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public-speaking
Next time you deliver or write a speech the "voice" is key. Read on…
VOICE
As you know, your voice is your most important tool when addressing an audience. How you present your words, the tone, the rhythm and the volume are all important aspects of speaking. Unfortunately, you’re not typically aware of all these elements when it actually comes time to deliver, so consider the following when rehearsing your speech.
Make sure you pronounce all your words clearly and correctly. If you’re not sure about the pronunciation of a word, ask someone who knows. This is especially true for peoples’ names. Altering the pacing of your speech and emphasizing the important words in sentences will go a long way to helping give your speech mood. It will also help distinguish some of the most important parts of your speech. Finally, avoid saying "uh" or "ah" when there are pauses in your speech.
If you stumble over some words, don’t panic. Mistakes happen. People are far more likely to forget about it if you give the matter as much thought as it deserves. If it’s a small mistake, merely move on. If it’s a more noticeable mistake, simply pause, back-up and say the word correctly. If you want to frame your correction appropriately, say "pardon me, I mean…" or "rather, that is…" or something to that effect. Don’t apologize profusely.
Posted:
August 17th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
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public-speaking
Even the greatest public speakers will experience these sometime. Learn to manage them and you will surely get to the next level as a public speaker.
NERVES
It’s really the most disturbing part of giving a speech, isn’t it? The sweating, the trembling voice, the dry throat and pounding heart. The simple fact of the matter is, most people who give speeches get nervous. It’s natural - really! But how you control your nerves is the sign of a good speaker.
Furthermore, the fact that you’ve been asked to say a few words probably means that you are the best person to do the job. Don’t take that as putting more stress on you. Enjoy yourself, and more importantly, be yourself.
For starters, take a glass of water to the lectern. If you need a drink, remember that there’s no rush. Pause and take your time sipping (not gulping!) the water before picking up where you left off. If you have to cough or blow your nose, turn your head away from the microphone and do it.
If the trembling voice kicks in, focus your efforts on speaking distinctly and at an even pace. Don’t rush yourself, but merely try to establish eye contact with your audience and speak up. Once you find your pace, you’ll be fine.
You should also put a handkerchief (not a paper napkin) on the lectern if you tend to perspire in these situations. Again, don’t rub your forehead vigorously or simply dab the perspiration away. Take a moment to wipe your forehead, place the handkerchief down and then move on.
Another couple of common hazards of public speaking are shaky hands and the stuck-in-one place mannequin stance. Standing in a frozen position is not a good way to win over your audience. The best thing you can do is to occasionally shift your foot position or move your arms. Again, keep breathing and relax your limbs. You can read more about this under the section Eye Contact and Body Language.
Other than that, if you want to ease your nerves before speaking, try to focus on something calming. Think of something that relaxes you. If that doesn’t work, try to treat the nervous energy you have as something that you can use to your advantage. Direct that energy into your speech.
Posted:
August 1st, 2007 at 3:41 pm
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