The Connection Magazine The Connection Magazine Fall 2017 | Page 17

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“For many
speakers—and
especially for
introverts—
preparation is key.”
WHEN my book first came out, I did what I called
a Year of Speaking Dangerously. Below are 10 public
speaking tips I learned along the way:
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For Many Speakers—And
Especially For Introverts—
Preparation Is Key.
Take your time crafting the speech
so that it flows logically and is
illustrated with stories and examples.
Practice it out loud, until you’re
comfortable. If it’s an important
speech, videotape yourself. The
main reason public speaking can be
uncomfortable is that you have no
idea how you’re coming across. If
you went to a job interview without
fixing your tie or applying your
lipstick in front of the mirror, you
would hope that there’s no scarlet lip
gloss smeared across your teeth, but
how could you know for sure? Better
to take the guesswork out of it.
Think About What Your Particular
Audience Wants To Hear.
Are they craving new information?
Insights? What problem do they hope
to solve? Give them what they want
and need.
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Watch Videos.
If you haven’t spoken publicly in a
while and feel rusty, watch videos of
speakers that have shots taken from
the speaker’s vantage point, where
you can see what it’s like to face the
audience.
Many TED talks have these shots.
As you watch, pretend you’re the
speaker. Get used to what it feels
like to have all eyes on you.
Practice.
Similarly, if you can, visit the room
where you’ll be speaking.
Practice standing at the podium,
looking out into the rows of seats.
When You Listen To A Great
Speaker Or Hear Someone Mention
One, Get A Transcript Of The
Speech.
Study it. How was it constructed?
What kind of opening and closing
were used? How were examples
presented? How did the speaker
engage, inspire and educate the
audience? Most people are not
born great orators. They study and
practice. (This tip comes from Steve
Harrison, the co-founder of Reporter
Connection.)