I've been giving lots of talks lately and, though they are linked
to my latest book, the talks are extensions of it. This enables people
who have bought the book, and prospective buyers, to learn new
information when they hear my talk. Preparing a talk can take hours and,
if you're like me, you may tweak it just before speaking. Here are some
suggestions for a five-star presentation.
Time your talk. Give the talk to yourself several times and figure out which sections take the most time. Also check the spacing of examples and personal stories. When I timed my recent talk I realized there was enough time for more detailed stories. These details made my talk more interesting.
Learn about the audience. The talk you give to a church group will differ from the one you give to Rotary. You can keep the bones of your talk, but add different examples, Citing recent news about the organization or group, such as a fundraiser, will get audience attention.
Slow down and get enough sleep. When you run lots of errands before your talk you risk wearing yourself out. The night before a talk I go to bed early so I'm refreshed the next day. The one thing you want to avoid is yawning during your talk. Yawning is contagious and if you start yawning, audience members will start yawning -- not a good thing.
Eat a light meal or snack. Speaking requires energy and I never give a talk on an empty stomach. Instead, I eat a light meal -- a small salad, half a sandwich, or cup of soup. Yogurt with granola and fruit is another option. Your goal is to have the energy you need.
Drink some water. You can't speak clearly if your mouth is dry. Professional speakers drink water before they speak, and also have water on hand. I bring water or ask the group to supply it. Don't feel guilty about pausing in the middle of the talk to take a drink; your audience will understand.
Give books away. Surprising as it may seem, giving away books is one of the cheapest ways to advertise. I ask if anyone has a birthday that day and give them a book. If nobody has a birthday, I ask who had a birthday last month or will celebrate their birthday next month. A few people get books and everyone gets a bookmark.
Check visuals. I'm not a technical person, so it's rare for me to have computer slides. However, if you have this expertise, you can make them. Because I'm a former teacher I always have handouts.
Make sure you have your talk or notes. Don't make the mistake I made. One time I put my notes on the podium and the previous speaker took them by mistake. I spoke extemporaneously and my talk was well received. However, I learned from this experience and my notes never leave my side.
Preparing to speak can take as much time as preparing your talk. These steps are worth the effort.
Time your talk. Give the talk to yourself several times and figure out which sections take the most time. Also check the spacing of examples and personal stories. When I timed my recent talk I realized there was enough time for more detailed stories. These details made my talk more interesting.
Learn about the audience. The talk you give to a church group will differ from the one you give to Rotary. You can keep the bones of your talk, but add different examples, Citing recent news about the organization or group, such as a fundraiser, will get audience attention.
Slow down and get enough sleep. When you run lots of errands before your talk you risk wearing yourself out. The night before a talk I go to bed early so I'm refreshed the next day. The one thing you want to avoid is yawning during your talk. Yawning is contagious and if you start yawning, audience members will start yawning -- not a good thing.
Eat a light meal or snack. Speaking requires energy and I never give a talk on an empty stomach. Instead, I eat a light meal -- a small salad, half a sandwich, or cup of soup. Yogurt with granola and fruit is another option. Your goal is to have the energy you need.
Drink some water. You can't speak clearly if your mouth is dry. Professional speakers drink water before they speak, and also have water on hand. I bring water or ask the group to supply it. Don't feel guilty about pausing in the middle of the talk to take a drink; your audience will understand.
Give books away. Surprising as it may seem, giving away books is one of the cheapest ways to advertise. I ask if anyone has a birthday that day and give them a book. If nobody has a birthday, I ask who had a birthday last month or will celebrate their birthday next month. A few people get books and everyone gets a bookmark.
Check visuals. I'm not a technical person, so it's rare for me to have computer slides. However, if you have this expertise, you can make them. Because I'm a former teacher I always have handouts.
Make sure you have your talk or notes. Don't make the mistake I made. One time I put my notes on the podium and the previous speaker took them by mistake. I spoke extemporaneously and my talk was well received. However, I learned from this experience and my notes never leave my side.
Preparing to speak can take as much time as preparing your talk. These steps are worth the effort.
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