The Joy of Public Speaking

How exciting it is to have your own business or being part of a business that requires you to do presentations. One of the most important skills you can develop is the art of public speaking. Let us explore Several Areas I call Public Speaking:

1. When you go to a meeting or party and speak with people.

2. In front of an audience

3. Then there is media public speaking.

4. If you are in sales contacting clients via phone is a form of public speaking or attending meetings or trade shows.

5. Retail – Meeting and greeting customers, providing product information.

6. Returning phone calls.

Some guidelines for presentations:

1. Always arrive ½ hr. to 45 minutes before your presentation. This gives you a chance to get comfortable with the room and to make sure all the equipment you will need is available.

2. Get to know your audience. Don’t hesitate to walk up and talk with one or two people. This will actually be a warm up for your presentation.

3. Be prepared. Know your material.

4. Prior to presentation meditate. Pay attention to your body. Are you anxious, nervous, not sure you can pull it off? Breathe into those feelings and let yourself know that this is normal. Most people are nervous before they have to go on stage; even seasoned actors have stage fright.

5. Become friends with your nervousness. Turn it into excitement and then energy. Some Hints: why people are nervous: Often times it is because they think they will not do a good job or the people listening to them will be bored. Remember: you are there to provide a service or important information. Recognize: Most people want to listen to you and support you in doing a good job. Turn your nervous energy into a friend. Important: Be in the moment, this helps with nervousness.

6. Focus on your topic and not what others are thinking of you. You have no control over what people are thinking but you do have control over the material you are presenting. If you feel like your nervousness is causing you to lose control on some levels bring yourself back to the now, the moment. This helps a great deal.

7. Use your audience: Make eye contact with several people in the audience. This will make it a bit easier talking to a few in lieu of the whole audience. This helps. If you feel brave you might even go out into the audience and pick people to talk with.

8. Don’t apologize if you feel nervous. Guess what – unless you are shaking like a leaf and then fall on the ground most of us listening hardly notice if you are nervous.

9. Remember to pause and wait every once in a while. This gives people a chance to reflect on what you are saying.

10. There are some things that might give you away that you need to be aware of i.e. laughing nervously, saying to may ummmm and of course using the phrase “you know” over and over definitely give the audience a sense that you are nervous.

11. There are so many how to; my best suggestion is Practice, Practice, and Practice. You might even join Toastmasters. This is a great place to improve and get feedback on your speaking style.

12. Hints when attending sales meetings – put ten business cards in your pocket. Introduce yourself to ten strangers, give them your business card and then meet up with your friends.

Remember: What is being presented is the opinion of the presenter. Public Speaking is a skill that can be developed if this is something you truly want to do.

Thank you for reading this information. I want to wish you all the best life has to offer.

Submitted by: Elaine B. Holtz
Norton and Holtz Business Solutions