Public speaking is a weapon in the battle of winning minds. If you are not a conqueror, you have no use for it. Otherwise, here are the “blueprints” of this weapon!
Everyone decides for himself what comes first in a public speech – the presentation or the spoken text. For example, I almost always start with a presentation, which I then “overlay” with text. But I know for sure that even before the presentation and text, you should clearly know the answer to the question: “What should listeners do after the speech?” Exactly this way and no other way! If you don’t find the answer to this question, don’t bother with either the presentation or the text. Most likely your performance is just a formality. A way to fill space with sound waves for 5-10-15 minutes. But if you clearly know the answer, immediately start looking for words and images that can direct the listener in the direction you need.
All the images that you select are your presentation.
When creating a presentation, you need to remember:
- The presentation serves as a visual channel of communication with the listener - in addition to verbal and non-verbal - allows you to control his attention;
- Each presentation slide is the abstract of your speech, presented through a graphical channel of perception;
- The presentation actually determines what the listener will remember after your speech, what he will become interested in;
- At every moment on the screen there should be exactly the information you are talking about - do not force the listener to study the slide instead of listening to you;
- Don't turn your slides into a full transcript of your speech. Remember, presentation is not duplication of information, but the necessary accents in graphic form;
- To enhance the retention of particularly important information, use graphics that provoke emotions in listeners, positive or negative, depending on the content. Emotions enhance perception and memory;
- My experience has shown that presentations containing a thematic video are more successful.
Everything you plan to say is your text. Where to get the text from? Out of my head! Just start saying something that you think will motivate the listener to do what you want. In front of the mirror, on a walk, sitting in a chair, not necessarily loudly, even if barely moving your lips. Talk your speech through and through. Then repeat. Then again. In the process of repetition, the text will change - something will disappear, something will appear - this is normal. At the very end, the necessary essence will remain. From experience, 3 times is enough to consolidate and, most importantly, remember the basic skeleton of the performance. And only after that, you can write down the text briefly or completely.
Such preparation will allow you to worry less, which in itself is not unimportant. And also, this will allow you not to withdraw into yourself during the performance, frantically thinking about the words, and not lose contact with the audience.
Coming out into the hall to the listener, first of all:
- Introduce yourself. Even if you are sure that everyone in the room knows you;
- Set listener expectations. Unmet expectations can ruin even a perfect performance. Talk clearly to the audience about what and why you will tell them;
- Outline the rules of the game “on the shore.” Tell the audience when they can ask questions, how to leave if necessary, what to do with the phone sound, etc.;
As you begin your presentation, remember:
- Presentation is not only for listeners. This is a map of your performance. She will give you directions if you suddenly get lost.
Work with the audience's attention, don't miss it:
- Don't speak too monotonously - it puts you to sleep. Change the timbre of your voice and the speed of pronouncing words periodically. Don't skimp on the emotional tones of your voice;
- Eye contact – periodically “scan” the hall with your gaze, making eye contact with the audience. Notice how this technique awakens their attention to your words;
- If you have a good sense of humor, have a few sparkling jokes on the topic of your speech;
- Be sure to interact with the audience and ask questions. After asking a question, show the audience how you want to receive an answer - for example, by raising your hand or pointing to the person from whom you want to hear a verbal answer;
- Move. Get your audience to follow you when you don't have to look at the presentation screen;
- At the same time, avoid places in the hall, postures and behavior of previous speakers if their presentation was unsuccessful and vice versa if you want to get part of the glory of the previous successful speaker. Copy your luck, distance yourself from failures;
Well, a superweapon - use the techniques of polemics with yourself. Make statements and refute them yourself, and then, in a debate with yourself, and, perhaps, with the audience, prove their correctness;
Such simple techniques will allow your report to become your weapon in winning the minds of your listeners.
Source: habr.com