Please Don't Make Me Do It!!--Public Speaking
December 1st 2006 13:25
“My name is deorre and I made an outline of talking points I’d like to discuss. But, since we do not have 6.5 hours, I will just say this...”
How often have you prepared a terrific public presentation only to lose any possible connection with your audience because you ‘bombed’ the introduction? Through lack of necessary attention to the intro, lack of preparation in general, or the sheer terror of your nerves shifting into the ‘fight or flight’ mode as a result of being the focal point of all in your audience, if your target is not engaged from the start there will be problems with the remainder of your delivery. This absolutely need not be the case.
I will typically use humor, though there have been instances when I simply flow with the phenomenology of my immediate experience. Knowing your target will largely dictate what your introduction and hook will look like. Thusly, it becomes imperative that you ‘do your homework’ relative to the ‘who, what, where, when, & why’ of your audience.
To deliver an excellent introduction, you must operate from a sound base. It is imperative that the presenter be fully grounded and centered as knowledgeable in the topic to be presented. To be perceived, if you will, as an expert in the issues to be addressed. If not an expert, someone who has passion and interesting information, and who can stimulate and evoke thought in the minds of the listeners.
Only from this sound base will humor, for instance, be both an ‘icebreaker’ and an effective point A en route to point B. Humor, if effectively delivered, will help the listener shed any extra tension and defensive armor that often leads to missing the point of the presentation. This temporary de-programming from the ‘hyper-busyness’ and ‘multi-tasking mindset’ will go a long way toward collecting the attention of the audience and sustaining the focus where you the presenter need it to be.
Using phenomenology of immediate experience can be a very powerful tool, though it may not work for certain target populations. Again, know your audience. If you witnessed something inspirational the day of the presentation, share it with you audience. Let them know how it weaves into relevance for what will be discussed in the actual seminar. If you experienced some particular malady or adversity the day of the presentation, share how such was overcome so that the presentation is made possible and perhaps even better as a result.
Humor or sharing immediate experience will make you, the presenter, human. I have found that an audience prefers listening to and engaging with a human rather than an automaton. Decide for yourself which introduction style works best for you, and then be willing to be flexible with this depending on the nature of your target population.
To repeat: Introductions are critical the overall efficacy of a presentation. To increase the likelihood of an effective introduction,
Know your material...
Know your audience...
Know what style works best for you...
Practice...
deorre
How often have you prepared a terrific public presentation only to lose any possible connection with your audience because you ‘bombed’ the introduction? Through lack of necessary attention to the intro, lack of preparation in general, or the sheer terror of your nerves shifting into the ‘fight or flight’ mode as a result of being the focal point of all in your audience, if your target is not engaged from the start there will be problems with the remainder of your delivery. This absolutely need not be the case.
I will typically use humor, though there have been instances when I simply flow with the phenomenology of my immediate experience. Knowing your target will largely dictate what your introduction and hook will look like. Thusly, it becomes imperative that you ‘do your homework’ relative to the ‘who, what, where, when, & why’ of your audience.
To deliver an excellent introduction, you must operate from a sound base. It is imperative that the presenter be fully grounded and centered as knowledgeable in the topic to be presented. To be perceived, if you will, as an expert in the issues to be addressed. If not an expert, someone who has passion and interesting information, and who can stimulate and evoke thought in the minds of the listeners.
Only from this sound base will humor, for instance, be both an ‘icebreaker’ and an effective point A en route to point B. Humor, if effectively delivered, will help the listener shed any extra tension and defensive armor that often leads to missing the point of the presentation. This temporary de-programming from the ‘hyper-busyness’ and ‘multi-tasking mindset’ will go a long way toward collecting the attention of the audience and sustaining the focus where you the presenter need it to be.
Using phenomenology of immediate experience can be a very powerful tool, though it may not work for certain target populations. Again, know your audience. If you witnessed something inspirational the day of the presentation, share it with you audience. Let them know how it weaves into relevance for what will be discussed in the actual seminar. If you experienced some particular malady or adversity the day of the presentation, share how such was overcome so that the presentation is made possible and perhaps even better as a result.
Humor or sharing immediate experience will make you, the presenter, human. I have found that an audience prefers listening to and engaging with a human rather than an automaton. Decide for yourself which introduction style works best for you, and then be willing to be flexible with this depending on the nature of your target population.
To repeat: Introductions are critical the overall efficacy of a presentation. To increase the likelihood of an effective introduction,
Know your material...
Know your audience...
Know what style works best for you...
Practice...
deorre
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Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
...it is only recently (approaching middle age) that I have been getting into some public speaking and found out (the hard way) that humour is the best opening gambit..*l-ing ol, now!* Your advice is spot on and perhaps the next best thing is to know your subject inside out... that generates the confidence you need... otherwise... well...let's not go there!
From a spiritual perspective, if I may, I'd like to offer some 'subtle energy help...?" Wear something blue around your neck it helps the throat chakra open for easier expression - especially if you have fought being respressed from speaking out your thoughts as a child and teenager...[Lapis Lazuli is particularly effective, but any blue stone or crystal will do - even a blue scarf can help clear up the verbal expression]... it really does work... I did say subtle energies
*chatting Lilla*
Comment by Deorre
Stress Alive
Man Lessons
I will give the blue throat connection a try. I often wear blue anyway, so maybe I have that comvered.
Thanks chatty Lilla.