Public speaking is supposedly the number one fear of most people, even more than death itself.
Although I find this hard to believe, it is definitely up there as far as our fears go.
Regardless of whether you are a beginner this page has some great tips to help you improve your ability.
1.
Methods to improve your speeches and overcome fear of public speaking: Know yourself * Your philosophy and values.
* Defining moments.
* Subjects and issues you are knowledgeable about? * What makes you laugh, angry, cry? * What are you struggling with right now? Know your audience * Their needs and wants.
* Translate features into benefits.
* Answer: What is in it for them? * Fears and passions.
Call to action * Be specific.
* Suggest clear actions.
* Provide practical suggestions to start.
* Emphasize what is in it for them.
* Appeal to the heart.
Overcoming fear * Become other-conscious.
* Know your material.
* Practice.
Practice.
Practice! * Know the room.
* Visualize yourself giving the speech.
* Concentrate on the message.
* Gain experience.
Techniques * Voice: Vocal variety, Voice Volume, Speaking rate, Pitch & Tone, Vitality.
* Body language: Gestures, Posture, Eye contact, Body movement, Facial expression.
* Appearance.
* Props and audio-visual display Mistakes to avoid * Starting with a whimper.
* Imitating others.
* Not working the room.
* Reading a speech word for word.
* No passion.
* Not preparing.
* Fail to recognize that speaking is an acquired skill.
2.
Speech template * Title: * Opening - (Tell them what you are going to tell them, e.
g.
What do I want you to do? Why should you do it?) * Body - (Tell them) * Main points (provide supporting points and detail for each) * Close - (Tell them what you told them) e.
g.
"I told you what I want you to do.
The main reasons you should do it are...
So I urge you to do this...
" I hope you found this helpful.