Public Speaking: 5 Frequently Asked Questions
The idea of public speaking brings up daunting emotions for many. One way to ease this discomfort is to better understand the factors of public speaking. For that reason this article addresses frequently asked questions surrounding the topic of public speaking. If your question is not listed here, feel free to add it in the comments section.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are some people more natural at public speaking? Some people are more comfortable with communication in general. However, even those people have to practice to be good at public speaking. An effective presentation or speech requires engaging topics, smooth transitions and supporting facts, details, and examples including stories. It ends with an impactful summary of the information.
- How do I improve my public speaking? Working through emotional fears, preparing your speech or presentation using key elements for organization, content, transition, and engagement is part of the answer. The second part of the answer is to practice, and practice some more.
- What are audiences looking for in stellar speeches or presentations? Audiences want valuable content that’s applicable to their lives. They want the information organized so it’s easy to grasp and apply. They want the information to be delivered in a fun way that engages them.
2 “P” Methods
- Why is preparation so important? Preparation allows you to build organization and create valuable, interesting content. Organization results in the audience members being able to spend more time synthesizing and applying the information versus deciphering it.
- Why is practice so important? Practice frees you up to be spontaneous. It facilitates your presence of mind to analyze your audience reactions and respond accordingly. For example, when you’re less worried about what you’re going to say next, you can be more confident. Confidence means you’re more relaxed. When you’re more relaxed, you can be yourself and let your personality shine through.
Summary
Public speaking is extremely effective way to reach a lot of people in a short period of time. However, the prospect can be overwhelming for someone new to public speaking. Knowing the importance and positive effects of preparation, practice, and knowing what your audience wants can be empowering. Stellar public speakers aren’t just born. If you have a question you don’t’ see listed here, write it in the comments section so we can answer it for you. Hopefully this article has giving you ideas on how to become a better public speaker.
Shine brightly with enthusiasm and empowerment,
Cher
June 3rd, 2014 in
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Hey Cher – It’s good you brought up “analyze their reactions”. Often we’re so caught up in being self-conscious and hard on ourselves, we lose that direct connection. If we can put the audience first, in a way, and just notice what they respond to and what they don’t, it can provide us with a wealth of information in terms and which way to go in developing future presentations. Even after spending my entire childhood thru my 30s as a performer, I’m still working on this;)
What a great list, Cher! 🙂 ~ Number five, in particular, is key. Spontaneity is crucial, in my mind, to the success of a presentation. We need to know our material enough and have a comfort level with the delivery of it. This frees us up to answer questions or clarify points for the audience. You never know when a question might come up!
Thanks for the list of FAQ’s.
Great post Cher! Thanks for the great tips that you always share about Public Speaking! Nice reminder that practice is the key! 🙂
I agree with Tina…the last thing I enjoy is watching someone read their speech. Very enjoyable when someone knows his/her material so well, notes are rarely used!
Cher – I so agree and from my experience working through my emotional fears has been transformational. Do I dare say that I get excited to speak! I actually used to be terrified now, should I dare say I really enjoy it and look for opportunities to speak as long as I have adequate time to prepare so I can be spontaneous, authentic and free!
Teena
http://www.coupletherapyconnection.com
Teena, that is so great that you look forward to your speaking now! Yes, you should dare say it! 🙂 Keep it up.
To your message pervading,
Cher
Bonnie,
Yes, Isn’t it enjoyable and evident when someone has done their preparation?
Cher
Christine, you’re very welcome.
Cher
Tina, And so many people downplay the importance of this. I’m sure your presentations ROCK, since you get this 🙂
Cher
Dorothy,
Yes, even though you’ve spent years performing, interacting verbally and delivering verbal content is different in its dynamics, preparation, and practice. Being able to implement these techniques has proven effective for me personally as I am now more present with my audiences than when I used to speak. I learned by first failing to be present with my audience and slowly learning from mentors.
Cher