Public Speaking Should Be Like Having Coffee with Friends

I recently attended a workshop on public speaking moderated by Brian Collins of Ovat!ion, a training firm that helps business executives become better speakers. This session reminded me about how important it is for entrepreneurs to speak with confidence in front of groups.

Here are a few tips that I picked up from Brian:

• Smile. This radiates confidence.
• Pause before you begin. This will help you and the audience relax.
• Eye contact is critical to communication. Look at people directly for two seconds.
• Show up early and check out the venue. This gives you time to adjust things.
• Avoid cold drinks before a speech; they constrict the vocal cords.
• Drink hot herbal tea to sooth the vocal cords.
• Eat breakfast. Avoid dairy. Limit caffeine.
• Avoid flashy accessories that may reflect light. That means no “bling” for the ladies such as earrings.
• Rehearse in front of a mirror or use a video camera; this will help you monitor your use of gestures.
• Avoid filler words or expressions such as “and”, “you know”, etc.
• Speak conversationally. Avoid “business-speak” or words that you are uncomfortable using. Speak as if you are having coffee with friends.
• Open with a compelling introduction. Try asking the audience a question.
• Slow down and tell your story clearly.
• Repeat yourself. This helps people remember your message.
• Remember that you know more about your subject than 98% of your audience, so speak with authority.
• Always write your own introduction for the host to read. This avoids any false expectations.
• Conclude by repeating your message. People typically remember only one or two things from a speech, so make sure that they remember the most important points.
• Bask in the applause!

John Bradley Jackson
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