Public speaking is not easy. In fact it can be down-right crippling for many! But here are some quick tips from Fashion Focus owner Maria Wood on how she prepares for her public speaking engagements:
1. Be Prepared: Be sure to know everything you need to know about the organization you are speaking in front of and ask for any content direction that the event organizer can provide for you.
2. Speak From The Heart: Trust your instincts and speak from your heart. Being genuine is the best way to remember key points on the topic and definitely helps keeps the audience interested and engaged.
3. Breathe: Find a quiet spot to gather your thoughts and practice deep breathing. Believe it or not, even after all these years of public speaking, I still get a case of the nerves which I think is good! It keeps me on my toes. ?
4. Posture, Posture, Posture!: Exhibit a strong physical presence when you are addressing small or large groups. Occupy the space you are standing in and use expression, good diction, and a clear, loud voice.
5. Practice the Pause: Silence is power. Taking pauses either on purpose or by accident shows that you’re in control and not intimidated by the quiet or by the stares. If the pause is by accident, don’t panic and fill the air with apologies or stammer with excuses. Just breathe and collect your thoughts. Plus the pause allows the audience to absorb what you are saying and think about questions to ask.
6. Never “Phone It In”: Always put in your best effort no matter how small the audience or organization. You never know who may be in the audience. Your advice could be life-changing even if for just one person. So treat every speaking engagement with respect.
7. Be Eloquent: “Eloquence: saying the proper thing and stopping.” – Francois de la Rochefoucauld Enough said 😉
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