Public speaking is a weapon in the battle for conquering minds. If you are not a conqueror, it is of no use to you. Otherwise, here are the 'blueprints' for this weapon!
Each person decides for themselves what is primary in public speakingāpresentation or the spoken text. For instance, I usually start with a presentation to which I then 'overlay' the script. However, I clearly know that even before the presentation and text, you must have a clear answer to the question: 'What should the audience do after the presentation?' That's how it must be! If you can't find an answer to this question, don't worry about the presentation or the text. Most likely, your speech is merely a formalityājust a way to fill the air with sound for 5, 10, or 15 minutes. But if you know the answer clearly, you should immediately begin seeking the words and images that can guide the listener in the direction you want.
All the images you choose are your presentation.
When creating a presentation, keep in mind:
- The presentation serves as a visual communication channel with the audienceāin addition to the verbal and non-verbalāallowing you to manage their attention;
- Each slide of the presentation is a summary of your speech presented through a graphic perception channel;
- The presentation essentially defines what the audience will remember after your speech and what they will be interested in;
- At every moment on the screen, there should be the exact information you are talking aboutādon't make the audience focus on studying the slide instead of listening to you;
- Don't turn slides into a full script of your speech. Remember, a presentation is not a duplication of information, but rather necessary accents in graphic form;
- To enhance the memorization of particularly important information, use graphics that provoke emotions in the audience, whether positive or negative, depending on the content. Emotions enhance perception and memory;
- My experience has shown that presentations containing thematic videos tend to be more successful.
Everything you plan to say makes up your text. Where to get the text? From your mind! Just start saying what you believe motivates the listener to do what you need. In front of a mirror, while walking, sitting in a chair, it doesnāt have to be loud, even if youāre barely moving your lips. Go through your speech from start to finish. Then repeat. Then once more. During the repetition, the text will change ā some parts will disappear, others will appear ā this is normal. In the end, only the essential will remain. Based on experience, three times is enough to solidify and, most importantly, remember the core structure of your speech. And only after that, you can write down the text either in a structured form or completely.
Such preparation will help you feel less anxious, which is quite important in itself. Moreover, it will allow you not to retreat into yourself during the presentation, frantically thinking of words, and lose contact with the audience.
When you step onto the stage in front of the audience, first of all:
- Introduce yourself. Even if youāre sure everyone in the audience knows you;
- Set the audience's expectations. Unjustified expectations can spoil even a perfect presentation. Clearly communicate with the audience what and why you will be discussing;
- Establish the 'rules of the game' upfront. Let the audience know when they can ask questions, how to exit if needed, what to do with their phone sounds, etc.;
As you begin your presentation, remember:
- The presentation is not only for the audience. It's a roadmap for your speech. It will guide you if you suddenly 'get lost'.
Engage the audience's attention, donāt let it slip away:
- Donāt speak too monotonously ā it can be sleep-inducing. Change your voice tone and pace periodically. Donāt hold back on emotional nuances in your voice;
- Eye contact ā periodically 'scan' the audience with your gaze, making eye contact with them. Notice how this technique awakens their attention to your words;
- If you have a good sense of humor, have a few sharp jokes related to your presentation ready;
- Be sure to interact with the audience, ask questions. After asking a question, show the audience how you want to receive the response ā for example, by raising their hand or pointing to the person you want to hear from.
- Move forward. Make the audience follow you even when they don't need to look at the presentation screen;
- Avoid spots in the hall, poses, and behaviors of previous speakers if their performance was unsuccessful, and on the contrary, if you want to share in the glory of a previous successful speaker. Copy success and distance yourself from failures;
And the ultimate weapon ā use self-debate techniques. Make assertions and then refute them yourself, and in that self-debate, perhaps even with the audience, prove their validity;
Such simple techniques will allow your presentation to become your weapon in winning over the minds of your listeners.
Source: habr.com
