Tips On Public Speaking

By

Elizabeth Rose

There comes a time in every writer's life when they will be asked to speak in front of a group of people.

This is a good thing, and as writers, we can benefit by it. Not only by the free promo we get, and hopefully sales of our books, but by gaining the confidence to stand up in front of a group of strangers and talk - without putting the proverbial foot in the mouth.

I have personally taken some public speaking classes, and am very glad I did. The first time I got up to speak, my nerves were shaking and my palms sweating. I volunteered to go first in the class, just so I could get it over with and relax for the rest of the day. There's nothing worse than going last or near last, and not hearing a word anyone else is saying because of the fact you are going over your speech in your head or just agonizing of the dozens of things that could and probably will go wrong once you take the stage.

During this class, we were videotaped, and critiqued afterwards by our peers. The critique was all right, since no one really said anything bad - all being in the same boat, we tried to support each other. But watching that video tape once I got home was when reality struck.

Did I really speak that fast, slurring my words? Is it really possible to say UM three hundred times in a ten minute talk? And were my eyes really glued to the paper? It will seem like it. You will see your flaws magnified ten fold.

While we all hated watching and listening to our own tapes, it was probably the biggest learning experience we had during that group. After all, we are our own worse critic.

I'd like to go over a few things I personally learned, and share these tips with you. Here is a list of things to DO and things you DON'T want to do while speaking.

DO know what you're speaking on, before you start your talk.

DON'T think you're going to get up there and just wing it.

DO have some note cards or an outline to look at when your mind goes blank.

DON'T have a word for word speech that you will just read off like you're reading a book.

DO look up at your audience while speaking.

DON'T look at the paper only, for fear they'll freak you out.

DO remember to wear your deodorant.

DON'T fan yourself while speaking, even if it is hot.

DO make eye contact briefly with the people who are smiling, nodding their heads or laughing at your jokes. Think that you are there for them and them only.

DON'T pay any attention to the person in the front row who's sleeping. Do not call attention to them to embarrass them, or you'll embarrass yourself that someone was so bored. If you really have a hard time making eye contact, then just blur your vision and skim the crowd, or look out to the back of the audience more.

DO talk slowly enough and enunciate your words, pausing at places for impact.

DON'T keep speeding up, racing through it because you're nervous or just because you want it to be over.

DO have a bio prepared and bring it with you for your introduction.

DON'T assume the group will already have it because you sent it over the email.

DO have a cup of water or something to drink with you.

DON'T assume the people you're speaking for will provide it. If they don't, you'll be parched, or if you start coughing, you'll be unable to finish your talk.

DO dress professionally. If a woman - wear a skirt and blouse or pant suit - sports jackets look nice on both men and women. You can take it off if you get hot.

DON'T wear your jeans or shorts because you want people to think of you as one of them, or because it feels more comfortable.

DO remember to breathe.

DON'T hold your breath at any time.

DO use your hands to gesture while you're speaking.

DON'T clutch the podium the entire time.

DO have your mouth free of food or candy.

DON'T be chomping on gum or you'll look like a cow.

DO remember to smile.

DON'T frown or seem unfriendly, or it'll be reflected back to you in your audience.

DO use your time wisely to bring across the important points and give the people what they came to hear.

DON'T use too many stories about what happened this morning on your way to the gas station, and things such as that. Some personal stories are good if they relate to your topic and help the audience understand what you're trying to say. But too many will just sound egotistical and lose their attention.

DO remain silent while trying to find your place in your notes. Or small talk, or reiterate what you've just said.

DON'T fill up time with UM, UH or O.K. This makes you sound like an amateur, and is distracting to your talk, and irritates the audience. Use this time to take a breath instead of idly mumbling the nonsensical words.

DO go to the bathroom before you start.

DON'T be crossing your legs and rushing through the talk because you have to go, or ask to be excused. Not a good idea.

DO have handouts whenever possible. People like this, and it breaks the tension.

DON'T go around to each person and hand them a sheet. Let someone else pass them out or just pass the pile. You need to stay in the front as the main focus.

DO demand their attention in a subtle way. Get their attention and then use it to your advantage. Always use a microphone if there's one available. Lots of speakers think it adds stress and they can talk loud enough without it. Don't believe it.

DON'T keep talking over the crowd's talking. Wait for them to respond to you, or politely ask for quiet so you can start. Make sure everyone in the back can hear you.

DO keep a proper time schedule. Be sure to arrive on time and stop at the designated time also.

DON'T think it won't matter if you're a few minutes late, or if you talk an extra ten minutes or so without asking for permission. They may have other speakers scheduled, or other plans you'll be cutting into. It's not professional to do this.

DO save a few minutes at the end of your talk to ask the audience if they have any questions. They like this, and it'll clear up anything they didn't understand.

DON'T rely on asking if there's questions, and thinking you can take your ten minute talk and stretch it into a half hour. Always be prepared with enough material in case there are no questions.

DO be considerate to your audience. There's always a know-it-all in the crowd who will try to belittle you and take over the talk.

DON'T be rude, or try to fake an answer you don't know. Simply say you don't know the answer. If someone in the audience wants to help out, all the better.

DO maintain control at all times. Especially if someone in the audience doesn't know when to stop talking. It is up to you to smile and nod and call on someone else or interrupt politely saying you have a time limit and have to move on.

DON'T be afraid to stop someone who won't shut up. I've had this happen, and it's uncomfortable to you and an awkward situation, but the crowd came to hear you, not them, and is counting on you to maintain control of the lecture.

DO remember to thank them or the appropriate people for inviting you there. Also, at the end, you will want to pitch your books for sale if you have some there to sell. Or just tell them about your latest work.

DON'T just stop talking, or say, I'm done - or That's it. End as professionally as you began. And this is not the time to be modest and just assume everyone knows your works and that your books are for sale in the back of the room and that you'll sign them. You came for a reason, put it to work.

These are some things you can remember to make your public speaking go a bit smoother. Just remember, with each speech you give, the more at ease you will become. Go over your talk at home beforehand and watch yourself in the mirror. You'll be able to see if you use your hands, if you're smiling, and you'll be aware of how many times you look up. (By the way, refrain from yawning too, or you'll put your audience to sleep.)

You can always videotape yourself if you're brave enough. But remember, when practicing - time yourself. Have your clothes laid out the day before, and have a map and know where you're going. Start out early, and plan on arriving about 45 minutes before it starts. This will give you time to get lost, stop for trains, or sit in traffic jams. Always have the address or phone number with you. If you are stuck in traffic, you can phone and let them know you are on your way.

Every speaker has their own way of doing things. But whatever way you choose, just remember to be professional, prompt, courteous, and grateful. And the biggest piece of advice I can give you - remember to breathe, and you'll have a good time.

Next month, I'll be telling you how to choose your topic so you can bring in a crowd, and keep the audience's attention.

Elizabeth Rose

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