Public speaking is a true art, because even if you have the coolest presentation (which you should have, duh) the delivery of the presentation is a complete different cookie. We all want to sway our audience with what we’re passionate about right? Well in that case, you might want to read this article.
Magazine Forbes published an article in January about busting 13 public speaking myths. The experts of the Forbes Coaches Council shared their views concerning myths that were outdated or even false.
1. Credibility
Establishing credibility when giving a speech is important, but even more so is to build a connection with the audience. Give them reason to listen to you.
2. Open with a joke
Or well, don’t. Opening your speech with a joke can be a bit outdated and misplaced. Try to open with a short, compelling and authentic story instead of capturing the focus of your audience.
3. Authenticity
Be true to yourself concerning the topic you talk about. This doesn’t mean however that you shouldn’t be able to improve the way you deliver it. If needed: train your speech and improve it.
4. Slides or No Slides?
Alright, so the experts are telling to stay away from PowerPoint in case you have a boring set of poorly designed PowerPoint slides. Well, we agree. In that case it’s better to speak with no sides at all. Or even better, we’ll design them for you and you can kick ass with amazing slides.
5. Uhms and ahs
When we’re thinking while presenting, we’re scared for silences and tend to fill them with uhms and ahs. Try to not use these words every time (silence is OK) but also don’t be uptight about it.
6. Devices and Attention
People might use their devices while listening to your presentation and although this might seem as if they’re not interested, don’t get your knickers in a twist. Focus instead on sharing engaging information and try to interact with your audience.
7. The Naked Audience
If you’ll imagine your audience naked, it will be very likely that you’ll be distracted. Know that public speaking is a common fear and try to be bold when walking the stage.
8. Hanging on Your Every Word
Although it might seem so, people are probably not hanging on your every word. So if you mispronounce something, just go on. They won’t think you’ve messed up.
9. Don’t Over Practice
It’s hard to completely engage with your audience when you’re following a strict script in your head. Just make sure you know your stuff, but leave room for spontaneity.
10. Look Your Audience in the Eyes
Your audience will be much more likely moved by your speech, when you look them in the eyes. Because there’s no more powerful connection–without touching–than eye contact.
11. Use Your Hands Naturally
Don’t have your hands all over the place, but also don’t leave them for dead. Using your hands naturally indicates warmth, authenticity and animation.
12. Smile!
When “over smiling” or wrongly timed, it can easily be perceived as phony or nervous. Time your smile perfectly and you’ll connect with your audience.
13. Facts vs. Emotion
Facts don’t move people, emotions moves people. Of course, you need to check your facts but don’t only focus on sharing facts. Speaking with passion is much more important.
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