But Forbes recently reported that excellent public speaking is the
#1 communication skill that will get you promoted and boost professional success.
So add public speaking to your list of goals or resolutions for 2013, and get started today with these 7 helpful tips!
Tip #1: Decide What You Want the Audience to Do
How many presentations have you attended that left you wondering… “Why did I sit through that?” or “What was the point?” To avoid this all-too-common reaction a speaker has to clearly define a purpose for the speech or presentation.
What do you want the audience to think, feel, or act on when you finish speaking?
I know that may seem obvious, but it’s amazing how many of my clients can’t answer the question when they first come to me.
Your purpose should be simple and achievable in the limited time you’ve been given to speak. Keep it in mind the entire time you are preparing. If a story or point doesn’t support your purpose, leave it on the cutting room floor.
Tip #2: Figure Out What Will Persuade the Audience to Do It
To convince people to take action, you have to provide reasons that persuade them. The reasons that motivate your audience may or may not be the same things that motivate you. So … Who are they? What do they need to know? What do they need to be convinced of? And, if you convince them, what information will they need to know to answer your call to action?
Any speaker that clearly communicates what the audience should do, and how they should do it will be off to a strong start.
But to convince an audience, you have to connect with them.
Tip #3: Care About the Audience
