In most situations, public speaking is private conversation raised to a larger audience. Effective communication in ordinary business conversation or public speaking is mostly about the effective transmission of ideas rather than the art of performance.
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| Professional Tips To Improve Your Speaking |
By applying the following tips you will become a more successful speaker who effectively conveys ideas either in public speaking or in private conversation.
Observe other Successful Speakers
Study what they do and how they do it. Also observe how the audience reacts to them. Emulate the speaker's good points in your next speech but do not imitate the speaker.
Analyze Your Own Delivery
After you have spoken ask yourself - What went well? And, what will you do better next time? If possible record yourself for later review. When analyzing your performance you are looking for ways to improve. The objective is to find ways to enhance your delivery not to condemn it.
Seek Feedback
Ask other successful speakers and friends to comment on your speech. But be careful. You are looking for people who will want to help you succeed not to tear you down.
Keep the Audience in Mind
Ask yourself the following questions when preparing your speech - Why have I been asked to speak? What is their viewpoint? What type of organisation do they belong to? Is it a professional organisation etc? What age group?
Keep It Simple
Unless you are explaining a technical subject to other technical people, use plain everyday language. If the listener does not understand what you are saying they can become listless and bored. If you have chosen to read your speech or are delivering a memorised speech ensure that you are using spoken language rather than written language. Just because it reads well does not mean it sounds great when spoken.
Be Sincere
A part time speaker with something worthwhile to share, believes in what they are saying and enthusiastically delivers can outperform the professional speaker in the audience's viewpoint.
Be Brief
Your talk should be long enough to cover the essentials fully but like good literature it should leave the listener wanting a little more.
Thorough Preparation
Preparation is of key importance to effective speaking. Being thoroughly prepared is key to building your self confidence.
Identify the principle reason for your speech. Research your idea fully so that you have mastered your subject. Logically set out your ideas so that your speech will convey your ideas effectively. And finally practice, practice, practice.
Success in business today is about effectively communicating ideas. By applying the above basic techniques you can quickly become adept at conveying your ideas. Being fully prepared, sincere in your delivery, to the point in your speech and considering the listener's viewpoint you will soon improve your effectiveness.
