Thursday, June 10, 2010

Do You Have to Speak in Front of a Group Soon?


A true test of one's self-confidence is standing in front of a room of people to speak. Most of us are deathly afraid of doing it!
If you haven't checked out a Toastmasters meeting before, I highly recommend it. I've been a member for many years, and the practice/feedback from these groups is outstanding to improve public speaking skills. Here are some tips from www.toastmasters.org:

1. Know your material - use personal stories, it will help you remember what you are going to say.

2. Practice! Rehearse out loud. Time yourself.

3. Know the audience. Greet people as they come in. It's easier to speak to friends than strangers.

4. Know the room. Arrive early, walk around, test equipment.

5. Relax. Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm.

6. Visualize yourself giving your speech. See the audience clapping for you.

7. Realize that people want you to succeed. They don't want you to fail.

8. Don't apologize for nervousness...no one probably noticed it anyway.

9. Concentrate on the message, not the medium (ie, focus on content and not yourself).

10. Gain experience. Experience builds confidence.

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