rehearsed, you don't want to look rehearsed! You want to sound natural.
Dress for success, but be comfortable. You don't want to be teeter tottering around on spike heels, or be thinking about how the waistband of your skirt is pinching your stomach, and how you shouldn't have eaten that donut! Look professional, well groomed, but relaxed.
Pick a few people out of the audience. Look directly into their eyes and talk to them. Keep shifting to different people. Think of it as talking to one or two people, rather than a big audience, and you'll relax.
Walk around if you can, rather than standing still. I love it when there's a whole stage to walk around in and there is a long microphone wire. But, you may be limited to standing at a podium with a stagnant mike. If that's the case, don't be afraid to use your hands to gesture as you would in a normal conversation. You don't want to look stiff. The more you move around, the more relaxed you'll feel.
Smile!
Leave them with a last inspiring phrase.
I don't know how much time you have before you'll be giving this speech, but you can join Toastmasters. This will help you get comfortable speaking in front of an audience.
Relax and have fun. Don't dread it.. look forward to it. Once you give your first successful talk, the rest come easier. You'll build on success.
|