Being a good public speaker isn’t about what information the speaker is giving, nor is it about the size of the audience. A good public speaker, first and foremost, is dedicated to preparation. The more prepared the presenter is, the less likely they are to exert nervousness and stress, but rather deliver a clear and succinct collection of ideas. Utilising preparation strategies, such as rehearsing, are very beneficial for a presenter as it allows better understanding of the material and a stronger connection with the audience. Rehearsing a speech allows the presenter to plan how to give the presentation to maximise understanding of the topic being conveyed.
For a brief explanation of effectiveness of preparation methods, click here.
Further, taking the time to properly evaluate what information is ‘really’ needed in a presentation eliminates irrelevant information. The main strategies that presenters can utilize are structure, vocal techniques and literal devices, methods of persuasion, non-verbal communication and time management. It is important for the speaker to structure his/her presentation in a way that is suited to their personality and mannerism, as well as allowing the speaker to feel comfortable while talking.
The more time taken to plan a presentation, the more likely the context will feel familiar to the audience, which in turn, will allow them to experience more engagement and will support their acceptance of any call to action. Successful presenters plan out their aims by determining why they are presenting and what the desired outcomes are. The information in a presentation should be broken down into strong but simple points. The speaker can do this by writing the information as S.M.A.R.T objectives. It is critical that the speech is given at pleasurable speed so that the audience understands the message. Literary devices, such as alliteration, metaphors and similes, should be used to give comparative analyses and repetitive ques that make the audience remain attentive throughout the speech. Ensuring the key points remain the focus, that they are relatable and strongly reinforced, makes the presentation ‘sticky’. If a speaker can implement all of these techniques, he/she will be a successful public speaker.
References
Bibliography: Harrington, A. (2014) 9 mistakes to avoid when speaking in public. Available at: http://www.empowernet.com.au/blog/9-mistakes-to-avoid-when-speaking-in-public/ (Accessed: 16 May 2016). In-line Citation: (Harrington, 2014)
Genere, P., Gill, R., Lawson, C. and Lewis, M. (2015) Communication Skills For Business Professionals. Ch14. Cambridge University: Cambridge University Press. (Accessed: 10 May 2016)
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