How to Have Fun With Public Speaking

Public speaking can be a challenge for many people. For some people they can stand up in front of a group with ease.

This article will help you have fun with your public speaking and make the most of it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Engaging topic or topic you have knowledge of
• Enthusiasm
• Dress nicely
• Time to practice

1. PUBLIC SPEAKING
   
   Whether you are speaking to a group of 10 coworkers or 500 strangers, you will need to be knowledgable on your topic.
   
   Some things may not be fun, presentations at work rarely are.
   
   Speak up and offer to do the next speech. Ths is your chance to shine.

2. ENTHUSIASM
   
   If you're giving a speech on a topic you are excited about for a class, it's important to share your enthusiasm for your topic.
   
   If you're giving a speech at work on how your 4th quarter earnings have dropped, don't show enthusiasm on that end - but, look forward to 1st quarter and what opportunities lie before you.

3. DRESS
   
   Always dress to impress if you're giving a speech. Make a check in the mirror to make sure your appearance is tip top. Even if you don't normally dress up at work - take this opportunity to do so. All eyes will be on you, make it count!!!

4. USE HUMOR or PROPS
   
   If possible, inject a little humor into your speech. Once I did a speech on King David and used the famous photo of the statue, but - he had colorful shorts covering up his normally naked mid-section. People laughed when they saw this.
   
   Props are also good to have. A picture is worth a thousand words. Give them something to remember.

5. DON'T OVERUSE THE POWER POINT
   
   Powerpoint is a wonderful tool for presentations, but don't over use this valuable resource.
   
   Also, don't read your slides line by line. That's not public speaking, that is public reading and that should have been done after 6th grade!!!

6. PRACTICE - PRACTICE - PRACTICE
   
   You must practice your speech. If this speech is for school or work - you must practice. Find out your time frame and work around that. Speech and drama teachers are pretty firm on the time they give you for a presentation, and will have stop watches to time you.
   
   Work presentations may not be as strict, but keep in mind the time frame and work within that.
   
   Take the time to practice. I cannot stress this enough. This is time you will not regret. Study your facts, write it on notecards, learn to say those difficult words. PRACTICE!!!

Tips & Warnings

• PRACTICE!!!
• Embrace the challenge of public speaking.
• Look for a way to inject humor or a prop into your speech.
• DO NOT OVERUSE Power Point.

Resources

• My TV Interview - Digtriad.com

[sneedc]

on 1/18/2009 Thanks Desula, and don't forget the Brady Bunch theory: view them in their nickers, this will instantly put you at ease in front of larger groups! 5*

[1960texan]

on 1/4/2009 Great advice. Practice makes perfect, and it helps to single out one or two friendly faces in the crowd.

[Butterfli]

on 12/26/2008 Great article! #6 is sooooo important! Thanks! 5 speaking* and a recommendation!

[gabrielleCPA]

on 11/10/2008 Thanks for the advice. I have never been comfortable giving a formal talk but I think your tips will help.

[luv2blog]

on 11/9/2008 Excellent advice!! I perform training for peers around the world. I am ALWAYS nervous until I get started. Once I get started, I'm in my element - the nervousness goes away and I have fun with it. It's a great feeling to speak to others and know that they actually got something out of it!