Tips for Effective Public Speaking

I'd like to add a few more things that I've learned, such as summarizing what essential points the speech contained, to let audiences know what I'd most like them to carry away.

Also, repetition of salient points is necessary to accentuate them, being sure to draw an image of how they can be visualized. In my talks to women's groups about Breast Self Examination, I tell them about the night I found my breast lump. It was while reading an article about breast feeding, that my thoughts were triggered regarding the length of time it had been since I last examined my breasts.

Then I describe how I turned over onto my back, placed a firm smallish scatter pillow under the side of my back for each breast examined, to thrust the breast forward, making more of it available for my exam. That way I easily move into the demonstration portion of the presentation, and they have an idea of how spontaneously it can be done. Also, they know then, that I've discovered my own lump and know personally what it's like to do that.

I use eye contact with as many individuals in the audience as I can, acknowledging their presence there, with me. By noting their expressions, I can tell if they're following me, or if I need to use more examples for greater meaning.

Regarding your point # 12. Often there are time constraints that make it necessary when rehearsing talks, to time them until I can get them within the specified time, leaving at least a quarter of the time for questions. If I'm giving an overview of many different parts of a whole situation, I stop after one part, to ask what is unclear about what I've said. If there's dead silence, I figure no one was actually paying attention, or there is lethargy; and go over some essential points, after pausing to allow time for shy people to speak out. Usually audiences have questions, but may be reticent to voice them, lest they draw attention to their short comings.

My father was President of the Canadian "Dale Carnegie Club" (How to Make Friends and Influence People", the book that originated taught skills of public speaking, in the '50s). Each evening, my sister and I were the audience for our parents' speeches, and timed them. It was a great way to learn more about their subjects, and what was on their minds.

OH! WHAT A GREAT ADVICE! I will use those tips for my upcoming duty. My first time duty in my entire life. Thanks!http://images.allnurses.com/smilies/lol2.gif