Tips for Public Speaking
I recently interviewed Jason Alba, CEO of Jibberjobber.com about how to prepare for public speaking or webinars. Jason has presented for MarketingProfs.com and impresses me with how clearly he explains ideas and presents.
A good presentation will often lead to getting hired for future engagements and other goals (and in Jason’s case, sell his book).
Here is a summary of some of his points about public speaking:
- Never apologize for yourself. You are the expert (even if you don’t think you are). You developed the credibility over the years and you are who was asked to speak. Own that.
- When asked questions - give short answers. No more than 30-60 seconds.
- If you will be asked questions by a moderator, ask for them ahead of time so you can craft your answers.
- Make a cheat sheet of your answers - not word for word - just 2-3 bullet points.
- Come up with a short introduction about yourself.
At the end of your presentation be prepared to do a wrap-up statement. If you’re on a panel, the moderator often says something like, “is there anything else you’d like to add?” You don’t want to go blank or say no. This is your change to say why what you’ve just taught matters to the audience. In Jason’s case - might make the case that you need to manage your own career because no one is going to care about it like you do.
You’re basically quickly going over your main point and motivating people to care and/or take action. This would be a good time to mention further resources on your web site or blog.
What are your tips or how have you become a better public speaker?
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3 Responses to “Tips for Public Speaking”
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September 7th, 2008 at 5:28 am
Interesting tips, thanks for sharing.
September 9th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Great advise from everyone. It’s been a habit of mine, to thrust myself into speaking to large, and small, gatherings. Not only has it improved my speaking, it has also helped me get over the fear of speaking in front of a group.
You’re going to fumble. You just will. But if you can use the experiences to improve, like keep mental notes of how the audience reacts, or the comments you get after, will help you focus on the areas that need help, and dive deeper into the areas that seem to resonate.
Oh, and I agree with Jason’s last comment, have a great short introduction. I fail miserably on this point often.
September 29th, 2008 at 9:34 am
“Never apologize” is probably the best tip you can give an inexperienced speaker. Apologizing in advance for your insecurities is a big rookie mistake, and it doesn’t make the audience sympathize with you like you hope it will.
I disagree with the point about coming up with your own introduction. If you’re not introduced by someone else, please don’t waste the audience’s time talking about yourself. That’s not what they’re there to hear. Your bio and background is probably already in circulation, and if you’re not actually listed in a program or handout, you can always hand out your own bio.
More of my thoughts on this issue:
http://coachlisab.blogspot.com/2007/10/stating-your-credentials-yay-or-nay.html
http://coachlisab.blogspot.com/2008/02/two-minutes-of-thank-yous.html