Off the cuff speaking

M0nica has summarised it perfectly.

Make sure any notes or cue cards are in large, bold type, glance at them if you need to but try to look at the audience and look at the speaker when you are introducing or thanking him or her.

Obieone I learned by doing it. No easy way or specific teaching how to do it. I like PowerPoint and like putting together presentations but don't always use it.

rosesarered, no.

First stood on my feet and talked to a group at school when the English teacher selected me as a potential debater, probably because I was always in trouble for arguing with teachers. I totally froze and sat down after waffling for 30 seconds. My sister assured me that I had made a total mess of it.

Since then it has simply been a matter of opportunity and practice. It can still be pretty nerve wracking. The worst was finding myself the only woman at a conference with 90+ male delegates and being selected to give the vote of thanks on a technical subject I did not really understand. The consolation was watching all the men queuing for the loo while I had the ladies to myself.

Despite or perhaps in answer to Jingl's backhanded compliment, I have been involved in debating (school debating society) and public speaking since my teens, whether as the chairman or speaker.
It has stood me in good stead for school assemblies, women's groups I have belonged to, in fact any large or small gathering.
If you are ever really nervous, my mum used to tell me to think of the audience all sitting naked in front of you - it should make you smile and help you get over your nerves (that is, if you don't collapse in hysterics instead)

If no one else does it, you will have to say a few words about things like health and safety. I often start by saying there is no fire drill planned for today, but if the alarm goes off you exit through that door and assemble on the car park. Or in other words 'just follow me'

When I was working I used to do a lot of software training where I would be stood in front of a group that could comprise of staff from the most junior level up to and including government ministers. The best advice I was ever given was

ABC......XYZ

Always
Be
Cheerful
.
.
.
eXamine
Your
Zip.

On every course I would also write this on the whiteboard and wait for someone to ask what it stood for. Always made for a good icebreaker!

!


I wish I could think of a witty reply, but can't

I am no good at snappy one liners either. I can always think of them afterwards!!

If in doubt, keep it short and sweet.The amount of long rambling boring public speeches I have sat through taught me that.

I remember being told that the art of public speaking can be summarised in six words: Stand up, speak up, shut up. It is a very good rule.

The first time I had to speak in front of others I decided to hide my nerves by keeping my hands in my pockets. Fine until I got to the bottom of the first page of my notes and reached to turn them over, all the small change in my pocket went flying across the floor because it had got stuck to the sweat on my hand.

Ha-ha Crun throwing money at the audience is a novel idea ( but may just work!)

Obieone I used to be a professional speaker, hope the following tips help.

Never speak off the cuff
Ask how long you have to speak and keep to it, keep a watch by you.
Make notes beforehand - I used a mind map
Have a beginning, middle and strong end.
Never apologise
Never say 'I hope I haven't bored you'
Practise out loud at home
Don't rush
Finally keep your talk shorter than anyone dared hope

A young minister once asked his superior what he should preach about. 'Preach about God and about 20 minutes.'

All helpful posts.

I can see now that off the cuff speaking is a no-no when I dont have to.