A Dozen Ways I Can Be a Better Public Speaker
Last Monday I delivered my sixth Toastmasters speech, entitled A Dozen Ways I Can Be a Better Public Speaker. The goal was to force myself to do a lot of the things I’d been hesitant to do as a public speaker, such as moving away from the lectern and expressing a controversial opinion. Here’s a video recording of the speech (with thanks to Dominic for manning the camera)…
The dozen ways:
- Open dynamically
- Get rid of the lectern
- Use direct eye contact
- Loosen up the body language
- Sound like I care
- Express a controversial opinion with confidence
- Use less notes
- Use notes on purpose, not by accident
- Use long pauses
- Video tape myself speaking in front of an audience
- Involve the audience
- Finish strong
Very good Niall, I think I could take some tips for radio from your top 12… Keep up the posts
That was impressive Niall…i really enjoyed that! You’ve obviously already mastered point no. 13 ‘Humour’
Thanks, lads.
Brian, I didn’t think I’d get so many laughs during the speech. I wasn’t really aiming for funny, but it was a nice bonus.
Nice list and examples. Must try pluck up the guts to attend toastmasters in Dublin.
Jamie: Just go along to a few meetings as a guest and take it from there. The most you’ll be asked to do initially is stand up and introduce yourself to the group.
I put off going for a long time, too, but now Toastmasters is often the highlight of my week, and my public speaking skills have improved by leaps and bounds in less than a year.
Brilliant Speech, some great tips. I have to start doing something like that because public speaking is far from my strong point!
Nice work Niall, I need to take a few of your pointers on board myself
Nice job dots!