Speaking
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“According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that seem right? That means to the average person, if you have to go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” —Jerry Seinfeld Effective public speaking is a powerful asset for anyone who needs to address audiences and exert inspiring leadership. There is none of the back-and-fourth verbal tennis of normal conversation. A speaker has the stage to themself and to deliver a monologue with the audience’s total attention laser-focused upon their words. Giving speeches and presentations is one of the most powerful ways that an activist can communicate their ideas. Every activist should have at least a little experience with public speaking. Common Speaking MistakesEvery imperfection becomes magnified:
Some of the smartest and most powerful people in the world struggle with these foibles. Masters of public speaking have a huge advantage in communicating across our television-centric media. SpeechwritingPreparing a speech is important. Great speakers can be effective with improvised off-the-cuff remarks, but the greatest speakers deliver carefully crafted addresses to maximum effect. Not all speakers write their own speeches, of course. Many politicians leave this job to trusted staffers, and elite speech writers are highly valued assets.ImprovisingIf you have no prepared speech, you may need to improvise. Bill ClintonRehearsing DeliveryPreparing for a speaking engagement by practicing your performance is important. If you fail to memorize your speech, reading from notes detracts from your performance. A written speech delivered from memory without visibly reading a script combines your speaking and writing chances into an even greater chance of influencing audiences. Speakers should hold words and speak more slowly with emphasis when thinking of what next to say, and use the moments to look around the room. Projecting Slides[[Projecting]] slides on screen can help keep you on track even as much as it entertains and explains for the audience.Appearance FactorHow you look shapes how you are perceived by an audience.Charisma FactorThe likeability and confidence of your personality is a major factor in speaking. Some accomplished speakers like [[Steve Jobs]] are so legendarily compelling that people react to their keynotes like rock concerts, magnifying tiny details into causes for cheering. Voice FactorSometimes the strength of a person's unique voice is a factor, especially on audio-only media like radio and spoken word. Messenger & Audience FactorAs with any message, your audience is an important factor. The better your [[messenger]] reputation with the audience, the more favorably they will look on your performance. The more [[empathy]] you show your audience, the better your ideas will be received. MessagesThematic structure should anchor all your ideas into a purposeful message whole. Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and healthy. It shows you care about doing well. But, too much nervousness can be detrimental. You can control your nervousness and make effective, memorable presentations by going over your preparations. Location FactorKnow the room. Be familiar with the place in which you will speak. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and try practicing using the microphone and any visual aids. Audience FactorKnow the audience. Greet some of the audience as they arrive. It’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to a group of strangers. Knowledge FactorKnow your material. If you’re not familiar with your material or are uncomfortable with it, your nervousness will increase. Practice your speech and revise it if necessary.Confidence Factor"As I sat in the front row waiting for my turn on the stage, the full weight of the event hit me. There were several thousand people in the room, and approximately 50,000 watching the webcast. It was the very definition of pressure. Steve started the segment that preceded mine, and my heart started pounding. I felt those hundred thousand eyes all about to be focused on me and feared I would crumble. I had done a bit of public speaking before, but nothing like this." Relax. Ease tension by going for a walk, doing some basic stretching, chatting with colleagues. Realize that people want you to succeed. Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, and informative. They don’t want you to fail. Don’t apologize. If you mention your nervousness or apologize for any problems you think you have with your speech, you may be calling the audience’s attention to something they hadn’t noticed. Avoid pointing out your own imagined inadequacies, your audience has a higher opinion of you than you think. Concentrate on the message -- not the medium. Focus your attention away from your own anxieties, and outwardly toward your message and your audience. Your nervousness will dissipate. Turn nervousness into positive energy. Harness your nervous energy and transform it into vitality and enthusiasm.
Gain experience. Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. After An Event
Following an event, take the time for an [[After Action Review]] of your performance to identify what you did well and what could be improved. If possible get feedback from others as to their impressions. Use [[Campaigner]] to receive and record feedback and [[lessons learned]]. PracticePracticing speaking in front of a mirror or on videotape. Every time you watch yourself, you will notice things that you should keep doing well and things that you can improve. After a few cycles of speaking, recording, watching and speaking again, you will make dramatic strides in your delivery. Setup
When giving presentations, conditions must exist to allow your voice to carry to the audience.
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Speaking ExamplesSpreadFirefox.com Event Speakers
Aaron Fowler' 6th grader speaks out and raises thousands of dollars JakeLowen.com's Battle Stories "When I started public speaking in about 1986, I was deathly afraid of public speaking--for one thing, working for the division run by Steve Jobs was hugely intimidating: How could you possibly compete with Steve? It's taken me twenty years to get comfortable at it. I hope that many of you are called upon to give speeches--it's the closest thing to being a professional athlete that many of us will achieve." —Guy Kawasaki, How To Get A Standing Ovation "Spit it out!" —Video: Mr. T's Rules For Fools Lecture TouringMany public speakers are in demand to speak for audiences around the world on the lecture circuit. See Touring |
