At the front of the room

I’ve got a speaking gig wednesday evening in Toronto (10/18). Even though I’ve done this presentation a few times now, I still get nervous at the thought of public speaking. I’m reviewing my notes for the presentation and I’m also reviewing notes from a course I took recently from Sage Presenting. It was all about how to bring a powerful presence to the stage. This class was more helpful and fun than I ever imagined it would be and I'm actually starting to like being in the front of the room. The instructors, Dean and Pete come from an acting and film directing background. There were plenty of video playbacks, feedback, “direction” and stretching.

I learned a lot about public speaking and here are three things I most want to remember.

1. This one is my favorite. Those of you who are great in one to one conversations but clutch in front of a group will relate. Even though you are in front of a group you can still speak to one individual at a time. Single out one person in the audience, connect with them and deliver a full thought to them before moving on to the next person.
2. Tell stories that have an emotional quality to them and speak from the heart. When a speaker connects to the emotion of the story and feels it in the retelling, the audience will feel it too.
3. Attention wanders when there is a lot of sameness – so create change. Change volume,     change speed, change emotion, change voice quality and move around the room.

If you plan to be at the talk you will have to tell me how well I implemented these. If you want to improve your speaking skills, check out Sage Presenting.

 

Comments

[UBB Business]

At the front of the room you probably feel like you're on vacation whenever you step foot in the room. Keep a few board games on the table to lure your friends and family into an easygoing competition. So At the front of the room very much.

UBB Business