Top 7 Tips for Speakers

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TITLE: Top 7 Tips for Speakers
AUTHOR: Sandra Schrift
CONTACT: sandra@schrift.com
COPYRIGHT: ©2004 by Sandra Schrift. All rights reserved

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Top 7 Tips for Speakers

Public Speaking is the number one way to advance your
business career.

Do you get nervous when speaking to a group? Do you feel
butterflies in your stomach? The following tips will help
you get your butterflies to fly in formation.

1. Everyone feels some nerves before a presentation. Try to
do a quiet meditation, visualization, or exercise before you
speak. Breathe deeply. Memorize those opening lines…and then
quickly engage your audience with a question or humorous
story.

2. Three keys to being a top presenter: practice, practice,
practice. In front of your mirror, in front of your stuffed
animals. Use a tape recorder and a cam recorder for playback
and feedback. Try your material out with service clubs.

3. Embrace your audience. Remember, it is about them, not
you. Are you going to challenge them to think differently,
behave differently or perhaps, confirm them.

4. Use the rule of “3.” The most successful speakers limit
their remarks to 3 major points. Here is where you use your
signature stories to support your points and help people
visualize what you are saying.

5. Prepare for “white space.” Always allow for audience
participation, questions, role play, interaction. These may
be the moments that just occur and may not be part of your
prepared text. Lots of practice will let you get comfortable
enough to do this.

6. Use your props. Visual aids help to reinforce your
points. Power Point provides professionalism. Toys create
humor and playfulness. Adults delineate their thoughts
visually...so be creative.

7. Leave a trail. Provide a handout or a flyer about other
programs you offer and how people may contact you. Collect
their business cards and raffle a prize. Ask for written
feedback and for referrals.