Guidebook for Speakers, Presenters & Teachers

Introduction.

In our society today we are all called upon, at some time, to speak before others. It may be just a few words before a small gathering of family and friends to thank those present for joining you at a birthday party or it may be a wedding speech. Whatever the occasion, no matter how small or how large, there are guidelines and principles which should be followed if you are to engage your audience and capture their attention.

Very few people are born with an innate talent for public speaking. Most of us have to apply ourselves to learning its techniques and then constantly hone and develop the skills we have learned through hard work and practice. Speaking at as many functions and in front of as many people as possible also provides much needed practice and can generate leadership or at least something meaningful in the lives of those who are determined to succeed. Don't begin and then give up too easily, for speaking in public produces so many wonderful new windows of opportunity for those who persevere.

It is well-known that to the vast majority of people, public speaking is foremost with the fear of death. That is unfortunate for when a person has learned the wonderful art of speaking before an audience they will also have changed their life for the better.

When you persist, you will lose your fear and forget your embarrassment and they will be replaced by a growing confidence in your own abilities. As your confidence improves so does your power to communicate and gradually the self-knowledge acquired relaxes you and your thoughts become clearer, your words more apt. Your voice, with practice, becomes musical and interesting, taking on a new richness of vocabulary, tone and feeling. Public speaking enables you to make new friends and try new experiences so that you set foot on an ascending stairway of achievement.

Five Pillars for Successful Speaking

Whether you are giving a speech, presenting a seminar or teaching students, the same principles will apply to achieve a successful outcome. I have distilled these principles into five pillars which will provide the reader with a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of speaking in public. Each chapter deals with one pillar at a time for clarity and ease of study.

Speaking before an audience need not be stressful if these five pillars for successful speaking are followed. Instead, the experience should be a pleasant one that can be enjoyed many times over as you become more confident in your own ability and the skills you learn will enhance both your personal life and your professional life. My five pillars for successful speaking are:

1. THE POWER OF YOUR WORDS AND VOICE
2. KNOW AND UNDERSTAND YOUR PURPOSE, SUBJECT AND AUDIENCE
3. THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARATION
4. DEVELOP AN EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION
5. USE OF APPROPRIATE VISUAL AIDS

Get it Free