Public Speaking Pointers
A successful speech should always end in a standing ovation.Here are 11 tips on how to get your standing ovation!
1-have something interesting to say.if you do you are 80% there.if you dont have anything interesting to say,rather say nothing and definitely dont make a speech about it
2-cut the sales pitch.the purpose of your speech should be to entertain and inform.dont start selling your product.
3-focus on entertaining.if people are entertained you can slip in some bits of information.If they are bored they will hear nothing
4-understand your audience-if you can prove to your audience that you understand them in the first 5 minutes you have them for the rest of the speech,Get to know the trends,competition and key issues facing your audience and customise these into your introduction
5-over/underdress-never dress beneath the level of the audience i.e. if they are wearing suits you should wear a suit.Dont create a impression that you dont care.That will not make the audience like you.
6-do not insult the competition-dont stoop so low as to take advantage of the privelege of giving a speech.
7-tell stories-tell any stories e.g. about your youth.that is a great way to relax and when you tell a story you are not making a speech anymore you are instead having a conversation.Good speakers are good storytellers.Great speakers tell stories that support their message.
8-pre-circulate with the audience-talk to them before the speech especially the ones in the front row.When you start your speech you will see friendly faces and you will relax and you will be great
9-speak at the start of an event-if this is a 3 day event arrange to tell your speech at the beginning.The audience will be fresh and receptive.
10-ask for a small room-if you have a choice.it is better to have 200 people in a 200 people room than 500 people in a 1000 people room.A packed room is more emotional.You want people to remember it was standing room only.Also if possible arrange the furniture in classroom style (tables and chairs) rather than theatre style.
11-practise and speak all the time-the theory is you have to give a speech 20 times before you get decent at it so practise,practise,practise!!!!
