Public+Speaking+Help

Public Speaking = =

TED Ed Clubs has this to say about stage fright and preparing for your talk
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Here are some timeless tips for preparation for speaking in public:
** Know Your Subject Well ** When you choose a topic to speak about – make sure it is one you know well. Even better, be sure it is a topic you are passionate about. Then do your research. Learn everything you can about the topic. Look at the topic from different points of view. The more you know, the more confident you will feel and the better your speech will be.

** Say no to “Um…” ** When speaking publically it is very important to remember to NEVER say the word, “um…” Um is not even in the dictionary – it’s not a word, it's a sound and it breaks up whatever story you are telling. Find a replacement word for um – “so” often works well or asking rhetorical questions, or actually engaging the audience by making things more interactive. Because asking a question to a group is a great way to take the spotlight off the speaker, as well as making things more engaging for the audience.

** Voice Control ** When you are speaking to an audience, you need to be aware of your voice. Your audience wants to hear you, so you need to practice talking in a voice that can be heard. First practice using a one-inch voice – this voice can only be heard by a person very close to you. Then practice using your six-inch voice – the one that you need to talk to the members of your table. Then practice using the big one – your Wall Voice. Stand on one side of a room and practice talking to the wall on the opposite side of the room. By practicing controlling the level of your voice, you will become stronger and more confident in your speaking abilities.

** Practice in Front of a Mirror ** It may sound like a cliche, but practicing in front of a mirror is an important step in overcoming stage fright. It is also a great way for you to be able to see things that you may be doing wrong. Practicing in front of a mirror is the first step in honing public speaking skills for anyone of any age.

** Practice in Front of a Trusted Audience – Your Parents or Friend ** It is also a good idea to practice in front of a trusted audience, like your parents or a close friend. They can tell you - Are you looking down at your notes too much? Do you look as terrified? Are you smiling? Are you mumbling and barely moving your mouth, or are you enunciating clearly enough?

** Practice, Practice, Practice ** Practice really does make perfect, especially when it comes to giving a speech. The more you practice your speech or presentation, the better you will know your stuff. If you can have confidence in your ability to learn and deliver the material, some of the nervousness about giving the speech may go away. Practice also makes it easier to memorize the material. While it may not be necessary for you to memorize every facet of your speech, the more you practice the less you will have to consult your notes. A speaker who seldom needs to glance at his notes is more effective.

** Record Your Speech ** Record yourself speaking and play it back. This is a great way to help you avoid using the "uhs" or "ums" or "likes." This is also great for speakers who may tend to speak too quickly or too slowly. Listening to yourself on a recorder can be a bit uncomfortable of an experience but is great for sharpening public-speaking skills.

Here are some videos with more tips for becoming a better public speaker:
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