Public Speaking - Reading Your Speech Sucks (But You Don"t Have to Memorize it Either!)
Public speaking can strike fear into the hearts of anyone who doesn't have much experience in front of an audience.
If this is you, but you still either need to speak for your career or want to get past your fear of public speaking so you can take advantage of the power of a great speech to market your business, don't think writing your speech out word for word and reading it to your audience will help you get past your nerves.
Seriously, don't.
Reading your speech word for word is a terrible plan for most speakers.
Unless you have training in making the written word sound natural, you will come off as stilted, of lacking credibility, and boring.
A more effective way to plan your presentations is to write an outline of your planned comments.
And no, you don't have to memorize a word! Called speaking extemporaneously, there are a few simple steps you can follow to sound natural and at ease while presenting to an audience-- whether you have to deliver a five-minute presentation or be on stage for an hour.
Step 1.
Know your audience.
It's important to choose your details based on who you are speaking to.
So this has to be step number 1.
Step 2.
Research.
Once you know your audience, now you have to find the details to fill in your speech.
Look for reputable sources online, or use books, magazines, newspapers, and even interviews with experts to gather your facts.
Step 3.
Organize.
One you complete your research, decide what order you will present what you want to say and create a simple key word or key phrase outline.
Step 4.
Create notes.
Either condense your printed outline or create just a few numbered note cards.
Limit yourself to one 8.
5" x 11" page of text in bullet or outline form or two note cards so you are not tempted to write your entire speech word for word and read it aloud.
Step 5.
Practice.
Deliver your speech out loud from beginning to end at least three times.
Time yourself so you know you'll be within the time limits.
By following these simple steps you can avoid reading your speech word for word, boost your credibility and make the most of your public speaking.
If this is you, but you still either need to speak for your career or want to get past your fear of public speaking so you can take advantage of the power of a great speech to market your business, don't think writing your speech out word for word and reading it to your audience will help you get past your nerves.
Seriously, don't.
Reading your speech word for word is a terrible plan for most speakers.
Unless you have training in making the written word sound natural, you will come off as stilted, of lacking credibility, and boring.
A more effective way to plan your presentations is to write an outline of your planned comments.
And no, you don't have to memorize a word! Called speaking extemporaneously, there are a few simple steps you can follow to sound natural and at ease while presenting to an audience-- whether you have to deliver a five-minute presentation or be on stage for an hour.
Step 1.
Know your audience.
It's important to choose your details based on who you are speaking to.
So this has to be step number 1.
Step 2.
Research.
Once you know your audience, now you have to find the details to fill in your speech.
Look for reputable sources online, or use books, magazines, newspapers, and even interviews with experts to gather your facts.
Step 3.
Organize.
One you complete your research, decide what order you will present what you want to say and create a simple key word or key phrase outline.
Step 4.
Create notes.
Either condense your printed outline or create just a few numbered note cards.
Limit yourself to one 8.
5" x 11" page of text in bullet or outline form or two note cards so you are not tempted to write your entire speech word for word and read it aloud.
Step 5.
Practice.
Deliver your speech out loud from beginning to end at least three times.
Time yourself so you know you'll be within the time limits.
By following these simple steps you can avoid reading your speech word for word, boost your credibility and make the most of your public speaking.
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