Uncommon Tips for Effective Public Speaking
The opening moments of a speech are unquestionably pivotal in determining its success. If, for some reason, a speaker loses the attention, interest, trust, or admiration of audience members during that critical point, it will be extremely difficult to regain it later on. With that in mind, here are some uncommon tips that focus specifically on assuring a strong, high-impact opening.
- Not allowing the opening to be disemboweled by inauspicious timing.
This is best illustrated by the story of what happened to Linda Alvarado, one of America's most eminent women business owners and an eloquent speaker, when she addressed a huge gathering here in Houston's gargantuan George R. Brown Convention Center. As per the agenda, the audience should have been halfway through their meal by the time she got up to speak. But the kitchen was having "the slows" that day and food service was way behind. So, just as Ms. Alvarado began her speech, the doors of the cavernous hall burst open, as if on cue, disgorging an armada of resplendent tray-carrying waiters to the delight of the starving guests. You can imagine the rest. Ms. Alvarado's well-crafted opening lines fell on the ears of a populace that was more concerned about getting the attention of their waiter! Sadly, her speech opening instantly vaporized, becoming indistinguishable from the vapors rising from the steaming chicken breasts that were being served that day.
Lesson: NEVER begin speaking just as food is being served or if some other distraction is taking place in the room.
- Opening with a convincing display of verve!
Climb that dais with an athletic bounce. (Or, if there is no elevated platform, then approach the lectern with energy.) Why? Because an opening display of sprightliness has an infectious effect on the audience. Your vigor will help vitalize everyone else in the room.
- Employing a single, slow visual sweep to stroke everyone in the room!
As you begin uttering your very first words, visually sweep the entire group of listeners while also maintaining a smile. This gesture gives every audience member a personal sense of recognition from you. It also conveys to everyone that you are happy to be in his or her presence. Yes, it feels awkward--even difficult--at first. However, with some practice, you can master it.
- Bewaring of topic conceit!
Don't get so hung up on the importance of your topic that you believe everyone else in the world is also equally seized about it. Unless you are absolutely sure that your chosen subject tops everyone else's priority list as well, take a few moments to elucidate on why it should expressly concern them. Taking the audience for granted--because it is captive--can be devastating. Let me tell of the disaster that befell the president of one of America's three largest oil companies when he spoke at a well-attended business luncheon at Houston's swank J.W. Marriott a few years ago:
Each of us in the audience was under the impression that the guest would be speaking on how to strengthen small business enterprises. Instead, he decided to speak on one of his pet projects--improving the quality of air in Houston. You can imagine what happened: No sooner had he begun, most of the small business owners--over 75% of the audience--began dozing off, and those representing other oil companies smirked while watching the image of their rival firm's chieftain fall like a rock. Of course, at the end of his 20-minute speech, the speaker devoted a minute or so to cogently dwell on why clean air should be of concern to everyone. If only he had done it at the very beginning!
- Using the introducer to whet the audience's appetite.
Have the person introducing you say something about you or your speech that helps build anticipation and whets people's curiosity. This will not only help ensure that your opening gets their undivided attention, but it will, in effect, subdue any ongoing distractions in the room. One caveat: Do NOT let the "anticipation-building passage" in the introduction border on undue hype or overpromise, nor let it dissipate the thunder of your opening.
Finally, if you haven't already, also visit my "uncommon tips" for highly effective presentations. They too are critical for high-impact public speaking. And please feel free to contact me for elaboration on any of the above suggestions.
V. J. has won numerous public speaking contests as well as speech evaluation contests over the past 10+ years. He has also successfully coached numerous top executives and other high-achieving professionals. For more about him, click here.
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