Gary Genard's

Speak for Success!

"Be a voice not an echo." - Albert Einstein

For Killer Public Speaking Skills, Use These Key Checklists!

As a speaker or presenter, you should always be seeking to develop your skills and effectiveness. Doing so will allow you not only to improve your communication skills, but to increase your impact and influence with stakeholders. (To speak for leadership and maximum influence, download my free cheat sheet, "Leadership Skills: The 5 Essential Speaking Techniques.")

So what are the areas you should be seeking to improveand how do you know if you've done so? Below are 10 checklists that will help give you killer public speaking skills. Master the skills listed in these public speaking checklists, and you'll be without peer in terms of comfort, confidence, and connecting with listeners for effective presentations.

The Checklists

Develop Positive Coping Statements like These

  • "I understand that I have all the skills necessary to be a good speaker."
  • "I believe that my audience wants to hear this speech."
  • "I know that people don't always show their interest in their faces."
  • "I accept that my worst fears are really not going to happen."
  • "Irrational fears have no basis in reality."
  • "One bad speech or presentation is not that critical. It's a small thing."
  • "I've learned not to ignore my positive achievements when I speak."
  • "My presentation will not be perfect. No one's ever is."
  • "I know and practice the 3 foolproof ways to reduce speech anxiety."
  • "I'll never please everybody, so I won't worry about it."

Relaxation and Focus

  • Learn progressive relaxation (relaxing from the head to the toes).
  • Take a 20-minute "mini-vacation" to a favorite spot.
  • Breathing diaphragmatically is a key speaking skillso use it!
  • Slow down your breathing and make it deeper.
  • "Follow your breath" or "Listen to the breath."
  • 5-5-5 count: inhalation, pause, exhalation.
  • "Listen" passively and let intrusive thoughts drift on their way.

Mindfulness

  • Practice focused relaxation, combining presence and focus.
  • Know how to stay "present" rather than living in the past or future.
  • Learn how to enjoy the moment even when doing chores.
  • Observe and contemplate the miracle of even ordinary things.
  • There is rarely ever any need to hurry.
  • Think, "I will point at myself," then point away from yourself. (Thích Nhất Hạnh)

Performance Skills

  • Smile more when you speak in public.
  • Understand the 12 foolproof ways to open a speech.
  • Pay attention to creating a communication bond with audiences.
  • Eye contact is easy and keeps you connecrted with listeners.
  • Command the performance space, taking up as much as you need.
  • Know the body language secrets of creating a strong self-image.
  • Carry yourself like a person worth listening to.
  • Your relationship should be with your audience, not your PowerPoint.
  • Pay close attention to whether your audience is receiving your message.

Vocal Dynamics

  • Learn how to create a persuasive voice for business communication.
  • Speak from your center, where your power emerges.
  • Vary your pitch and expressiveness so you're interesting to listen to.
  • Reach listeners by thinking in terms of energy, not volume.
  • Pause after critical information. Also between main points. And more.

Using Positive Thinking

  • Know how to use positive self-talk for successful public speaking.
  • Think in terms of communication rather than performance.
  • Speaking dynamically in public will help your career.
  • Know how to "turn the spotlight" on your listeners not yourself.
  • Allow a light to shine from within you to reach your audience.
  • Create a "Command Performance" in your mind beforehand.

Tough Love

  • Learn to get over yourself when you speak!
  • The speech or presentation isn't about you.
  • People really don't care about you; they are here for their benefit.
  • Change from being narcissistic to acting thoroughly professional.

Time Management and Preparation

  • Learn how to analyze your audience: their needs and expectations.
  • Allow sufficient time for adequate research on your topic.
  • Use an outline or other organization method before writing the speech.
  • PRACTICE while using a full outline or preparation manuscript.
  • DELIVER while using speaking notes and handwritten key words only.
  • 3-5 practice sessions should be sufficient, so you don't get stale.

Physical Preparation

  • Some butterflies and nerves are normal, and help "psyche you up."
  • Know to stand with feet apart for strength, steadfastness, and stability.
  • Like an athlete in training, pay attention to diet, exercise, and rest.
  • Build in quiet time on the day of performance.

Observation of Other Speakers

  • Attend at least three speeches or presentations per month.
  • Rate the speaker's presence and authority.
  • Rate the organization, logic, and supporting evidence.
  • Rate the speaker's use of voice, stance, movement, and gestures.
  • Rate the speaker's emotional effect on you and the audience.

complete guide to effective public speaking

 

 

Tags: effective presentations,killer public speaking skills,public speaking checklists

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