Public speaking is one of the key forms of communication that has been used since recorded, and probably before, history. Even before the printed word, tribal leaders would speak to their people, informing, educating, motivating and managing them. It has been used by the greatest leaders, both democratic and the most despicable dictators to communicate to their people.
So what makes a great public speaker? The easy answer is - many things.
For me these are the many public speaking topics that all contribute to being a great public speaker.
1. Introduction / overview
Why do people want to be public speakers. The skill of communicating to groups of people is key to advancing in all fields, whether a teacher, a salesman or a student. It is difficult to think of a person or job, that would not be helped by being a better presenter.
2. Understanding Fear of public speaking
For many people this is the scariest of all events, even for professional people. A misconception is that good public speakers are born, this is not the case, with proper training and understanding, anyone can become a great orator.
3. Types of public speaking.
They range from talking to your small hobby team, standing up at a parent teacher association meeting through to debates at school, important work presentations or to large symposiums of several hundred people.
4. How to choose your subject - if not given
Whilst often this is given, there are occasions where you are asked to provide a subject. The request to give a presentation is often part of the selection process for managers.
5. Know your audience.
As always the customer is king, you need to know what makes them tick, what are they after, how can you address their requirements.
6. Preparation of the subject
A key step to success in all fields, good preparation, leaving nothing to chance, will always deliver. Collect information, what is the objective? How much time? What is the room like, who is the audience......
7. How to deliver presentation
From an understanding of the audience, the subject topic and the room that the presentation - one can clarify how one wants to deliver the talk. Wherever possible using the widest range of tools / techniques.
8. Learn from the greatest orators.
We can all learn and have pleasure by listening and studying the great orators which include, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Adolf Hitler or Martin Luther King.
9. A special subject is how to use powerpoints in public speaking.
The ubiquitous powerpoint presentations, how many of you have "died by powerpoint"? Whilst powerpoint is a great tool to help communication, it can be, and is oftern overdone.
10. Learning from your public speaking
One of the great differentiators of good and the best in any subject is how the best, review their performance, identifying the good, the bad and the ugly. They then have a plan on how to eradicate the poor, beautify the ugly and build on the good.
Study and application of these public speaking topics can ensure any average Joe can become a great public speaker. Please do not use it to help you become an autocratic dictator somewhere.
Steve Hooker MBA - Public Speaker.
I am a businessman who regularly lectures to Universities and to symposiums of several hundred people. Though my wide experience in senior management and passion for communication and training - I can help organisations and individuals improve their message delviery.
I have now captured this public speaking knowledge, topics and tips on www.public-speaking-topics.com
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