Zig Ziglar

Article:
Public speaking guide – Six steps to be an unforgettable speaker

Public speaking ranks right up there in terms of the things we are afraid to do.
Whether it’s the fear of being watched closely by others, or the insecurity and self-
conscious feeling of slipping up during the presentation, these six tips will help you
give a polished, professional speech that you (and your audience) can be proud of!

1. Know your audience. This is the single best piece of advice for delivering a
presentation. What are there interests? Their backgrounds? Why are they coming to
hear you speak? What ideas do you have to share with them? Approaching your
speech as more of a “me-to-you” discussion rather than a full-blown broadcast
makes it less stressful.

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2. What do you want your audience to do as a result of your speech? What’s really
at the heart of your presentation? By concentrating on the “end result” rather than
slogging through the beginning, you create a powerful punch that drives home your
message instead of rambling on.

3. Share a story. In public speaking circles, this is called a “hook” – something that
gets your audience’s attention and makes them sit up and listen. Start off by asking
questions or sharing an experience you had. People like to be active, rather than
passive listeners. By giving them something that they can identify with, you’ll find
that these people are just like you; that makes giving a presentation a whole lot
easier. Be sure your story has a beginning, a point, and an ending. There’s nothing
quite as bad as telling a story to an engaged audience and then forgetting why you
told it!

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4. If you’re selling a product, focus on the benefits instead of the features. People
would much rather hear WHAT a product can do for them than HOW it does it.
Narrow down your product’s features until you get to the core of how it solves a
problem. If you need help with figuring out the difference between a feature and a
benefit, ask yourself “So What?” For example, if you’re selling a vacuum cleaner
that has a hypoallergenic filter, put yourself in the customer’s shoes and ask
yourself “so what?” The answer would be something like, “It picks up dust, mold and
pet dander”. Again, “so what?” Answer, “You’ll feel relief from runny nose and
sneezing plus itchy, water eyes.” Now THAT’s a benefit!

5 Powerpoint presentations are great but they can be overwhelming – or downright

boring. Instead, give your audience something to DO by providing them with fill-in-
the-blank flip charts or “team activities”. These help reinforce and emphasize your
message in ways that a computer presentation simply cannot.

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6. Make sure your speech ends in a way that reiterates the beginning. Speakers can
get carried away with the details and leave their audiences asking, “What was the
point of all that?” People naturally digest information in “chunks”, so focus on the big
picture rather than all the pieces. If the details are just as important, save it for an
after-speech handout that the audience can take with them and read over at their
leisure.

If you keep these six tips in mind, you’ll not only have an easier time overcoming
your fear of public speaking, but you’ll have a very appreciative audience who will in
turn be more receptive and eager to try your product or service. Go get ‘em!

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Here are some resources that I highly recommend if you wish to explore the realm
of public speaking. These resources will definitely guide you in becoming the
confident speaker you aspire to.

Ebook ‘Overcoming fear of public speaking’ by communications coach

Benjamin Van Spijck
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DVD set ‘Get applause now’ co-produced by former world champion of public
speaking Darren LaCroix or a FREE report by registering with your email.
CLICK HERE

FREE public speaking webinar by Instant Speaking Success (ISS)

CLICK HERE