Reader questions and feedback on public speaking issues. Also refer to speeches, presentation, writing, preparation, fear, anxiety, nervousness, stuttering, Toastmasters, evaluation, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Public Speaking:
Resources
The following 5 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- Wants to be a resource
- Becoming involved in public speaking
- How to end the presentation well?
- Worried about impromptu speeches
- Add link
Wants to be a resource
Question
August 13, 2007
My name is Matt Nadell and I'm the CEO of SuccessfulCommunication.com, a site devoted to improving public speaking and presentation skills. The site contains written, audio, and video resources to help speakers conquer their anxiety and deliver fantastic presentations. I think it would make an excellent addition to the "Speaking Resources" section of your website. For more information, you can visit the site at http://www.SuccessfulCommunication.com.
Thanks for your time.
Best Wishes,
Matt - USA
14192
Answer
We've added your site as a resource at:
http://www.school-for-champions.com/speaking/resources.htm
Becoming involved in public speaking
Question
October 4, 2006
How do I become ivolved in public speaking?
EMMA - AUSTRALIA
12067
Answer
A good starting point is through Toastmasters. For a list of clubs in Australia, see: http://www.toastmasters.org/find/
If you have written an interesting 15 minute speech, you can contact local women's clubs and service organizations to offer to give your speech. Most will not pay, but it is a way to break into speaking.
Look for local organizations that have speakers and go to hear the speaker. That will give you an idea of what is needed. Perhaps you can also get some pointers from the speaker.
How to end the presentation well?
Question
October 18, 2005
How to end the presentation well?
How to close a public speaking well?
The way to end the presentation.
aitrieu - vietnam
8598
Answer
You should start a presentation or speech by telling what you will be talking about or explaining. Then, we you want to end the speech or presentation, you should summarize the main points you made on that subject.
You can say, "In closing..." or "In conclusion..." or "In summary..." and then repeat the major points in a few sentences.
In closing, the way to end a presentation is to state the main points.
Worried about impromptu speeches
Question
February 26, 2004
I was chosen to compete in the National English Speaking Competition in China because I got the 1st place in my university. I thought it was luck but not capability that caused me to be the winner because I have wonderful pronunciation and voice control when delivering a speech. But I just cannot give an impromtu speech if I am not prepared. Matter of fact, the impromtu speech I gave in my university was one of my prepared speeches,that's why I said I was "lucky".But what about the coming competition? I just dare not think about that. Whenever I see a topic,my mind is totally blank,especially in front of a large audience.The most serious is,I don't know how to be a quick thinker to organize my ideas in the first time.I can write very good speeches,but that costs time.
Can you give me some advice on how to train myself step by step to be a gog impromtu speaker?
Do I have to recite a lot of speeches to "hit" the topic given? If that is so,Can you offer me some hot-topic materials for me to follow?
Eager to get your help,thank you very much.
Nathan -
2517
Answer
Congratulations on your first place. But do not diminish your achievement by saying it was luck. Pronunciation and voice control are important factors in a good speech. Be proud of what you have done and move ahead toward other challenges.
Impromptu speeches require a special skill of being able to think on your feet. The biggest problem is that speakers will try to immediately blurt out their speech, instead of gathering themselves beforehand. Try the following technique:
Start with a salutation to the group, such as "Mr. Group Leader, fellow members and judges..." Then repeat the question: "I have been asked to give my opinion on the state of...xxx. That is a very interesting question that deserves a complete answer..."
To a degree, it sounds like you are beating around the bushes instead of starting your talk. But what it really does is to allow you a short time to gather your thoughts. It really doesn't take much time
to come up with some ideas. But if you try to blurt out an answer right away, your mind can easily go blank.
Also, it is helpful to have some short examples or quotations at hand that may apply to almost any situation.
Finally, structure whatever you say with a beginning, middle and close. Sometimes it hardly matters what you say, as long as it is well structured.
Practice this technique with friends. Let them give you a topic and see if you can put together a 2-minute impromptu talk on that topic.
Best wishes in your speaking. Let me know how things turn out.
Add link
Question
November 28, 2003
Hello. My name is Catherine Madigan and I'm a clinical psychologist who has a site relevant to fear who fear public speaking. www.socialanxietyassist.com.au called Shyness and Social Anxiety Treatment Australia. This site provides information on: social anxiety, the treatment options, public speaking tips, blushing and sweating, articles, links, resources, group therapy and workshops, support groups etc.
I believe this site would be of interest to people visitng your site as many people fear public speaking to the point that its a phobia, ie they avoid it and experience sigificant physical anxiety, even panic attacks when anticipating performing or participating in a speech/presentation. I would be very grateful if you would link to my site. Thankyou Catherine Madigan
catherine -
1405
Answer
A link to your site has been added at:
http://www.school-for-champions.com/speaking/resources.htm
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