Headline directly translated as “Learning Public Speaking Online”

Yes, that’s me on national paper (Lianhe ZaoBao - Sept 12, 2007). If you scroll down, you will also see Andrew, my partner in crime! With the book launch approaching, Andrew and I are getting very very excited. Not surprising really, especially with all the challenges we had faced since Feb. Of course, we are also extremely appreciative of the attention that media has been showering us over the past week - Business Times, ZaoBao, Radio 93.8, The New Paper, Channel News Asia and several media publications online as well. It really goes to show that when you want something very badly, the entire universe will conspire to get it for you, in one way or another.

Check out the public speaking tips (it’s in Mandarin!) This is way cool! Oh, and that’s me and Andrew looking constipated…

In case you are wondering what I was talking about, here’s the English version. (grins) Kudos to the writer, Ying Zhen for doing such a great job with the translation.

Five Major Public Speaking Tips

Stage time, stage time, stage time
Public speaking is like swimming. Do you read a book to learn how to swim? Do you attend a seminar so that you can overcome your fear of drowing? The only way you can master swimming is by throwing yourself into the deep end of the pool. Public speaking is the same. The only way you can ever improve is by getting up on stage to give a speech. Yes, you may fail and you will fail but it is necessary if you want to succeed eventually.

Get yourself a mentor
I own it to my mentors to become who I am today. They taught me everything I know about public speaking. They were sharp to point out my mistakes and blind-spots. They shared with me shortcuts and strategies that took them years to realize. Sometimes they can be harsh but their intentions are always in the right place. If you want to become an exceptional speaker in a short span of time, find someone whom is exceptional in public speaking to coach you. Every mentor has different styles of coaching. Some – like mine – would have long lunches with you to share with you everything he knows. Some prefer if you go to them with questions. My recommendation is to go talk to your potential mentor and find out what’s the best way of working with him. A word of advice, be proactive!

Be sincere
Nothing beats speaking from the heart. Ask anyone and they will tell you that sincerity wins it all. Nobody wants to listen to a speaker who is pretending to be somebody else. When you are up on stage, speak with the intention to benefit the audience. This is a sure way to invoke sincerity. Over the years, I also realize that sincerity comes through when you speak on a topic that you either believe in strongly or are passionate about. So the next time you give a speech, find out how you can deliver it with sincerity. Remember your audience like it real!

Content is king!
Whether you are speaking inform, persuade or inspire, make sure you have quality content (i.e. substance). Patricia Fripp, a well-respected speaker in the industry defined substance as “what makes an audience’s business and personal life better if they act on it”. It could come in the form of a three-step strategy, a recommended book to read or tips to solve a particular problem. A good question to ask yourself as you prepare your speech is “What’s in it for them?” On top of that, the information you offer must be fun, exciting, compelling, useful, immediate and relevant. If there is no substance in your speech, then there is really no point wasting your audience’s time delivering it.

Observe winners (and losers)
It’s true when they say the world is your classroom. One of the most effective and exciting way of becoming a great speaker is to observe both winners and losers. When you listen to a highly competent speaker, ask yourself this question – “What was it that he did that made him so impressive?” Write it down and incorporate it in your next speech. If it works, keep it. If it doesn’t, chuck it aside and move on. When you listen to a really terrible speaker, persevere and ask yourself this question – “What was it that he did that made him such a terrible speaker?” Write it down too and remind yourself NEVER to commit that act. Repeat process for each speaker you listen to. Try that for a month and I guarantee that you see immediate results for yourself!

Cheers,
Eric Feng
Your Public Speaking Coach

P.S: My apologies to those who intentionally bought the Business Times on 10th Sept (Mon) so that they can read more about the FAQ Book project. The editor made a decision to postpone it till next Monday (17th Sept) for two reasons. One, to have the feature closer to our launch date (Children’s Day) and two, they wanted to negotiate with us on a special offer for BT readers. I am not allowed to disclose the offer but believe me, it is worth your 60 cents to purchase a copy! Once again, a BIG BIG thank you for all your kind words and encouragement. They mean the world to us!

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