There is no ‘Magic Pill’
for lessening the fear of public speaking and becoming a better speaker.
My best tips for accomplishing these goals have always been:
Practice! – Practice! – Practice!
Speak! – Speak! – Speak!
Many years ago, Ben Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States, said, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” That statement remains true today.
The learning is in the doing.
You can do all the intellectualizing you want about becoming a great presenter: Watch videos, read books and articles, listen to audios of presenters and go see professionals in action. That stuff is all good, but until you Speak! nothing really moves forward and you won’t get better without Speaking!
However, there is a step beyond “doing” that can take your skill to a higher level. There’s a three part formula in medicine for attaining mastery: “See one, do one, teach one.”
In this article, I’ll cover each element, and how it can be applied to improving presentation skills.
1. See One.
In Person.
Professional speakers like Tony Robbins, Les Brown and others regularly tour the country. Find out when someone of that stature will be in your town and attend.
Some cities have a ‘Speaker Series’ sponsored by a university and area businesses. Investigate this opportunity.
Observe and absorb the best of what they do.
Remember: Delivery trumps content, and subtle little difference in delivery make all the difference.
Join Toastmasters.
Watch speakers at different skill levels present.
We learn from the great, good, and ‘room for improvement’ speeches.
What would you like to replicate in your talks?
What do you never want to do when you speak?
Conferences, Workshops, and Seminars.
Observe keenly, not just the leader of the event, but all who speak.
Sometimes, a person asking a question stands out by the way that query is phrased and delivered. Catch that mini-presentation!
Video.
Search ‘Speaker Presentations’ on Youtube and you’ll find over 75,000 videos available for viewing.
Sift and sort the tips and practices that stand out and you want to incorporate in your talks.
2. Do One.
Actually, do many!
Take and make as many ‘Speaking Opportunities’ as you can.
Contact chambers of commerce, trade associations, Meetups and other organizations that regularly host guest speakers.
Develop, practice, and deliver a Signature Presentation.
If possible, have the content be your passion.
It will be easier than researching something you don’t have a deep knowledge about.
Target audiences who will benefit from your message.
“The learning is in the doing.”
We’re familiar with the expression, “Practice makes perfect.”
Sorry, it doesn’t. Perfect practice makes perfect.
Sorry, again. That doesn’t exist.
I prefer the statement, and I can’t recall who said this, “The road to perfection never ends.”
Get honest feedback on these talks and critically evaluate your material and performance.
Toastmaster members know sandwiched feedback (Here’s what I liked, here is an area for improvement, and I really liked this!) is invaluable to improving one’s presentations.
Tweak both for the next ‘Speaking Opportunity.’
3. Teach One. This is the ultimate presentation tip.
Asking a physician about the “See one, do one, teach one” formula he told me. “If I can perform the procedure from across the room, I’ve nailed it!”
That applies to presentations, also.
When we get our of our comfort zones, we make them larger.For many, it will take you way out of your comfort zone. (It did for me!)
If you want mastery, this is a great way to get closer to it.
Design it from start to finish.
Include slides, worksheets, etc.
Teach a class, workshop, or seminar you’ve designed.
Personal Story:
I’m ‘walking my talk’ on this one and it’s paying off big time!
For several years I’ve been teaching a few courses through continuing education at a local community college.
When teaching “NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!” I learn a lot!
I never took any “teaching” classes, and went out of my comfort zone to do this.
Yes, it was uncomfortable, but getting out of that comfort zone makes it larger!
I also teach a one night class on Travel. Years ago, I attended a similar seminar where I learned great tips about what to do before leaving home, packing, and traveling abroad. I’m now paying it forward and get more pieces of advice with each lesson.
Earlier this year I started the “NO SWEAT Public Speaking! Meetup. We get together once a month and I deliver talks about the components, parts, and elements of a presentation. Attendees and guests also give speeches on topics members will benefit from seeing and hearing.
Again, I went out of my comfort zone to do this. I’m glad I did and encourage you to do the same!
Becoming a better speaker is a process, not an event. Adopt and continually practice the “see one, do one, teach one” formula and I guarantee your next presentation will be – NO SWEAT!
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About the Author Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books, “NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, andPresentation Skills.
They do this because they know:"Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities."
They also know:We perceive really great speakers to be Experts. We like to work with Experts.
He shows them how to: Develop, Practice, and Deliver Fantastic Presentations! with – NO SWEAT!
Services:
Keynote Speaker
Workshop Facilitator
Breakout Sessions
Personal and Group Public Speaking and Presentation Coaching
Crafting Your Elevator Speech, Floor by Floor with – NO SWEAT!
Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
We are All Self-Employed!
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, Podcast Channel, and connect with me on LinkedIn and Facebook.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about this post or other posts please contact me: Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com.
Thank you for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated!
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