2. Overview of Session
For most of us the thought of public speaking
rates up there with some of our greatest fears
in life.
However once the fear is overcome the
benefits are enormous in terms of personal
confidence and even career development.
What this course aims to do is to provide you
with tools in order for you to gain confidence
in public speaking
3. Our Fear of Public Speaking
Why do some people appear so
confident with public
speaking?
When it appears that the
majority of us feel that
being confident when
delivering a speech is as
likely as predicting our
future by gazing into a
crystal ball.
4. Ask the right questions
The reality is that many confident speakers have taken the
time in preparing and practising their speeches. Before even
writing a speech they have addressed and found answers to
the following key questions
Why they are giving the speech( The Purpose)
Who they are giving the speech to ( The Audience)
What they are going to prepare ( Mind to memory)
Where they are giving the speech.( The physical environment)
When they are giving the speech
How they are going to deliver the speech ( Pronunciation and
Protocol)
5. Get to know your Audience
It is important that you know who is is you are speaking to .
Therefore as part of preparation you must spend time researching and getting to know your audience.
Background of your audience
Social/ Economic Background
Education
Family/culture
Work
Hobbies and Interests
Age
Health
People like to hear
Simple English
Simple phrases
One idea at a time
Details and facts that are interesting
6. Our Audience
People like People who
Have knowledge of the subject
Are enthusiastic
Sincere
Keep to the specified time
People dislike people who
Are late getting started
Talks to much
Present too many points and is uninteresting
Embarrass or offends them
Has a displeasing voice
Avoids involving the audience
Speaks on a topic that the audience cannot relate to
7. Activity: Know your audience
Watch the following video
“Public Speaking- From Speaking zero to
speaking hero”
Jot down some key points regarding knowing
your audience
8. Generating your ideas
Think of your audience
What should they know ?
What they could know?
What would they find new and interesting?
What is the time allowed to complete the presentation?
What can I credibly handle?
What resources can I use to prepare my speech?
9. Generating your ideas (cont)
Resources
Libraries
Bibliographies
Microfilms
Newspapers
Books, Dictionaries, Speeches
Tourist guides
Television/ radio
Internet
10. Generating your ideas (cont)
Personal
Own experiences and observations
Others experiences
Quotations
Statistics e.g. "33% of workers pay goes into tax".
Definitions
Phrases or advertising jingles that set images
Hint: Carry a note book to jot down any useful words and phrases
Use a mind map as a method to jot down and brainstorm your ideas. PLease refer to the following video link
for a guide as to how to develop a mind map
11. Structure your speech- Introduction
Format for a 20 minute speech
Introduction (tell the audience what you are to tell them) (minutes
Attention getter
Establish relevance
Preview of main points
12. Structure your speech- Discussion
Format for a 20 minute speech
Discussion/body (tell them) (15 minutes)
Arranged logically( using roman numerals) and supported with data
I first point- supporting data
II second point- supporting data
III Third point-supporting data
13. Structure your speech- Conclusion
Format for a 20 minute speech
Conclusion (tell them what you told them) (minutes
Review of key points
End with finality
Memorial statement to denote power in the last sentence
Go back to attention getter
If you transfer only the main headings onto your palm cards with no more than
2-3 brief points under each one they will be easier to read and follow
Refer to the following video on writing and structuring your speech
14. Introduction -Ways to commence your speech
State a startling fact
Ask a question
Tell a joke
Present a quotation
Give an example,
illustration, story
Refer to the occasion
Point to an historic event
Complement the audience;
sincerely
Use a gimmick
Emphasise an important part
of the subject
Be silent
15. Conclusion
Preparing a conclusion
Ensure the speech ends on time
End with conviction
End on target.
Ways to end a speech
Use one of the attention getting techniques
Return to the theme of your attention getter
Point to the future
Call for action
Tie in with whatever may follow your speech
16. Ways to improve clarity in your speech
Keep sentence length short. Maximum 8 -10 words
Put one major idea into a sentence
Avoid unrelated statements
Avoid complex words
Check for reliability and relevance
Keep in the same tense
Acknowledge sources
17. Ways to improve clarity in your speech
Substitute ACTIVE voice for PASSIVE voice
Avoid unnecessary words and phrases
Keep writing in the formal tone
Avoid judgement statements . Remain factual and
objective
Avoid being subjective or emotive
Avoid language that may offend
18. Tips when using note cards
Points on cards should be specific
Write on just one side
Write your notes so that you wont have trouble seeing them
Number the cards
Write on the card the first sentence of the introduction
Careful when you use old business cards. Can be distracting
19. Practise, Practise, Practise
Read the material aloud.
Checking on word
pronunciation
Remember ideas not words
Practise mentally so that a
visual picture is formed
Rehearse from note cards many
times. With all key ideas on
cards
Go through entire speech every
time you practice including
rough spots
Practice with audiovisual aids
Practice with gestures 1 -2
times
When practising be mindful of your
body language and gestures.
Rehearse your beginning
Rehearse your ending in front of
mirror so you can determine what
kind of impact you are making.
Stand and say your speech in the
corner of a room. You can then hear
the sound of your voice as it is
heard by your audience.
Tape record yourself and make
changes to timing, tone and
modulation
Time your speech
Evaluate yourself or rehearse in
front of family and friends and ask
them to evaluate you.
