Public Speaking

I simply dread speaking before an audience, but some form of public speaking comes at one time or another to all of us. We may find ourselves on our feet at a Parent-Teacher's meeting or at civic clubs, but for the inexperienced, the shy or unsure, even this mild public appearance is agony in anticipation.

It is comforting to know though that experts in this field say that nobody actually expects us to be completely perfect in our delivery. Many excellent public speakers stumble or stutter occasionally to make their performance seem more humanly fallible.

It takes an audience a few minutes to get used to the speaker, to the tone of his voice so it is advisable not to immediately proceed to the matter at hand. For the first few minutes the practiced speaker fills in time with his "thank you" to the person introducing him then his formal greetings.

The biggest no-no in an introduction is apologizing or excusing oneself for anything - for not being prepared, for not being qualified to speak on the subject, or simply for speaking at all. Do be modest but do not convey the feeling that you were forced to speak and that perhaps the president or chairman of the group asked you because he did not think his audience important enough to find a very good speaker.

The speech that is filled with clichés such as "I come before you today", or "In conclusion let me say" is utterly dreary. More is expected of the speaker since the development of computers and internet than the old-fashioned arm waving oratorical approach. The more natural the speaking voice, the simpler the language and presentation, the more believable the speaker will be.

If a microphone is placed before you, it is good practice to note how the person who introduced you used it.  The well-versed public speaker knows he must avoid shouting when he wants to emphasize a point. He must stand quietly and at all times talk directly into the microphone. Turning his head from side to side often partially blots out what he is trying to say.

If a speaker must cough, sneeze or blow his nose during the course of a speech, he need not be embarrassed. He should turn his head away especially from a microphone, and excuse himself. Some speakers use the drinking of water as a way of heightening suspense before making some dramatic statement.

Other speakers find it disturbing to talk generally to an audience, so before they rise, they select one face, sometimes one they know, and direct the discourse to the person.

Jokes and anecdotes if at all appropriate do have a function in that they loosen up an audience and the speaker also, especially at the difficult beginning of a speech. But they are better omitted if a speaker delivers badly or is self-conscious.

Many a speech loses it's effectiveness if the closing is abruptly terminated. Give some indication that you have said all you are going to say on the subject a few minutes before sitting down.

Simple reminders and guidelines in public speaking:

. Do not wear jewelry that rattles.

. Be at the venue at least half an hour before the start of the program.

. If you read from a script, remove clips or staples beforehand.

. Do not tap your feet or drum your fingers.

. In modern public speaking, minimize gestures and facial contortions.