Tim Ferriss replies to the question: What books should I read to learn how to get good at public speaking? ... in five minutes. This is practical advice, worth reading.
Not sure about the diet coke!!
Tag Archive for: public speaking
Jason writes:
About eight minutes into my breakfast presentation to the local chamber of commerce at a fancy restaurant the fire alarm rang. The alarm was annoyingly loud so naturally I stopped speaking and forced a smile.
You can imagine my first thoughts. They were angry selfish thoughts. Why now? Why me? However I did not convey those thoughts on my face.
But the whole blog post is full of ideas, so that if it happens to you, you will be prepared. Read it here
Think of your Speech Title as if it were the Title of a Book Display on a shelf at Barnes & Noble.
When someone is eyeing the selections on the shelf where they have an interest, yours should jump out at them!
The Title should jump out so much that the person actually takes the book from the shelf, reads the back cover, and opens it to read the front and back flaps.
After "investigating" the book (i.e., your speech) because the title grabbed their attention, they "buy" it; that is, they come to see you speak because they want to learn more!
Unless you've given this lots and lots of thought, pencil the title to your speech in. Remember, this must be something that will make people want to come and see you speak.
The Title of your Speech is your: newspaper headline, title on the spine of your book, and the verbiage in the 'Subject Line' of your most important email, all rolled up in one.
Just like the title of a new movie might get you to go online and look at the trailers, your speech title needs more consideration than many people think.
Editors know if the Headline of a newspaper article doesn't get your attention, you probably won't read the article. Likewise, the Subject Line of an email that doesn't immediately grab the recipient's attention, might be deleted without opening it.
Until someone quotes you on national television or radio program, a great title that draws people to your presentation wanting to know more, is your best chance at filling the auditorium.
Realistically, you may have been assigned, or asked to do this talk by your boss or other official. Still, give it the thought it deserves. It may be after completing the development of your speech that the 'Ah Hah!' title will come to you.
You want the title to whet the appetite of the person who sees it. Whet it enough for them to want to know more, to see if it's something they could benefit from.
You may even find it's easiest to write your speech first, and then come up with a title. Have several titles in mind and bounce them off friends and family before deciding on one
The same holds true for a subtitle. It explains more about the contents and goals of the speech, and is an integral and important part of the title.
The Title is an integral part of your Speech. Give it the same thorough thought and attention all the other parts and elements of your speech are getting. Then the Title will fill the seats in the audience!
Fred E. Miller is a speaker, coach and author. His book, to be released later this year, is: "NO Sweat Public Speaking!" How to Develop, Practice, and Deliver a 'Knock Your Socks Of!' Speech with NO Sweat!
Can words really account for only 7 percent of the meaning of a spoken message? This short video animation puts 'Mehrabian's rule' under the magnifying glass and shows why it can't be true
Language expert Wilfred Funk was one of the first to study highly successful men and women to determine what they have in common. What he discovered was that they all have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Since then, many studies have shown the same thing. In fact, members of the "speaking" professions - lawyers, politicians, professional speakers, salespeople, and entertainers - are among the highest paid. There appears to be a high correlation between word power and earning power. The ability to speak, to persuade, and to keep an audience's attention is well rewarded.
What about you? Have you been sabotaging your own success because you feel that speaking in front of a group is something you would rather die than do? If so, it is time to do yourself a favour and learn the skills that can change your life.
Read more in Pivotal Magazine
A presentation can succeed or fail depending on whether your audinece stays with you or not.
Get this free set of tips on "Writing your presentation to keep audience attention", and improve YOUR chances of success!
As always just let me know if you want to receive the tips
From a Commentary post at Meetingsnet ...
Don't Let a Speaker's Style Defeat Substance
A keynote speaker at Meeting Professionals International's MeetDifferent 2010 has been generating sparks from bloggers who followed the conference, not because of his message, but for the way he delivered it.
The speaker was branding specialist Marty Neumeier, who preached a philosophy of radical simplicity for organizations in search of products that are both good and different. The message was strong, but for much of the audience, Neumeier's style was his undoing.
Read the rest of the post ... and what do you think... should a speaker be hired if his/her material is outstanding, but presentation woeful?
[From Nancy Daniels]
Color is the life, the emotion, the animation, and the passion you express in speaking. Whether you are in conversation, holding a conference call, or giving a speech or presentation, not expressing color when you talk is referred to as speaking in monotone. Another way of saying it is boring.
I have found a distinct relationship between dressing colorfully and speaking with expression. While I am generalizing, it has been interesting to see how those who dress with color usually speak with color as well; whereas, those who do tend to be staid in their appearance often speak in a monotone.
One of my clients came to her sessions every week dressed in black with long straight black hair and no makeup. Trying to get her to put some life into her delivery was like pulling teeth. Her appearance was bland as well as her voice. She resisted change because it meant that she would have to allow for some emotion and that was her stumbling block.
Again I am generalizing, but I have found that accountants, research scientists, and professional athletes are often lacking in expressive delivery. If you look at the human dynamics model, these people are more than likely mentally-centered or physically-centered. It does not mean they do not feel emotion: they tend to keep their emotions inside. And, this is not something found just in those three professions. A surprising number of print journalists and visual artists are indeed very expressive in the printed word or in their art, but they often will not voice those emotions in speaking.
Color is heard not just in the voice but is seen in the face as well as in one's body language. A good example of an actor with tremendous facial expression and body language is Harrison Ford. He does not have to say one word for you to know exactly how he is feeling. Just by watching the expression on his face and the movement of his body, you know what is happening.
Do not think that keeping your emotions hidden is a strength. It is not - it is a weakness. You can have the greatest voice in the world but if you speak in a monotone, exhibiting no emotion in your face or in your body language, then you will put your audience to sleep. Being expressive, be it at the lectern or just in conversation, is a requirement if you want your message to be heard.
The Voice Lady Nancy Daniels offers private, corporate and group workshops in voice and presentation skills as well as Voicing It!, the only video training program on voice improvement. To see how voice training can improve your life, both professionally and personally, visit Voice Dynamic or watch a brief video as The Voice Lady describesDynamic Public Speaking.
This is an mp3 album.
Some of the topics:
10 Tips for Speakers
6 Questions That Professionals Speakers Answer
Easy Ways to Remember Your Speech and Other Material
How to Handle Questions During a Presentation
How Free Speaking Gigs Will Help You
How to Deal With a Negative Audience
How to Market Yourself As a Professional Speaker
Successful Transitions for Your Presentation
The Real Message the Professional Speakers Send
Where to Find Professional Speaking Jobs
Get more information here or you can buy it from Amazon
Nick Morgan has written a very useful, practical post here.
I just love his introduction:
Let’s talk about the marketing materials you need to develop a paid public speaking career. There are a few essentials: a DVD, a website, a book, a one-sheet. And a number of should-haves: a social media presence, a blog, a press kit, handouts, YouTube videos. And after that, the only limit is your imagination. The Carrot Principle authors sent 4-foot stuffed carrots to speakers’ bureaus to catch their attention (it worked). A speaker we know sent live goldfish to speakers’ bureaus for the same reason (the goldfish mostly died). Seth Godin reaches out to his base with promotions, seminars, special deals, unique offers – almost daily. He’s a brilliant marketer, and it shows (and it works).
But let’s talk about the essentials first.
... and you can read them here ...
