Category Archives: Presentation Skills

Presentation Skills

3 Surefire Tips for Better Public Speaking

3 Surefire Tips for Better Public Speaking

Why People Fear Public Speaking More Than Death

speaking-skills

Do you realize people fear speaking in public more than they fear dying? Perhaps it’s because dying feels abstract and far away, while the podium is right in front of them. Either way, you can overcome stage fright. You may not enjoy it, but you’ll get through it more easily. Half of the battle is simply knowing what you’re going to say and anticipating what others might ask.

Believe it or not, most of those fears are self-imposed.  The people listening to you don’t care how the information is delivered; they just want the information. It’s the speaker who puts themselves through the wringer weeks before the event. Here are three practical public speaking tips that may seem obvious, but once applied, will truly put your mind at ease.

Here are some tips that may seem obvious, but once completed, will really put your mind at ease.

Public Speaking Tip # 1: Know Your Topic Inside Out

Don’t just “know your topic.” Know it inside and out, upside down—whatever question someone could throw at you, you’ll have the answer. Strong presentation skills come from preparation. You should know your speech almost by heart and be familiar with the products or ideas you’ll be discussing.

Do your homework, and you’ll know you’ve reached public speaking nirvana when that confident “feeling” arrives—it comes with knowledge and practice. Effective speech preparation techniques are the foundation of confident communication.

Public Speaking Tip # 2: Connect Before You Speak

Greet as many attendees as possible before your speech. Familiarity promotes confidence and helps reduce presentation anxiety. Think about the benefit you provide to your topic by taking the time to meet people beforehand.

This strategy also prevents you from pacing nervously and worrying yourself to death until you go on stage. There’s no point in cramming now—if you don’t know it, you won’t, and it will show. Building audience connection before you speak makes your delivery more persuasive and engaging. These persuasive speaking techniques help you win over listeners before you even begin.

Public Speaking Tip # 3: Use Your Whole Body

Animate your speech. Most people think good communication is mouth‑centric. Nothing could be further from the truth! To be a powerful communicator, you must use your entire body. Gestures and body language add energy and enthusiasm to your speech.

These speech delivery techniques can help you take your next step in public speaking with confidence. Using your whole body improves audience engagement and makes your message more memorable.

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice is the key to improving your communication skills and presentation style.  Join Toastmasters, Agora Speakers, or other public speaking groups to practise your speeches in a supportive environment.

Regular practice helps you overcome stage fright, refine your delivery, and build confidence in front of any audience. The more you rehearse, the stronger your public speaking confidence becomes.

Final Thought

Public speaking confidence comes from preparation, connection, and practice. Apply these tips to deliver engaging presentations every time, and you’ll transform stage fright into powerful communication.

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public speaking

How To be a Good and Effective Emcee?

How To Be a Good and Effective Emcee?
What makes a good MC? 

a-good-emceeWhat does the master of ceremonies do?

Check out a good reference article, “How to Be a Good Master of Ceremonies” at WikiHow.

“A master of ceremonies (also known as an MC or emcee) is the official host for a staged event, performance, or party. Normally, a master of ceremonies introduces speakers, makes announcements, and engages with the audience to keep the ceremony agenda flowing as smoothly as possible. While being a master of ceremonies might seem like a daunting task, there are a few ways you can nail your responsibility as MC, and radiate confidence and charisma to keep the ceremony entertaining for all…

Preparing Before The Event
1. Know your event.
2. Know your responsibilities.
3. Know your role expectations
4. Do your research.
5. Stay organized.

During The Event
1. Remain calm.
2. Prepare the opening of the event.
3. Introduce the speakers.
4. Bridge between segments.
5. Be prepared for anything.
6. Close the event.
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“As an emcee, you have to stay in control, even if the unexpected happens.”
“When you are the master of ceremonies (also known as an emcee) of an event, your role is crucial to the success of the program, whether it’s for your company, a professional association, or a nonprofit organization. A bad emcee can ruin an event while an excellent one creates a seamless and engaging experience in which speakers feel comfortable, and the audience feels included from start to finish…”

Source:  http://www.toastmasters.org/Magazine/Articles/When-You-are-the-Emcee

Here are 12 effective emceeing tips mentioned in the above article:
1. Be clear about your role.
2. Prepare speakers thoroughly.
3. Opening remarks set the tone.
4. Don’t “wing” introductions.
5. Names matter.
6. Titles matter.
7. Staying on time matters.
8. Do an on-site rehearsal.
9. Don’t introduce strangers.
10. Manage the stage.
11. Be prepared for the unexpected.
12. Make sure to follow up.
————-

Check out the YouTube videos below, too.

 How to be a great MC #1 “Secrets to a Great Introduction”


How to be a great MC #2 “The MC’s Secret Weapon”

How to be a great MC #3 “How to keep Speakers On Time!”

