The Top 7: Tips for Speakers

Everyone feels some nerves before a presentation. Try to do a quiet meditation, visualization, or exercise before you speak. Breathe deeply. Memorize those opening lines. And then quickly engage your audience with a question or humorous story.
Three keys to being a top presenter: practice, practice, practice. In front of your mirror, in front of your stuffed animals. Use a tape recorder and a cam recorder for playback and feedback. Try your material out with service clubs.
Embrace your audience. Remember, it is about them, not you. Are you going to challenge them to think differently, behave differently or perhaps, confirm them?
Use the rule of "3". The most successful speakers limit their remarks to 3 major points. Here is where you use your signature stories to support your points and help people visualize what you are saying.
Prepare for "white space". Always allow for audience participation, questions, role play, interaction. These may be the moments that just occur and may not be part of your prepared text. Lots of practice will let you get comfortable enough to do this.
Use your props. Visual aids help to reinforce your points. Power Point provides professionalism. Toys create humor and playfulness. Adults delineate their thoughts visually…so be creative.
Leave a trail. Provide a handout or a flyer about other programs you offer and how people may contact you. Collect their business cards and raffle a prize. Ask for written feedback and for referrals.

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"Written by Coach Sandra Schrift - a career telecoach to emerging and experienced speakers who want to get to the next level in their profession. Visit her on the web at: schrift.com to learn more about her Speakers University teleclasses. And, be sure to sign up for her great newsletter - Monday Morning Mindfulness!" Phone: 619-688-9467 or email Sandra@schrift.com