TIPS & TECHNIQUES: 10 tips to boost your credibility speaking
- Prepare your message carefully. Use examples from your own experiences to support your points or illustrate and give life to your comments.
Keep it simple. Do not read a text.
- Practice thoroughly in front of a mirror, on tape, and with people who support you. Use 3x5 note cards if necessary, but do not read them.
- Make a great first impression when you begin speaking. The first 30
seconds are crucial to your success as a speaker.
- Smile frequently unless it is inappropriate to your message.
- Have good posture. Stand up straight with weight balanced on both feet equally. Or if you are sitting, sit up straight leaning toward audience.
- Give good eye contact. Look directly at one person for at least three seconds. Then look directly at another person. Look at people in various parts of the audience. Deliver your message to those who are responding positively, nodding their heads, smiling – this gives you confidence. It’s easy to talk to one person at a time. Do not try to talk to everyone.
- Be animated and energetic. Show your excitement. Make your audience believe you really are happy to be speaking to them.
- Use two-handed gestures. Use your hands to support message and give power and energy to your presentation. If necessary, write gestures into your outline until you learn to gesture naturally.
- Use vocal variety to make your voice powerful and animated. Speak loudly for emphasis. Speak softly for emphasis. Speed up, slow down. Lower the pitch of your voice for more power and authority.
Exaggerate these changes to be most effective.
- Close with strength. Don't just stop speaking with a thank you. Summarize your key points and end with a strong message. If it is appropriate, ask for action or support. The conclusion is one of the most important elements of an effective presentation.
» Contact Jack Pyle for information.
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Face to Face Matters, Inc.
1560 Little Lake Drive #16
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
517-243-3223 |
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