Say entire speech at bedtime the
night before
20. Ways to remember your speech
Concentrate
Observe closely
Get your impressions and ideas through as many
sense as possible
Use Repetition and rehearsal for optimum impact.
Link persons name with facial features
Dates - associate them with prominent events
Use of mnemonics
Link last words of last sentence to first words of new
one
21. Appearance on the Day
It is always important that you "Dress
to impress your audience" Here are
some tips on dress code and
appearance
Attire
Business attire
Glasses
Make sure they fit snugly
If using bifocals considering
substituting to full frame as
creates a impression looking
down
Jewellery Avoid
Dangling earrings
Dangling bracelets
Remove all jewellery for TV
appearances
Avoid Distracting Clothing
Bright colours near the neck
Scarves that obscure part of
the face
22. Avoid Distracting Gestures
Looking at the ceiling
Scowling
Obsessive preening
Shifting feet side to
side
Toe Tapping
Drumming fingers
Shuffling notes
Frequent touching of
face
Pacing back and
forward
Playing with jewellery
Removing and
replacing glasses
Jangling change in
pockets
23. Overcoming nerves
Everyone gets nervous when speaking. Accept nervous energy as normal response
and that you will make a better performance than not being in that state. The day
you are not nervous when giving the speech is the day that your speech will
decline. Remember your audience is there to support you and is not there to see
you fail. Here are some tips for overcoming nervous tension
Clench and release your hands
Take deep breaths
Drink water
Avoid coffee and milk
run lounge over teeth to prevent dry mouth
When standing stand with your legs slightly bent and one foot in
front of the other for a balanced posture
24. Eye contact
“Inspiration is neither in the skies above or the depths below"
1. Look at your notes
2. Absorb one idea
3. Look at the audience and engage the eyes of a person.
4. Speak to that person then to his neighbour for 5 seconds
5. Then swing your eyes across the group
6. Look down at notes
7. Speak to another person
8. Vary your eye contact
25. Managing Questions
Answering a question
Look directly at the questioner while they are asking the question
Then direct answer to the whole audience
Don't forget the persons name that asked the question
Don't Interrupt a person before they are finished
Don't fail to pay attention to the purpose of the question
Don't use the old cliche " That is a good question"
Don't get distracted in your answer
Dealing with difficult questions
Be courteous
Never get into an argument
Always take control of the situation
26. Managing Questions
Difficult situations
If someone gives a small speech "Say thank you very much for your
comments. I would like to answer your question now thank you"
If someone asks a question outside your area of expertise. Thank
them for their contribution.
If you do not know the answer to a question say so and offer to
find out
If someone challenges you. Refer back to your topic area, and say
thank you but these were the areas I will be discussing today.
The Aggressive questioner. Allow them to have their opinion then
thank them for their contribution.
Several Questions at once. Ask for a roving microphone
Undercurrent chatter- Ask for silence
27. Other difficult situations
Every speaker encounters difficult situations. Please note
these are rare but still is something every speaker should
prepare for
Crying babies- Pause until the baby is quietened by the parents
Restless audience-Give them a break allow them to go to the rest room
Equipment/ power failure. Ensure you have back up notes and a plan for
alternate activities
Hecklers (quite rare)
Pause and acknowledge the distraction
Then present your point of view
Advise them that due to time constraints you will see them later
Refer to the chairman to take action if the Heckler does not stop
Remember- never argue with them
28. Tips for using power point
While power point is a great visual aid it can also
serve as a distraction if not properly used. Here are a
few tips for giving a great presentation
Keep your points and sentences brief (6 words to a
sentence)
6 points to a page
Use contrasting font for header and points
Use large clear font e.g. sans script (Arial, Times New
Roman) at least 24 points
Use bold to highlight rather than italics
29. Tips for using power point (cont)
Ensure you use a contrasting font to the
background. Avoid using dark colours on dark
colours
Avoid using too many power points 4-5 for a 20
minute presentation is plenty
Use clear and simple graphics where possible to
illustrate key points
Avoid using too many special effects
30. In the Future
Remember Public Speaking is a ongoing
journey of development and discovery and an
area you can never stop learning in.
Here is a collection of resources to further
develop your skills and knowledge.
All the best with your career.
31. Resources
Public Speaking and resources
https://www.box.com/shared/t75bz0634r
Link to the following
http://nfphub.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/public-speaking-resources/
American Rhetoric
Various articles on public speaking
History place -speeches
32. Resources videos and downloads
(cont)
Videos
copy and paste if link is broken
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/communityleasership/sets/7215
7633734036232/
Body language
Gestures
Presentation skills
ABC Speeches
Guide to using power point
Guide to giving presentations
Inspiring speeches of 20th
Century
Martin Luther I have a dream
How to write a speech
33. Example of a speech for Practise
J.F Kennedy's Inaugural
We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom, symbolising an end as well as a
beginning, signifying renewal as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the
same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago.
So, let us begin anew, remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is
always subject to proof- Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.
Let both sides explore what problems unite use instead of belabouring those problems which divide us
Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of
arms, and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.
Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the
stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths and encourage the arts and commerce.
Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command if Isaiah to “Undo the heavy burdens
let the oppressed go free.
And if a benchmark of co-operation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating
a new endeavour , not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the
weak secure and the peace preserved.