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Guest Writer: Gary Gorman

Tip No. 1: Consider what you want to say
When given the opportunity to pitch a new idea or product, we tend to naturally assume that a ‘presentation’ will be the best method. But is it? Sometimes, perhaps a demonstration, free trial, brainstorming session, outlet visit, or even a succinct, benefits-led letter (with, of course, a follow-up phone call) may be more appropriate. If you are sure that a ‘formal’ (but it doesn’t have to be that formal) presentation will be the most successful method then on we go with tip no.2.

Tip No. 2: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Preparation is vital for success. Do you know how many will be in the audience? Do you have enough seats, hard copies, samples etc. for everyone? What is their current level of knowledge? How will you get their attention? How will you manage questions, as you go along or at the end? Where will you stand? Can you arrange a rehearsal at the venue? As the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) puts it “Professionals practice. Amateurs don’t feel the need.” Read more »

Guest Writer: Nyree Burt

In my years as a public speaker, I have come to know some really good techniques for helping beginning speakers to grow and develop and I want to share some of these public speaking tips with you.

Public speaking can be a really horrifying experience and some people have even developed a phobia about it. Having some uneasiness when you are about to get up in front of an audience is quite normal. Even the people who do this for a living are a little nervous. If they weren’t it would be time for them to quit what they are doing. Nerves give you an edge, without that edge you will probably bore your audience. However being fearful and irrationally petrified will not do you any good.

Here are a few public speaking tips to help you overcome the nervousness and deliver an entertain, motivating or informative speech. Read more »

1. Use simple, easy to understand visuals.
   Visuals often help make a concept clearer than mere words can. This is especially true of difficult to understand and/or visualize scientific or technical information.

2. Use clear and natural body language.
   Often, if you can "show what you mean" via body language — hand gestures, body stance — it can make a concept more clear. It is very important, however, that the gestures seem natural and not forced. Also, using body language can put you and your audience at ease. When people are more relaxed, they can convey and understand scientific and technical information more easily.

3. Use easy to hear language, make it more conversational.
   Many times words that are perfectly understandable when read, can be misunderstood when heaard. Also, a person who is reading can always go back and read an unclear sentence, however, when someone is talking, they can’t go back and listen to the sentence again. This is even more important when you are trying to convey difficult information.

4. Keep the speech simple — no more than three to five ideas, three being better than five.
   No matter what the topic, people can only understand so much. Much more than three ideas in a speech, and people will either loose interest, track or both.

5. Use vocal variety.
   Vocal variety adds personality, interest, and emphasis to your speech. It keeps people interested, which is very important when discussing technical information.