Your LAST WORDS Will probably be the FIRST WORDS Your Audience will Remember! Before closing, tell the audience that you are about to close the speech. This is important. It’s OK if your closing has a surprise in it, but not if your closing is the surprise! Here’s an analogy. You’re on a trip and have been Read More
Misc.
Speech Content – Part #5.5
Verbal Communication Element #4 –
Cadence
The Rhythmic Flow of the words . . . A natural partner of inflection is our next element, Cadence. It’s the rhythmic flow of the words used when speaking. Other terms used for this element are: meter, beat, measure and pulse Usually, and largely because of nervousness, presenters speak too quickly. Some speakers Read More
Non-Verbal Communication Element #1 –
Eye Contact
Eyes are the 'Windows to the Soul'. They are the first things we use for non-verbal communication when we meet someone. The same applies when speaking to a group of people. 'Look me in the eye!' 'The eyes have it!' The first thing to do, after taking the lectern, and before beginning your talk, is to find a Read More
Buzz Words
NO Buzz Words! Buzz Words are composed of jargon that is usually specific to a particular industry. Often we think of the tech industry or medical profession having buzz words, acronyms and jargon that many non-techs can’t understand. The truth is that many occupations, generations of people, industries, clubs, Read More
Toastmasters – A great place to learn!
Join Toastmasters! Toastmasters is an international organization. The latest figures I found show they have a membership approaching 250,000 in more than 12,500 clubs in 106 countries. One of the most valuable benefits of being a member is the nurturing environment where everyone truly wants to help the other Read More
Handouts – Hand them out Later!
If you 'hand out' Handouts as the audience is getting seated, they'll be looking at your brochure, fact sheet, contact information, etc., while you're giving your presentation. This can be as bad as having the door to a noisy kitchen open or the the lights go out as you're demonstrating something. A speech is always Read More
WHY Speak?
Why in the world would you want to get up in front of strangers, or for that matter, in front of people you know, and risk embarrassing yourself? Actually, there are many reasons to do this. First of all, if you speak in front of a group, people tend to consider you to be an expert on the subject. Speaking is a great way Read More
When Presenting, We Want Them to GET IT!
The Ultimate Goal of All Communication: Written, Spoken or Visual, is that the audience, as quickly as possible, - "Gets It!" If they don't understand your message, good communication can't go much further. The audience may not agree with everything you said. They may not agree with anything you said. But if Read More
Speech Content – Part #3 – Speech Opening
Make it Powerful!
We've all heard the expression, "There's only one chance to make a first impression!" This is it! The Opening of Your Speech is your first impression to your audience. It literally, 'sets the stage' for your presentation. Very quickly, the audience is going to be on the edge of their seats, either breathlessly Read More
Taking Questions
Often, speakers start taking questions after they've completed their talk. Usually, this is not the best time to do this because the audience doesn't leave having the impact of your closing on the their minds. In fact, depending upon the questions and answers. they could exit with a completely different mindset then Read More