The truth is people are too nice to tell you that you are a boring speaker. So the only way to find out is by observing your audience. If you find pockets of people missing from time to time during your presentation or they are a tad too excited when you say you are concluding, chances are…
You are boring.
So what makes a speaker boring?
“As If You’ve Got A Personal Speaking Coach Seated Right Next To You, Guiding You On How To Become A Better Public Speaker!”
Its conversational and user-friendly presentation makes it feel as if you’ve got a personal speaking coach seated right next to you, guiding you on how to become a better public speaker! This book’s a MUST BUY for anyone who’s serious about improving his or her public speaking skills!
– Gary Guwe, President of NUS Toastmasters (http://garyguwe.wordpress.com)
Today’s Free Chapter: Chapter 1 — Connecting With Your Audience
Blogger friend of mine, Alvin Soon, wrote a post some time back on how to give a good compliment. Though this article was written in the context of building self esteem and creating a friendlier society, I think it applies to speaking too, specifically when YOU are been asked to evaluate a speech. Read on to find out how it applies.
The basic structure of a speech evaluation is straightforward. Point out the speaker’s strengths and what he has done well. Point out the speaker’s weaknesses and suggest ways he can improve. I wrote extensively about the art of evaluation here.
Here’s Andrew, my partner-in-crime, celebrating the launch of our book - The FAQ Book on Public Speaking at ECI’s office-warming party on 11th Oct 2007 (Thursday). FYI, ECI stands for Executive Coach International and that’s where both of us were groomed. Judging from the smiling faces, I think Andrew once again charmed his audience.
Check out how engaged the audience were. Don’t you wish you can have that kind of effect on yours every time you come out to speak?
Close up of Andrew and The FAQ Book on Public Speaking.
Stumbled onto a public speaking article written by Brian Kim this morning. According to Brian, his personal development blog is one of the top 5% most read. Impressive.
What I really like about his article is his sincerity in wanting to share. The P.R.E.P framework he shared was also particularly useful, especially for those of you who always have trouble remembering your speech. Brian also emphasized that as a speaker, you should not broadcast. Instead, you converse. I know, you heard that before… but check out the example he gave. It was spot on!
This is the same slideshow that was featured on Slide Share a few days ago… how cool is that!
Now, you will be asking… how will The FAQ Book on Public Speaking help me gain an unfair advantage over my peers and competitors?
Here’s how.
Thanks to The FAQ Book on Public Speaking, I had the opportunity to go on air. This time, with Talking Toastmasters from Massachusetts, United States! (The last one was in Philadelphia)
This is a great podcast to listen to IF you are dying for a laugh. We had so much fun bantering on air that sometimes I wonder if this is an interview or a casual talk.
What caught me by surprise was the hot seat that Bo threw at me in the middle of the show. I wasn’t even forewarned! But it was good old fun and I strongly encouraged you to tune in IF you enjoy seeing other people being make fun of… me specifically.
EF: All award winning speeches have one thing in common - a strong foundation which includes a clear structure, solid content and natural delivery. So if you want to develop a winning speech, start from the basics! Let’s see what Patricia Fripp has to say about speech basics.
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Every speech or presentation, formal or informal, long or short, has three key elements. The first is your structure. Think of it this way: the structure is the skeleton under the flesh of your words. Or, if it is easier for you, think of it as the framework, the way you organize the words.
Want to know how to be funny on stage without sounding lame or looking silly?
Ok that was a silly question. Of course you do.
The ability to make your audience laugh at will is a highly coveted skill that can make you very popular among your audience. The fact that humor has been ranked the “third most important characteristic of a great speaker” makes it even more necessary to have it.
Friends have been curious about what I do during the weekend in Sri Lanka. The truth is I don’t do much which invited a lot of disbelief. So yesterday (Sat), I decided to bring my old dingy camera along with me to snap some pictures in between spa and drinks. Unfortunately - or fortunately depending on how you look at it - I am not in most of the pictures since I am all by myself. BUT… do check out the video I took. There’s a little “me” in it. Soak it in!
