by Eileen N. Sinett
Here are 10 common public speaking problems
and solutions for each.
Hate elevator speeches or think they are
boring? Be
creative. Avoid starting with the mundane: My name is, or I am... Play around
with these words to start your introduction: Imagine … Clients tell me … If you
need … Then, add your business information and end with your name. Your
listeners will appreciate the change from the usual.
Feel uncomfortable in big crowds? Buddy up! Drive
over with a friend to loosen you up. Enter together and jointly engage in one
conversation. Then, more comfortable, disperse and have another conversation.
Remember, you can engage without speaking. Be present, listen well, and turn
off the negative inner dialogue. You'll soon notice how awkward becomes
awesome.
Stuck getting started with planning your
presentation?
Set a timer for just two minutes. Brain-dump on paper all the possibilities you
could talk about for your specific audience. Then, thinking with the end in
mind, ask: "What do I want the audience to know and remember when they
leave this presentation? " Write this down. Begin with the end in mind!
Don't know what to do with your hands?
Speaking too fast? Racing through your presentation? Don't slow down
your speech — improve your eye contact. Connect with your eyes before you
speak. It's like any sport. Aim first, then act!
Overly dependent on PowerPoint slides? Speak only when you
are looking at someone. You can look at your notes or the screen, but not talk
at the same time. Basically, cleanse the verbal palate with time (non-talk) for
the audience to process the information. Then dish out your ideas with
individual portions. The non-speaking time helps your audience's digestion.
Dealing with a heckler in your audience? When someone in
your audience is difficult or causing havoc, stop speaking! Look in their
direction, be silent, breathe and count: 1, 2, 3, 4 (to yourself, of course).
Then, eye-connect with someone else and don't look back. Literally avoid
connecting with hecklers. They won't know your non-verbal slight is
intentional, but they will have to work hard to get your attention and take
over your control.
Want to influence colleagues at a meeting? When asked your
opinion, avoid starting with "I." Instead, frame your opinion by
stating three irrefutable facts that provide context for your point of view.
This establishes common ground, extends your listener's listening, and
postpones knee-jerk "no's" from colleagues poised to pounce! Express
these three facts, then, follow with your succinct opinion, using simple
sentences. Elaborate on the details once your listeners are warmed up and ready
to receive them.
Conference calls challenging your speaking
and listening?
Use your presentation voice rather than your conversational voice. You will
speak in shorter sentences with greater pause and will be better heard. If you
sense that too many listeners have "gone away, " stop and request
feedback: So what have you understood so far? Call participants my name, often,
to keep the remote conversation more personal.
Need a favor or some help? Statements before
questions work best. State your need first, than ask for help. Note the
difference: "Can I borrow your car for two hours on Monday" vs.
"My car's in the shop and I can't get a rental in time for my meeting
Monday afternoon. Any chance I can borrow your car for two hours?"
Media giving you 15 seconds of fame? Less is harder than
more! Think "headlines." Prepare two or three key messages and get
them heard! Get centered, ground yourself inside and engage the interviewer or
camera as your friend. For example: Speaking is my business; Presenting gives
professionals an unbeatable advantage; Communication skills re both a science
and an art.
The Author Profile
Eileen N. Sinett - a speech and presentation
leadership coach, communication consultant and author of "Speaking that
Connects."
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