Education is all about learning the basics, but to be an effective speaker is
to practice what you've learned. My stint as guest at every Toastmasters'
meeting I go to taught me that we all have our limitations, but that doesn't
mean we can't learn to keep up and share what we know.
2. Listening.
It's just as important as asking questions. Sometimes listening to the sound
of our own voice can teach us to be a little bit confident with ourselves and
to say the things we believe in with conviction.
3. Humility
We all make mistakes, and sometimes we tend to slur our words, stutter,
and probably mispronounce certain words even though we know what it
means, but rarely use it only to impress listeners. So in a group, don't be
afraid to ask if you're saying the right word properly and if they're unsure
about it then make a joke out of it. I promise you it'll make everyone laugh
and you can get away with it as well.
4. Eye Contact
There's a lot to say when it comes to directing your attention to your
audience with an eye-catching gaze. It's important that you keep your focus
when talking to a large group in a meeting or a gathering, even though he
or she may be gorgeous.
5. Kidding around
A little bit of humor can do wonders to lift the tension, or worse boredom
when making your speech. That way, you'll get the attention of the majority
of the crowd and they'll feel that you're just as approachable, and as human
to those who listen.
6. Be like the rest of them
Interaction is all about mingling with other people. You'll get a lot of ideas,
as well as knowing what people make them as they are.
7. Me, Myself, and I
Admit it, there are times you sing to yourself in the shower. I know I do!
Listening to the sound of your own voice while you practice your speech in
front of a mirror can help correct the stress areas of your pitch. And while
you're at it you can spruce up as well.
8. With a smile
A smile says it all much like eye contact. There's no point on grimacing or
frowning in a meeting or a gathering, unless it's a wake. You can better
express what you're saying when you smile.
9. A Role Model
There must be at least one or two people in your life you have listened to
when they're at a public gathering or maybe at church. Sure they read their
lines, but taking a mental note of how they emphasize what they say can
help you once you take center stage.
10. Preparation
Make the best out of preparation rather than just scribbling notes and often
in a hurried panic. Some people like to write things down on index cards,
while other resort to being a little more silly as they look at their notes
written on the palm of their hand (not for clammy hands, please). Just be
comfortable with what you know since you enjoy your work.
And that about wraps it up. These suggestions are rather amateurish in
edgewise, but I've learned to empower myself when it comes to public or
private speaking and it never hurts to be with people to listen how they
make conversations and meetings far more enjoyable as well as
educational.
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