Comments on: When it comes to public speaking, preparation saves perspiration

By: Shannon Myers

Shannon Myers — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 02:48:35 +0000

Thanks, Greg. This is a great collection of tips. I agree with the power point and cannot stress that enough. Sometimes even if you rehearse the people I see typing everything into the slide deck end up reading from them as the audience is doing the same.

Something I would add is to be sure to allow extra time at the end for questions. When you practice at home you might have 5-10 minutes but because of logistics sometimes a presentation doesn’t load quickly or the mc takes a little longer to introduce you and it ends up cutting into questions at the end. A well prepared and rehearsed presentation is essential but I always want to be sure the audience is getting the information they came for so I am sure to leave time at the end to address their questions.

If someone is new to public speaking and thinks they may be doing it on a frequent basis one of the tools that you can usually get a discount for is Dragon Naturally Speaking. It is a piece of software that types what you speak. You can also use it for computer controls. I do a lot of recorded webinars so I have not used it lately but it is interesting to practice a presentation wearing the headset and then to see the type written words of what you said during the presentation. And speaking aside it is also a fun tool for new recruiters to help improve their phone presence.

By: Andrew Klein

Andrew Klein — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 01:30:07 +0000

Great stuff here Greg. 50% of my work (when not MC’ing) is training companies on presenting, pitching and public speaking so I’m always delighted when respected people spread the gospel. Your preparation shows. Cheers, Andrew

By: Greg Savage

Greg Savage — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:45:30 +0000

Geoff, I think it depends on your personal style and whether you can maintain your delivery while you move. I am a great “walker”, I think done occasionally it helps maintain interest and it allows you to make eye contact with those on the edge of the audience, who otherwise might feel excluded and loose engagement. On the other hand too much movement -without purpose, is just a distraction

By: Geoff Hardy

Geoff Hardy — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:39:46 +0000

Thanks for the blog – there are some very good tips. When presenting a business speech what is your experience on moving around as opposed to standing behind a lectern or podium? I suppose it depends on the audience and subject matter?

By: Greg Savage

Greg Savage — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:26:43 +0000

Hello Sarah, Thanks for the post and the positive feedback. You are spot on regarding rehearsing. Its part of my preparation ritual. In fact I plan to update my original article accordingly!
Regards

Greg

By: Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:37:00 +0000

Hi Greg,

Thanks for the great post. I’ve just written a post about public speaking, as well, so it’s been on my mind. You’ve done a terrific job of describing public speaking as a “skill” and not a “talent”. So many people think you either have it, or you don’t, and discount the secret of the most effective public speakers – preparation.

One tip I would like to add is the importance of rehearsing a presentation. I do it over and over until the words effortlessly flow out of my mouth. This helps tremendously with pacing AND confidence. Once I know the material well enough, I rehearse in front of a mirror. It sounds corny, I know, but if you can’t deliver a presentation to yourself, how are you going to face a room of people? If I have the luxury of time, I start rehearsing at least a month before the actual date of my speaking engagment.