A Quick Guide to Public Speaking

It has been said that most people fear public speaking more than death itself. This is true! I was called to read the Bible at Church two weeks ago.This was.impromptu with no time to prepare, I gave all kinds of excuses to get out of it but no luck.When my name was called as the reader,I took a deep breath walked up to the pulpit and to my horror, couldn't see the words from the small Bible I was holding. I looked up to see everyone watching and waiting. I hastily announced my impairment.I was tempted to tell a joke but stopped because it's in a Church and might be inappropriate.Luckily I found another Bible with bold letters and completed the reading but nerves had kicked in and it showed.After this incident,I promised myself I was going to enrolle in a course to master the art of public speaking.I have started by practising from the following online resources.Toastmasters.org Links guide to Public Speaking. .
Have an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Most people find writing the body first is most helpful, then either the introduction or the conclusion.
Prepare.
Vary the pace.
Have good eye contact.
Use note cards not notepads.
Anticipate questions.
Try to keep your speech under 20 minutes.
Establish credibility.
Have a strong introduction and a strong conclusion.
Have a second conclusion prepared.
Act on every opportunity you can to speak. Anxiety of speaking is best subsided by experienceToastmasters.org Links After a speech or a presentation usually comes a question and answer period. Once the questions stop coming, it is best to end on a strong note. This is a great time to get your "last word" in. The introduction should be used to gain the attention of the listeners and persuade them to listen to your entire presentation. You are essentially selling them on why they should listen. Be sure you address their needs and not yours. The conclusion should consist of a powerful statement, quotation, anecdote, or other attention grabber. Never end a speech with, "that's all". Who are you to speak about the subject on which you are speaking? Why should your audience listen to you? Establish your credibility by sharing your credentials with the listeners in a tactful way. For example, "When I was President of XYZ Corporation...", not "I was once the President of XYZ Corporation." Several studies have shown that 20 minutes is about the maximum amount of time listeners can stay attentive, after that, the attention levels begin to drop. Speaking is more stimulating than listening so although you may be excited to talk for longer, the chances are your listeners are ready for a break. Take the time to think about any question a listener may ask and formulate a positive answer that supports your presentation. It is OK to say you do not know the answer and tell the person you will get back to them if needed. The "I don't know" or "I can't say" answers are most effective when followed by "but I'll tell you what I do know..." Notepads are bulky, noisy, and most of all, distracting. Use note cards or notes on card stock for extemporaneous speeches. Never be afraid to use notes—even the best speakers rely on notes to ensure they communicate the points efficiently and effectively. If you have been taught to look over the heads of those you are speaking to, forget it. Good eye contact means making a connection with your audience by looking them straight in the eyes. If the audience is small enough, try to make it a point to make eye contact with everyone. Vary the pace at which you deliver the speech. Slow down, then speed up. This will keep the listener's attention. Be careful not to talk too slowly or too quickly. You cannot "over prepare". The better you know the material the more confident you will be when presenting and the more flowing the speech will sound. Videotape or record yourself if possible, or at least rehearse by watching yourself in a mirror. When you are delivering your speech live, the same adrenaline that makes you nervous also helps you think better and find the right words to make your speech sound fluent. Follow the age-old advice," Tell'em what you're gonna tell'em. Tell'em. Then tell'em what you told'em." (George Bernard Shaw )