9 Ways to Hold the Room – Better Public Speaking Skills
At one point or another, those of us in business are called upon to speak in public. The way we present ourselves is important because it is representative of who we are, our competencies and how people will view our business – therefore striving to achieve and improve better public speaking skills is important.
Most people who want to improve their public speaking skills are initially interested in adding new fun or persuasive elements to their presentations, such as props or humor, or developing techniques such as hand gestures.
The truth is that most people can dramatically improve their speaking skills simply by focusing on eliminating the negatives from their speaking before they even think about adding anything else. However, here are some simple rules to help you improve your public speaking skills and give you better presentations and therefore better results in your business.
Here are the rules I’m learning to use, things I’ve read or observed in others I’ve had the pleasure of working with:
1. Keep it simple
Speak naturally
Make eye contact
Don’t do crazy things with your hands
2. Be passionate.
No matter what you’re talking about, people want to know you’re excited about it. Now don’t pretend, let your passion for your business or product shine through!
3. Balance the format of your information.
Don’t try to cram too much into the presentation. Instead, when you talk, cover the basics and leave the details to handouts that you can read later. Use a PowerPoint slide or several, but don’t go overboard (in terms of information).
4. Manage connections in advance.
If possible, get to know the people who will be listening to you before your presentation. This will give them built-in confidence in you and what you have to say.
5. Show, don’t tell.
Show them with stories, examples and personal experiences. Don’t just list facts.
6. Get rid of distracting idiosyncrasies.
“Ummms” and “Ahhhs” should go hand in hand. As are the jingling coins in your pockets. (I’ve been guilty of this many times)
7. Know your material.
Nothing beats having the material down. Doing so will cover a host of other issues that may arise.
8. Get the audience involved on different levels if effective.
You can use different methods, such as taking time to work alone or with a partner, feedback on specific points or questions and answers.
9. Don’t misinterpret people’s reaction and don’t get discouraged.
You never know why a person might not listen or get up and walk out. There are many reasons that have nothing to do with you or your speaking. Accept that it’s something else and move on!
I am NOT a great speaker…yet I have been very fortunate to work with some very great presenters and speakers, such as some of the incredibly successful people on the HIS Real Estate Network Board of Advisors. I have found that by working with these and other successful speakers and presenters, and by diligently practicing what I have learned and observed, I have developed better public speaking skills. If you follow these simple rules, you can too.
#Ways #Hold #Room #Public #Speaking #Skills