Props, as I've stated before, can be a great addition to a speech. If I were to take a coffee cup, and put it on a lectern, and say, "I'm going to speak about coffee today," your eyes would look at the cup, hear my words, and wait for the next verbiage. But if I said, "Picture you favorite coffee cup," your mind Read More
St. Louis Speaker
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
The Fear of Public Speaking & Giving Presentations
If just the thought of speaking in front of a group gets you nervous - You are not alone! Survey after survey says many people would rather die than give a speech. It's the Fear of Public Speaking! Actually, some nervous energy is good to have! Harness it, and turn it into enthusiasm for your subject. In 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
Practicing a Speech
We've all heard the expression, "Practice makes perfect." It's not true. Perfect practice makes perfect. However, and I don't know where I read this, "The road to perfection never ends." That statement aside, the mantra we've all heard from coaches, teachers, and parents, is: "Practice, Practice Read More
Using Props in a Presentation
Props can add to the delivery and message of a speech. Since people learn in many ways, the more senses your speech can combine in your presentation, the more likely your audience will "Get" your message. Props add the 'visual element' to a speech. They can take many forms, including: clothing, musical Read More
I Want Them To Remember My Speech!
Proven ways to get your points across and for the audience to remember your message. Primacy and Recency People will better remember the first and last things you say. This is why it is so important to have a strong opening and strong closing to your speech. Repetition Repeat - Repeat - Repeat The more often we Read More
Props Help the Audience “See” Your Points – Maybe!
Since people learn in different ways, the more senses incorporated into your presentation, the better the meaning of your speech will be conveyed and information retained. However, no prop, sound or scent will ever come close to what your "brain" can see, hear or smell. I once heard the late Gene Siskel and Roger Read More
Speech Content – Part #2
Why Write Your Own Introduction
The Introduction is an integral part of your speech! It should not be taken casually. It’s importance, however, is often overlooked. The introduction sets the stage for your opening and your speech. An Introduction should answer three questions. Why this Subject? Why this Speaker? Why Now? Why this Read More