Public Speaking - Do you fear public speaking?
If you fear public speaking...
If you fear public speaking, you are similar to a large proportion of the population. Reasontospeak.com commissioned an online survey in October 2008 which demonstrated that public speaking is feared almost as much as death.
The research showed that 23 per cent of Australians fear public speaking more than death, compared to 27 per cent who ranked death as their number one fear.
At first glance, the art of public speaking can seem complex - from selecting your speech topics to constructing a motivating or persuasive speech - but once some basic principles are put in place, you will be on your way to becoming an effective presenter. Here are some basic tips discussed in the Reasontospeak.com program:
- Keep each individual in mind - treat the audience no matter what size it is as individuals. Any audience starts with just one person. Then you add one, then one more and so on. For example, instead of saying 'Good morning all', use 'Good morning to you'. This will appeal a lot more to each individual.
- State the benefit early - at the beginning of every presentation, answer the audience's key question immediately = "What's in it for me?".
- Don't rely on notes - when you read notes you will have your eyes down, head down and hands occupied so your audience will not grasp your passion for the subject. If you have prepared properly/know your subject well you will have no need for notes.
Business skills
Most company executives spend, on average, 85 per cent of their time speaking and listening as opposed to writing. So good presentation skills become crucial to effectively communicate with anyone.
A leader without followers is just another person going for a walk! These days, business leaders need to 'take people along with them' through the way they speak, listen and re-speak. These oral and business presentation skills are important in motivating employees and are a vital component in career advancement.