Ask a direct question - when you ask one (or all) you have a response - you are no longer alone.

Ask a hypothetical question - What do you imagine would happen if … Would you agree that if we … I have often wondered if ..
Make a surprising statement - give a startling fact Research indicates that … Did you know that …

Bring in experiences you have shared with your audience (if possible) Do you remember when we … Going back to … I expect you recall that …

Announce some interesting news/information (do your homework!)

Create possibilities for the audience to make gestures or actions Ask for a show of hands … get people to close their eyes and imagine … Ask a couple of people to come up and share their ideas (if appropriate)

Relate an anecdote

Use props for a demonstration

Select one person who you trust to give a mini presentation/speech to. Chose a topic you like and enjoy and which will interest him/her Begin by listing your main points:

1 - How can I calm my nerves before a speech/meeting etc?

One method is to use breathing techniques:
Take measured breaths from the diaphragm - hold the breath for 60 secs and then breathe out. Do this every day to increase the lung expansion. Take ten deep breaths before facing the audience to relax you. 2 - Where will I be giving my speech/presentation?
Large room, carpeted, with lectern, with/out mic? – Make sure you know as much as possible about the venue as this relieves tension.
3 - How well have I prepared?

Plan prioritise prepare & practise. Plan three main points and prioritise them. Plan an effective beginning and ending. Quotes, stories and personal experiences go down well. Prepare all the props and materials you will need in advance. Practise in front of a mirror or record your speech on a tape.
4 - Who is my audience?
All male/female? Experienced in my topic/no experience etc? If you know your audience you can give them what they need not what you think they need!
5 - What do I want to impart to them?

What is my message/specialist knowledge? - Ask yourself what it is that makes your knowledge of particular importance and how you can build in some unexpected facts or figures)
6 - What do they need that I can give them?
How can I find out their needs? – Send out a questionnaire in advance to see what their particular interests are.
7 - Why am I an expert – what is it that makes me different?

Tell a story about your experiences, share your wisdom with your audience they enjoy real life stories.
8 - When do I have to be prepared by – when will I take time to practice?
Make sure you plan the time to plan! Set aside in your diary some quiet periods in which to brainstorm your ideas and plan your presentation well in advance
9 - How can I ensure they go away with something of value?

Leave hand-outs with your name and contact details on them. Give facts and data that you feel would be useful.
10 - What skills do I need to improve in order to be a successful speaker?
Jackie Arnold will coach you and offer further skills and knowledge!

Tip: It is never about you – the speaker. It is always about them – the audience.

Jackie is a Business Development Coach (Working on communication skills, staff appraisals, delegation, life balance, team building etc) She is a Voice Coach & Presentation Skills Trainer.

She co-owns a company called Beyond Belief Training and Coaching – helping businesses grow to their full potential. www.trainingandcoaching.com For a FREE coaching session of 30 mins contact Jackie on:
01903-756186

(Adapted from Toastmasters International)

1. Know your material
If you’re not familiar with your material or are uncomfortable with it, your nervousness will increase. Practice your material and revise it if necessary. 2. Relax

Ease tension by doing exercises. (breathe – tense muscles & relax etc)
3. Know the room
Be familiar with the place in which you will speak. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.
4. Know the audience

Greet some of the audience as they arrive. It’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to a group of strangers.
5. Visualise yourself giving your speech
Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear, and assured. When you visualise yourself as successful, you will be successful.
6. Realise that people want you to succeed

Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative, and entertaining. They don’t want you to fail
7. Don’t apologise
If you mention your nervousness or apologise for any problems you think you have with your speech, you may be calling the audience’s attention to something they hadn’t noticed. Keep silent.

8. Concentrate on the message - not the medium
Focus your attention away from your own anxieties, and outwardly toward your message and your audience. Your nervousness will dissipate.
9. Turn nervousness into positive energy
Gather your nervous energy and transform it into vitality and enthusiasm. Get into the “fizzy spot”.

10. Gain experience
Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters or speakers club can provide the experience you need.