The way we say things is just as important as what we say. This is particularly true for speaking in public, to a large audience.
Proper preparation and practice prevent poor performance. Get to know your audience. What do they expect? Think from their point of view.
What do you want to achieve? Write that down. Brainstorm your idea and select according to previous. Use mind maps.
Do not choose too many points, but concentrate on the strongest instead. Develop these in an interesting and entertaining way. Know when to stop, if you've made your point. Your structure must be easy to follow, logical and relevant.
Your audience must feel that you are taking an interest in their area. (Use a news item to show you're in touch?)
Show why you are qualified to speak on the subject.
Establish your credibility. How you speak is just as important as what you say. Speak clearly; make sure you don’t have a dull voice, vary it instead.
Look at individuals in the audience for at least free seconds to establish a connection. Eye contact also demonstrates sincerity.
The audience will warm to you if you reveal your feelings and even weaknesses. Show enthusiasm, express your emotions and emphasize important words. Your face should express “I'm happy to be here with you”.
Recap and summarize frequently. The listener’s attention keener at the beginning and at the end.
Let the audience decide for themselves. Don’t say ‘I’m going to convince you of this’, even if that is your intention, as it usually is. Do not patronize them. Your aim is to convert the listeners to your idea without making it obvious that you're right and they’ve been wrong.
Make sure you have enough breath, and your voice doesn’t drop at the end of the sentence. Use simple relaxation techniques before you start (breathing, concentrating on something in the room and relaxing your neck muscles). You should try to surf your emotions, not be controlled by them.
Use humor, humor unites people. If asked a question, do not be defensive and don’t rush to answer. Don’t use jargon. You don’t want your listeners to switch their energy to pondering the meaning of a phrase and loose the thread of your argument.
Gesticulate, but not in an inappropriate way. Slow down often, use pauses. A pause shows you want to express yourself in the right way and you're taking the time to choose the right words (that means you see care).
Do not make sounds like your brain is crashing through its gears, such as ‘errrs’ and ‘ummms’.
Pay attention and respond to the reactions of your audience.
The conclusion should be brief, predictable and should not include any new material (unless you're trying to shock your audience into accepting your view, in which case the opposite applies). Use phrases like ‘to sum up’ to attract the audience’s attention, and make sure you end shortly afterwards.
Use the following checklist to evaluate the talk:
INTRODUCTION
? Is the first sentence attention-grabbing?
? Have you shown the benefit to the audience in listening to you?
? Have you shown why you are qualified to speak on the subject?
? Have you announced the structure of your speech?
? Have you identified with them?
BODY OF TALK
? Have you announced your first point clearly?
? Have you used facts, examples, anecdotes, comparisons and statistics to support your main points?
? Have you summarized regularly?
? Have you recapped on the previous point before moving on to the next one?
? Have you used rhetorical questions to guide your audience along your path?
? Have you avoided jargon and abbreviations?
? Have you used visual aids in order to explain complex material or to make your speech more interesting?
? Are the links between each point clear and logical?
CONCLUSION
? Have you indicated that the end of the talk is coming?
? Have you summarized your key points?
? Have you asked for action?
? Have you ended on a high note?
