Picture yourself here. Public Speaking 101. A presentation for the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits Statewide Conference September 13, 2012

Transcription

1 Picture yourself here Public Speaking 101 A presentation for the Statewide Conference September 13, 2012 Presenter Charlotte Purvis, M.S. Purvis Communications Inc Brier Creek Parkway Raleigh, North Carolina (919) For additional information or to schedule a presentation: Charlotte@PurvisCommunications.com

2 Overview While public speaking continues to be one of the most common fears (it s almost always in the top five) it can also be rewarding and, yes, even fun. During Public Speaking 101 you will learn easy ways to move from the fear of public speaking to the fun of public speaking. Charlotte Purvis has been enjoying speaking to audiences since childhood. She appreciates the opportunity to help others develop their confidence and skills so they may enjoy public speaking as well. Presentation Topics Visualization: Picturing yourself on stage Top five tips for topic development and delivery Where to get help Rehearsal techniques Lessons learned from coaching clients Presenter Information Charlotte Purvis is a communication coach, motivational speaker, and corporate consultant. She has used her academic training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (B.S., M.S.), her passion for communication, and her commitment to developing relationships with her clients to build her business, Purvis Communications Inc. Secret to her success: Charlotte uses none of the traditional business development methods (no sales, marketing, advertising, or Web site). What is the secret to her success? With humility, Charlotte answers in two words: My clients. Since 1985, nearly 100% of her business opportunities have resulted from what she calls the Three R s: referrals, repeat business, and recommendations. This presentation: Charlotte brings a wealth of experience to this presentation: 26 years of communication coaching, her experience as a business communication instructor at the college level, and lessons learned from her numerous presentations on the topic of communication. -Charlotte is featured in- Customer Service Newsletter, October 2011 The Customer Communicator, November

3 Five Tips 1. Learn from your history a. What were your early experiences? b. Was there a defining moment that affected you as a speaker? c. What messages do you play over and over in your mind? 2. Focus on the message, not on yourself a. You have a great story to tell b. Your audience is there to hear your message, not critique you c. Your expertise and your passion can be used to enhance your message 3. Open with a story a. Once upon a time b. Insight / Personal story / Levity c. That brings us to the topic for today 4. Take your audience on a journey a. You want to take your audience someplace they ve never been before b. Create an environment that allows them to enjoy the journey c. Think of your journey in steps: Departure, journey, return 5. Ask for help a. Talk to your manager b. 360 Feedback c. Toastmasters International d. Training & Coaching e. Therapy 3

4 A client shares lessons learned from a recent presentation Practice, Practice, Practice and Visualize your success With enough practice and visualization, you will grow comfortable articulating your ideas many different ways so you sound natural and unscripted. It also benefits you to know several ways to express the same message because your audience may have questions after you speak - you will need alternate ways to convey ideas that may not have been understood the first time. Being versed at many ways to express your messages also makes you a more credible and persuasive speaker. Practice not only your words, but also your pace and tone You may be nervous when giving your presentation, so it is imperative to practice good inflection and optimal rate of speech. Once you get it right, you lock into a rhythm and this will create a comfort zone for you during your actual presentation. Note: probably your best presentation mode is your natural speech, but it may feel unnatural when nerves kick in so practice just being you. Give your presentation to someone you respect and trust It would be nice if we could be our own objective listener, but we simply cannot. It takes another person to perceive you objectively and to provide another opinion on your word choices, rate of speech, eye contact, and inflection. Your test audience (coach) may see strategic connections between ideas that you hadn t capitalized on leverage this input! Or the coach may point out where your presentation is less powerful and can provide ideas to help you strengthen it. Also, the first time you deliver your presentation to someone else, your inflection may fall flat either due to nerves or because you are focusing so intently on getting your message across. Get those reactions out of your system during practices with someone you trust, so you can become a natural at great presenting before you face your audience. Smile and make good eye contact This calms you from the inside, and conveys confidence and friendliness to your audience. In response, you are likely to gain their trust and get smiles in return (which may further calm any nervousness you may feel). Dress the Part Even if your audience doesn t see you (as in a teleconference), you should be in character to present at your best. If you will be on camera or before a live audience, perhaps you can tastefully include a theme color or symbol in your attire something relating to your topic, to the audience, or both. Various organizations like cancer awareness groups have a designated theme color perhaps you can pair a blouse or shirt in that color with your business suit. Make sure you are comfortable with your choice of attire so that you radiate confidence without any distraction. Submitted by K August

5 Our Reality Show Step 1: Decide on your rehearsal team Coaches Speakers Step 2: Develop your 3-minute presentation Team 1: Opening Team 2: Two tips Team 3: Two tips Team 4: Audience interaction Team 5: Closing Topic: Public Speaking Tips for Leaders of Nonprofit Organizations Resources: Speaking Up: 10 Tips for Making a C-Level Presentation by Kathy Reiffenstein A client shares lessons learned from a recent presentation (on the previous page) Step 3: Have a rehearsal Step 4: Conduct a feedback session Step 5: Deliver the presentation Thank you for your participation. Charlotte Purvis 5