Preparing Presentations Archives

Question #6: How do I Prepare for Public Speaking?

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 at 1:34 AM 
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Imagine you have to give a speech in 5 days. It could be a college class speech, business speech, or even a wedding speech. How do you prepare for this public speaking event? Here are four steps that will help you create an excellent speech.

Step #1: Choose your topic

I used to waste hours and hours thinking of a topic to speak on. Then I discovered a brain storming tip which has helped me choose speech topics.

Take two minutes and write out 10 topics you could talk about. For an example I could brainstorm these topics:

  • How to reach your goals
  • Lessons I learned from my first job
  • Three qualities every good leader has
  • How to overcome fear of public speaking
  • How to improve your public speaking skills fast
  • How to write a book in 90 days
  • Why a cruise is a great vacation
  • Funny moments in child raising
  • Overcome procrastination
  • Organization made easy

In two minutes I have a list of topics. After two minutes select the best three and analyze them.

Pick the best one. Don’t waste a lot of time choosing a topic. Find something you are interested in, know something about, and meet the expectations of the audience, meeting planner, or professor.

If you don’t like the best one, repeat the entire process. Within 10 minutes you’ll either have your topic or a nice number to choose from.

Step #2: Write out your speech or make a detailed outline

The first time I gave a thirty minute speech, I did not use notes. Worse, I had not even practiced it. I rambled. I was boring. I was very discouraged afterwords. None of that would have happened if I had used this step.

The process of putting your thoughts on paper can double the quality of your speech. If you don’t write it out word for word, make a detailed outline with points.

Step #3: Practice, Practice, Practice

You can reduce your nerves by up to 83% through good preparation. Now take your notes and practice out-loud. Practice while your walking around the house, showering, or during the advertisements of favorite TV show. (By the way TV stands for “time vacuum”)

There is no substitute for good practice!

Mentally practice in the theater of your mind.  This will help implant your speech into your mind.

Step #4: Deliver with power and confidence

Backed with solid preparation, you will be able to stand up and speak with power and confidence.  Make eye contact. Have enthusiasm. Smile. Your public speaking presentation will be great.

(C) Arlen Busenitz – Speakinginfo.com

Arlen Busenitz

Arlen Busenitz is an experienced speaker with over 650 presentations. He is Author of several books, CD's,and creator of Become a Better Speaker in One Evening™

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Tip #24: The First Step in Writing or Preparing your Speech

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 at 5:31 PM 
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When you are preparing a speech, what is your first step? Do you brainstorm a topic, make an outline, or research? Consider this next speaking tip:

Speech Preparation Tip #24: Find your Chris and Prepare the Speech for Chris.

Several months ago I spoke to about 50 energetic jr. highers. As I was preparing, I selected another jr higher in the area whom I’ll call Chris. He was a good representative of the audience I was speaking to. I prepared speech as if I was giving it to Chris.
 
I asked myself several questions.
 
  • What problems does Chris have?
  • What would keep Chris’s attention?
  • What info will help Chris?
I kept asking these questions and prepared a customized keynote for Chris. Yes, audiences are diverse and I did seek to add material to target the whole room because of the various backgrounds of the audience.
 
However, by focusing on one person it allowed me give a specific speech tailored for that audience. The result? Great interaction and a keynote that hit home.
 
Simple principle but very powerful.
 
Here are a few public speaking tips on preparing to speak to one person:
 
  • Select someone you know who represents the audience.
  • Ask yourself, “What would I say if it was just this individual in the room?”
  • Tailor the speech so it appeals to and impacts the diversity of people in the room.
  • Prepare for one, but appeal to all

 

Arlen Busenitz

Arlen Busenitz is an experienced speaker with over 650 presentations. He is Author of several books, CD's,and creator of Become a Better Speaker in One Evening™

Website - More Posts

Tip #18: How to Practice, Memorize & Internalize Your Speech Presentation – Part 3

Thursday, March 18th, 2010 at 7:12 AM 
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On a warm summer day, I was out riding the lawn mower around the yard. As you know mowing the lawn can be a low concentration task leaving plenty time for daydreaming and/or speech rehearsal.

If you had been standing there, you would have seen my lips move as I worked around the yard. I was applying this next speech preparation tip:

Tip #18: Practice your speech while distracted.

If you and I rehearse a presentation in our living room or office, we can be maybe 90-95% focused on the speech. However, practicing the speech while distracted and suddenly your concentration may drop to 50% or lower.

This makes it more difficult for us to rehearse the speech and thus prepares us for the presentation.

How can you practice your next presentation while distracted.

Arlen Busenitz

Arlen Busenitz is an experienced speaker with over 650 presentations. He is Author of several books, CD's,and creator of Become a Better Speaker in One Evening™

Website - More Posts

Best Public Speaking Tip for Beginner Speakers (& Experienced) – Part 1

Monday, October 5th, 2009 at 1:46 PM 
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Joe, a dark haired college student, came up to me and asked, “What is one of the best best public speaking tips you can give me?”

 
I thought for a moment and gave him a powerful speaking tip that has been very helpful to me.
 
Speaking Tip: Speak to one person only.
 
Whether you are speaking to five people or 993 people you want to speak to one person at a time. This will affect how you and I prepare our talks and how we deliver them.
 
Preparing to Speak to One Person
 
Before you start putting your speech together, pick out an ideal audience member. Someone who represents most of the people in the room.
 
Three weeks ago I spoke to about 50 energetic jr. highers. As I was preparing, I selected another jr higher in the area whom I’ll call Chris. He was a good representative of the audience I was speaking to. I prepared speech as if I was giving it to Chris.
 
I asked myself several questions.
 
  • What problems does Chris have?
  • What would keep Chris’s attention?
  • What info will help Chris?
I kept asking these questions and prepared a customized keynote for Chris. Yes, audiences are diverse and I did seek to add material to target the whole room because of the various backgrounds of the audience.
 
However, by focusing on one person it allowed me give a specific speech tailored for that audience. The result? Great interaction and a keynote that hit home.
Currently I am preparing a business presentation. In my mind I am delivering it to a professional named Jerry. This helps me focus my presentation.
 
Simple principle but very powerful.
 
Here are a few public speaking tips on preparing to speak to one person:
 
  • Select someone you know who represents the audience.
  • Ask yourself, “What would I say if it was just this individual in the room?”
  • Tailor the speech so it appeals to and impacts the diversity of people in the room.
  • Prepare for one, but appeal to all
Why did I encourage Joe to prepare to deliver to one person? Because doing this will help a speaker give a focused speech that connects, impacts, and the audience enjoys.
 
Check out Part 2.
 
(C) Arlen Busenitz 2009.
 

 

 

Arlen Busenitz

Arlen Busenitz is an experienced speaker with over 650 presentations. He is Author of several books, CD's,and creator of Become a Better Speaker in One Evening™

Website - More Posts

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