|
“According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking,” goes a Jerry Seinfeld joke. “Number two is death. So if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”
Jokes aside, presentation skills are no laughing matter. Fortunately, there is a quick three-point approach to improving your speaking skills: prepare, practice, and polish.
Prepare: Determine your main speaking goal. Is it to motivate? Inform? Persuade? Then, build your key points around that goal, like spokes from a hub. Make a series of note cards with those points briefly written out as visual reminders.
Practice: Rehearse in front of co-workers, friends, or family members. Work on making consistent eye contact and moving in a relaxed manner. After you’ve finished presenting, ask your informal audience to critique your style and content.
Polish: Hone your presentation based on their feedback and run it by them again until you feel comfortable with the result.
For in-depth training beyond this three-step plan, check out the nearest Toastmasters International program at www.toastmasters.org. At this famed speaker-training organization, you’ll find many resources that will help transform you from a reluctant speaker into a ready one. e
|
