英语文摘：How to improve your public speaking (ZT)
Confidence
Faith in yourself, your topic, and your general sanity is a must if you are to be a better public speaker. Many speakers are not prepared and lose confidence because of that. But others lack confidence because of the high school bully factor. They are afraid of being judged.
Know what's up
You have to know your topic inside and out. Nothing kills your speech like "um" and "uh" littering every sentence. Research your subject. You were likely picked to make this speech because you know remotely something about the topic, so that's half the battle. Now get in there and learn every facet of the beast.
Practice
Researching and knowing your topic is one thing, but actually delivering that information is a whole different ball of wax. When the lights go down and the spotlight is on you, no matter how much you know your topic, conveying the information suddenly seems daunting. Practicing your speech beforehand is a must. You will find your beats, your direction, through hours in front of the mirror rehearsing your own personal Getty*****urg Address. So when you climb up on stage, it will be like riding a bike. Unless you don't know how to ride a bike.
Dress properly
Of course, You will want to dress appropriately for the occasion -- which could be a suit or simply a casual ensemble you picked up at K Mart. Regardless of the dress code, you will want to make sure it also has the comfort you need. If the outfit is too binding, tight, stiff, whatever, it will be distracting to you and take away the concentration on your speech.
Loosen up
Being uptight and stiff before you hit the stage will translate in a strained voice and someone who is obviously a nervous wreck. Do some speech exercises before you begin. You know, stuff like "the tip of the tongue" repeated over-and-over. It will free your throat and loosen your tongue. Also do some stretches to loosen your muscles. Your back, shoulders, and legs in particular need loosening. By the time you arrive at the podium, you'll be relaxed.
Make connections
Making a personal connection with someone in the audience. It might be someone you know that you can call out to, or someone on the front row you can speak directly to. Maybe your speech leads you to ask them a question, which is an easy way for you to take yourself from the stage and place yourself as one of your audience. It also takes pressure off of you. If your material does not really allow for audience questions, make eye contact when possible. Because even though you are the one on stage, you're still a man of the people, right?
Be Robin Williams
You may not be naturally funny. We absolutely insist you arm yourself with a joke or two to keep it light -- assuming your speech does not deal with world hunger and such. Have a friend who has a sense of humor look over your speech and suggest some punch lines you can use. Or at least google some funny bits you can implement into your talky-talk.
Confidence
Faith in yourself, your topic, and your general sanity is a must if you are to be a better public speaker. Many speakers are not prepared and lose confidence because of that. But others lack confidence because of the high school bully factor. They are afraid of being judged.
Know what's up
You have to know your topic inside and out. Nothing kills your speech like "um" and "uh" littering every sentence. Research your subject. You were likely picked to make this speech because you know remotely something about the topic, so that's half the battle. Now get in there and learn every facet of the beast.
Practice
Researching and knowing your topic is one thing, but actually delivering that information is a whole different ball of wax. When the lights go down and the spotlight is on you, no matter how much you know your topic, conveying the information suddenly seems daunting. Practicing your speech beforehand is a must. You will find your beats, your direction, through hours in front of the mirror rehearsing your own personal Getty*****urg Address. So when you climb up on stage, it will be like riding a bike. Unless you don't know how to ride a bike.
Dress properly
Of course, You will want to dress appropriately for the occasion -- which could be a suit or simply a casual ensemble you picked up at K Mart. Regardless of the dress code, you will want to make sure it also has the comfort you need. If the outfit is too binding, tight, stiff, whatever, it will be distracting to you and take away the concentration on your speech.
Loosen up
Being uptight and stiff before you hit the stage will translate in a strained voice and someone who is obviously a nervous wreck. Do some speech exercises before you begin. You know, stuff like "the tip of the tongue" repeated over-and-over. It will free your throat and loosen your tongue. Also do some stretches to loosen your muscles. Your back, shoulders, and legs in particular need loosening. By the time you arrive at the podium, you'll be relaxed.
Make connections
Making a personal connection with someone in the audience. It might be someone you know that you can call out to, or someone on the front row you can speak directly to. Maybe your speech leads you to ask them a question, which is an easy way for you to take yourself from the stage and place yourself as one of your audience. It also takes pressure off of you. If your material does not really allow for audience questions, make eye contact when possible. Because even though you are the one on stage, you're still a man of the people, right?
Be Robin Williams
You may not be naturally funny. We absolutely insist you arm yourself with a joke or two to keep it light -- assuming your speech does not deal with world hunger and such. Have a friend who has a sense of humor look over your speech and suggest some punch lines you can use. Or at least google some funny bits you can implement into your talky-talk.