How to be a great MC #4 “Keeping Events on Time!”

How to be a great MC #5 – Panel Discussion

How to be a great MC #6 – Getting Names Right

Practice is the key to helping you improve your communication and presentation skills. Join Toastmasters, Agora Speakers, or other public speaking groups to practise your speeches in a friendly environment.

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How To Improve Your Impromptu Speaking?

What is Impromptu Speaking?

We do impromptu speaking or simple conversation every day.

Research shows that individuals who can express themselves efficiently advance faster in their careers than those who have difficulty speaking. Toastmasters provides the tools to improve your performance in various situations.

Check out the videos below created by Darren LaCroix that explain what impromptu speaking is. Darren is the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking.

Impromptu speaking gives you the experience of thinking and being in the moment. We treat ourselves for when you’re in front of a boardroom, in front of your boss or customers, or even at regular company meetings. Or whatever is important to you to speak your mind at the moment.

How To Improve Your Impromptu Speaking?

The whole purpose of impromptu speaking is to be able to speak your voice in the moment; what do you think.

Check out the video below that explains how you can improve impromptu speaking.

Agora Speakers International is presented as a free alternative to Toastmasters. It is a solid option if you’re looking for a free alternative to Toastmasters to improve your public speaking abilities.

Both Agora Speakers and Toastmasters aim to provide a supportive environment for people to develop their public speaking and leadership skills.

Practice is the key to helping you improve your communication and presentation skills. Join a public speaking group where you like to practise your speeches in a friendly environment.

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Public Speaking Tips on Stop Worrying and Start Presenting

Public Speaking Tips & Presentation Techniques

Do you need to deliver a presentation soon? Are you getting nervous and don’t know where to start?

Stop Worrying and Start Presenting!  
The following video will show you some useful tips and techniques on how to prepare, what to expect, and dos and don’ts for giving a successful presentation.

Remember a presentation covers four areas:

1. Preparing your message

  • Cover what’s advertised
  • Make it relevant
  • Don’t commercialize
  • Clarify your message
  • Give examples
  • Tell a story
  • Organize your presentation

2. Prepare your visual content

  • One idea per slide
  • Use Images
  • 30pt. text minimum
  • Make graphs big and bold
  • Don’t read your slides
  • Know the length of your presentation, and the format, and leave 10 minutes for questions.

3. Preparing yourself

  • Practice, practice, and practice
  • Rest your voice and hydrate
  • Wear business professional clothing
  • Things to bring
  • Check your lighting, equipment & meet and greet beforehand

4. Delivery tips

  • Be yourself
  • Establish eye contact
  • State your purpose
  • Watch your body language
  • Show enthusiasm
  • Watch the time
  • Have fun

Now get to work and you can give a good presentation. Practice is the key to helping you improve in public speaking. 

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Youtube Video: 5 Useful Public Speaking Tips

5 Useful Public Speaking Tips by the Toastmasters International

public speaking“Check out five time-tested Toastmasters tips that will help you master a topic and present it well. Following these tips will ensure your next speech goes smoothly and your audience gets more from the experience.”

Here are the public speaking tips extracted from the video:

  1. Know your subject and your speech.
  2. Know your audience and your space.
  3. Never apologize.
  4. Imagine yourself giving a great speech.
  5. Focus on your message, not on you.

If you want to overcome stage fright and learn to speak with confidence, join a toastmasters club.  You are welcome to visit our Kampong Ubi Toastmasters Club if you are living in Singapore.

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Public Speaking Tips for Students

Public Speaking Tips for Students and all…

public speaking fearA lot of students fear speaking in public. They are stressed by the idea of speaking in public. The good news is, there are some simple points you could do to relax your nerves just before a public speaking that will assist minimize the stress and develop your self-confidence.

1. Keep it Simple.  Use clear, straightforward language, and make sure your key points are concise.
2. Time your presentation.
3.  Practice with friends who know little about the subject.
4.  Make sure your vocal cords are working.
5.  Breathe. Public speaking experts all agree that breathing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to relax your body.

For details about the article 6 Tips to Claim Your Public Speaking Jitters, click here.

Check out the below youtube video “Public Speaking – How To” which was created for a non-profit youth organization and targeted at helping high school students understand the importance of good speaking skills.

Be prepared, be confident, and be yourself when you speak.

Here is another video “Public Speaking Tips for College Students”.

Click here to check out Communication Skills Workshop by Kwong Yue Yang too. The workshop was conducted for secondary school students, I think you should get some really good public speaking tips from it.

Hope you enjoy watching the videos. Practice is the key to helping you improve in public speaking. You are welcome to visit our Kampong Ubi Toastmasters Club if you are living in Singapore.

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