One of the most powerful skills that you can ever develop is the ability to speak in front of others. If you want to "stand out" from others, knowing how to speak effectively will aid you in gaining more recognition, respect and profit. Here are 7 steps to becoming a more powerful and effective speaker.
Number 1: Know your material. You must thoroughly understand your topic.
Number 2: Prepare an outline. Begin by choosing a theme to your message and 3 key messages that you want your audience to remember.
Number 3: Write out your entire speech by following the next 3 steps. Don't believe your ego and think that you can go in front of an audience and "wing it" from your outline. An audience can sense a prepared speaker.
Number 4: Create a great opening. The first few minutes of your speech are critical. A highly effective opening is a good story that can be tied to your overall theme. One of the best resources for adaptable and easily customized stories can be found at bobgarner.com.
Number 5: Body: In a brief sentence tell the audience your theme and, if possible, your 3 key points. Then elaborate on those 3 key points. Make sure that you use quotes or other stories to reinforce these key messages. If you are using slides - make sure they are readable by everyone.
Number 6: Close strong. Conclude by restating your 3 key points. If possible, reference your opening story and tie it back to your concluding remarks. You can also use a powerful quote or another story as an effective closer. You can find some great stories that address a number of topics at bobgarner.com.
Number 7: Practice. Since the spoken word is different from the written word, you must now rehearse your speech aloud. (What looks good in writing, doesn't always translate well when spoken.) It's at this time that you may notice a need for further clarification and/or better transitions from one point to the next. Additionally, time your speech so that you don't run beyond your allotted time and, if possible, keep your speech as short as possible.
99% of speakers at any meeting or event will NOT follow any of these steps. That's why, if you do, you will stand out from all the rest. You will be noticed, appreciated and respected. Just think about what could happen after that!
Known as an entertaining motivational speaker that actually has something to say, Bob Garner travels the world on behalf of his Fortune1000 corporate clients delivering a highly informative, yet entertaining program to help people improve their professional and personal lives. A successful entrepreneur, Bob is also an author, a syndicated writer, and creator of audio programs and articles. His podcast currently generates over 15,000 listeners each month… and growing. Main site: bobgarner.com Podcast: bobgarneraudio.com.
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