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RISING WOMEN EXPERT
ADVICE...
I was recently asked to give a
presentation to a group. Can you offer some tips on speaking effectively?
There is tremendous power in the spoken word. Look no further than the
inspirational influence of Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, John F.
Kennedy, and the Dalai Lama to feel the shift that occurs when a
communicator steps up, hones their craft, and delivers a message that is
relevant. Racism has diminished. Repression has ceased. And revolutions have
begun, all through the power of the Spoken Word. Following are eight secrets
of all great speakers:
1) Love Your Audience. Authentic care radiates through every part of
our message, and is a huge “take-away”.
2) The Speaker is a Part of the Message. Your energy, passion and
charisma will attract the attention of your audience. Look pleasant,
enthusiastic and confident. Remain calm, even if you feel nervous. Speak
slowly, enunciate clearly, and emote. Establish rapport. Dramatize. Speak
loudly and clearly.
3) Understand Basic Communication. A “speech” is what you say; the
words you use to get your ideas across. “Speaking” is how you communicate.
Communication is 7 percent words, 38 percent tone of voice, and 55 percent
body language. Know the needs of your audience, match content to those needs
and use imagination. Imagination is the ability to make something new out of
that which is old.
4) Be Organized. Put what you have to say in a logical sequence: a)
an introduction and statement of purpose, or “Big Idea”; b) two or more main
points; c) conclusion. It is also important to write out your speech word
for word, especially if you are still a beginner.
5) Speak to Individuals. Use your eye contact to make everyone in
your audience feel involved. Connect, engage and speak with conviction!
6) Present with Personality. To be more powerful, use fewer words and
more pauses, and add humour whenever appropriate and possible.
7) Know When to STOP Talking. The most riveting speeches in history
were about 10-15 minutes in length.
8) Above All, Be Yourself! Have fun and enjoy yourself. When you feel
better, you communicate better!
Abe Brown is a Certified Master Coach Trainer offering Life &
Executive Coach Training & Certification throughout Canada & the US. For
more details, call 403.389.1190 or visit
www.momentumcoaching.ca
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