Effective communication skill is the hallmark of a leader. The capability to develop a rapport with the audience can make a tremendous difference to the stature of the leader. Organizationally as well as socially, public speaking skills are not only necessary but essential.
The Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, was dubbed ‘Goongi Gudiya’ (mute doll) when she first joined the cabinet. However, she later became a master orator who could strike an instant chord with the public. This was a result of deliberate learning and understanding of people.
Planning is the Key to Accomplishment of Effective Speaking Skills
In any form of communication, you need to focus on the basic purpose of that communication. Do you wish to establish rapport, share information, or seek ideas? Do you want to motivate or sell them an idea? It is also necessary to remember who your audience is and what its interest is. As for the content of your speech, remember the old rule, "Tell them what you're going to tell them. Tell them. Tell them what you told them."
The Importance of an Effective Opening of a Speech
First impression they say is the lasting impression. Therefore go out there and make a good impression with your dress, your bearing and posture, and a confident engaging look. The following tips help in this regard.
- Step out in front of the audience and make eye contact with all the segments of the audience.
- Smile and greet them in the local parlance.
- Introduce yourself and give a gist of what you are going to say.
- You can open with a story, an anecdote, or a quotation, or pay the audience a compliment, as appropriate.
Effective Speaking Tips – How to Fight Nerves and Increase your Confidence
Stage fright is natural to all of us. You can reduce this by careful planning and being organized, as also with practiced rehearsals. Visualize and mentally imagine going through all the motions of your speech. It is also better to use index cards and not read from a script. Some other techniques that can be used include the following:
- Deep breathing and a steady speed of speaking;
- Being relaxed; keep thinking, ‘I am relaxed’;
- Release your tension by occasionally moving around; and
- Control the movements of your hands and arms.
Effective Speaking and What to Avoid as a Speaker
There are many mannerisms and actions that need to be avoided so as to make your speech more effective. These include keeping hands in pockets, being ‘handcuffed’ behind back, wringing the hands, or keeping your arms crossed. Rattling the change or the keys in your pocket and smoking or drinking tea while presenting are a strict no-no. Avoid talking to the board or the screen. Continuing to speak when there is a disturbance like a plane overhead will definitely reduce the efficacy of your speaking.
How to Keep the Audience with you
Any distractions must be avoided; a blank screen or an unrelated slide on the screen, previous writing on the flip chart, or an equipment that blocks the view, are all examples of this. Audience involvement is an excellent strategy that can be achieved by the following methods:
- Keeping eye contact with the audience;
- Calling some members of the audience by their names;
- Asking them questions and encouraging interaction;
- Adding interest through audio visuals, sound or animation; and
- Do not forget to thank or compliment the audience in the end.
Anyone Can Master the Art of Public Speaking
The Art of Public Speaking is there for your asking. It is an art that can be easily acquired. All you need is a lot of self-belief, thoughtful planning, and practice. This will take you on the road to being an effective leader.
Sources:
Stickels Owen, “Public Speaking - A Powerful Conclusion - Don't Tell Them What You Told Them”. Ezine Articles,
EzineArticles.com, "Public Speaking -- A Powerful Conclusion; Don't Tell Them What You Told Them." Accessed on 29 October 2010.
Brij Mohan Kapoor - A soldier, a management trainer and a frequent traveller; Kapoor served in the Communications Branch of the Indian Army for 34 years, ...
