The Book-It Method: Write a Speech by Looking at a Book
Do you need inspiration for your presentation topic? A quick way to select your main points and get that speech written? Try the method that I call, The Book-it Method. In short, you take a look at the table of contents of books on the subject matter you want to speak on. Preferably, the books […]
Post-It Note Speech Planning
Use the lowly sticky note to bring your presentations to new heights! The little squares of paper can help you design a presentation for maximum effectiveness, while allowing the flexibility of changing your mind and trying out new approaches. 1. Brainstorm with sticky notes. This can be done alone or in a group. You can […]
How to Adjust Your Speech When Your Allotted Time Changes
As the time for his speech to end came and went, the well-known, retired news anchor showed no signs of closing. My speaking slot was after his, and it was apparent I wasn’t going to get the full 60 minutes I had been asked to prepare for. Five minutes. Ten minutes. Finally, at 15 minutes […]
Finding My Voice: My Toastmaster Testimonial
This is me at three: Big teeth. Big smile. Bad hair day. Some things never change! However, one thing that did change for me at three was that I began to realize the power of the spoken word. My mother had brought me to work to meet her boss and coworkers. One look at her […]
Open Your Mouth and Don’t say “Ahh”
Ah . . . Um . . . You know, filler words are, like, bad when they are excessive. While I’m not in the militant camp that feels they need to be eliminated entirely, I do feel most people could reduce their use. Filler words can be distracting and they can reduce your credibility, making […]
How to Deliver a TEDTalk: The Catchphrase
Would you like to know the secrets of the world’s most inspiring presentations? In his book, How to Deliver a TEDTalk, Jeremey Donovan shares nuggets of wisdom mined from studying the most popular TED Talks. Just in case you are somehow unaware of TED Talks, TED is a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading worthy ideas […]
Speaker Checklist for the Day of the Event
The day of a speaking event can get hectic, so I use a checklist to make sure I don’t forget something critical! Speaker Checklist: Confirm time/location/agenda/AV set up Presentation Notes Equipment (computer, cords, remote, flash drive, etc.) Clothing (jacket on hanger), back-up clothing Introduction (for person introducing you—large font, name phonetically spelled) Cell phone Contact […]
Transitions in Your Speech Bridge the Gap
Transitions help your speech flow smoothly as one unified, coherent presentation. They link from one part of your speech to the next. A transition can be as simple as an extended pause. That’s right. Silence. Just be silent for a couple of beats and then go to your next point. You can accompany “movement” to […]
The SHARP Method of Structuring a Speech
A speech is written for the ear and not the eye. Unlike reading an essay, a person cannot go back to review what you just said. Your audience is forced to go at your pace. Therefore, a speech must be clearly and simply organized to help your audience follow your line of thought. This post […]
Public Speaking: How to Manage the Fear, Part 3
Many people will say that you need to change your feelings and beliefs (the inner game) before you can change your actions (the outer game). However, I believe they are interrelated. You can change one to affect the other. In public speaking, you can “fake it till you make it” to a certain extent. You […]