The introduction to your presentation is not the speech opening. It’s also not your biography. Too many speakers, and Masters of Ceremonies think the biography of the presenter is what should be read before a speaker reaches the lectern. A bio can be printed and read in the program of the event, but a well-written introduction will help you connect with your audience before you even take the stage.

The speaker’s introduction should not be taken casually. It’s importance, however, is often overlooked. The introduction sets the stage for your opening and your speech.

An Introduction should answer three questions.

-  Why this subject?

-  Why this speaker?

-  Why now?

Why this subject should be something of relevance and interest to the audience.

Why this speaker should give your credentials. It may include education, work experience, life experience, awards, and other accomplishments that give you the authority to speak on this subject.

Why now should finalize in your audience’s mind why they will benefit from your message now.

Not only should you write your own introduction, but it’s important to get it into the hands of the person who will be introducing you a reasonable time before your speech. This will allow them to practice several times, out loud, and make whatever notes they’ll need during the event. Your introduction should be in large type, with any specifics to presenting it clearly noted. (Like P-A-U-S-E)

Review, and even coach the Master of Ceremonies prior to his presenting you. Emphasize the importance of what you’re asking him to do.

One last tip, if you’ve mailed, emailed or FAXed the intro – bring another copy or two just in case!

Write your own introduction. It’s one of the things that will make your speech absolutely, positively - No Sweat!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fred_E._Miller

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Can we all be honest here? PowerPoint is a part of everyone’s life no matter how you feel about it. We all seem to fall into one of three camps: we fear it, we love it too much, or we just don’t really know what to do with it. With a little help, I think that I can help you out here…

Get Your Head Straight

The first thing to work out isn’t what your slides need to look like, rather it’s what role PowerPoint should play in your next speech. The answer is, always, a supporting role.

This means that you need to make sure that your audience doesn’t end up spending your entire speech looking at your slides and not you. Likewise, you don’t want your slides to confuse your audience – almost as if they are telling a different story than what you are talking about.

Speech First, Slides Second – Or Third

If you only remember one thing from reading this, I’m hoping that this is it: always, always write your speech first. Don’t you dare pop open that copy of PowerPoint and start creating slides until AFTER you’ve gotten your words all worked out. Remember: the slides are there to support your speech, not the other way around.

I fully understand just how easy it is to instead of picking up a pen (or a keyboard) and spending some time doing the hard job of writing (un-fun) that you open PowerPoint and spend a lot of time drawing (fun!) The problem with this is that you’ll end up creating a lousy speech.

When your words have to follow your slides, the slides will take center stage and you’ll be shoved off into a corner. There won’t be a natural flow to your words. Instead it will appear as though you are just reading off of each slide as it is displayed. This is no way to give a speech.

Slides Are Like Diamonds – They Should Be Rare

Sadly I suspect that at one time or another we’ve all had to sit though one of those speeches where the presenter showed up with like 300 slides and come hell or high water, they were going to show each and every one of them to us.

After you’ve created your speech and when you start to design some slides, you need to make sure that you don’t turn into that person with 300 slides. A good way to prevent it is to take a step back and look at your speech. What is the main point that you are trying to make? You should probably have a slide for that. What are the three ways that you support the main point that you are trying to make? You should probably have slides for those. If you can stop here, that would be a good thing.

Cut Down On The Slides That You Have

The last thing that you’re going to want to do is to throw away some of your slides. “What?” you say. You heard me, you’ve got too many slides. I don’t care which ones you throw away, just get rid of some of them – they can’t all be critical to the message that you are trying to make.

This may be difficult for you to do, but do it anyway. Your audience will benefit from it and they’ll thank you in the end.

What All Of This Means For You

Repeat after me “PowerPoint is my friend”. It can be an important tool that can make your next speech even more powerful; however, you have to know how to use it.

The key things to keep in mind are simple, but critical. You must remember to write your speech before you start to create slide. You have to keep the number of slides that you make to a minimum. Finally, you need to make a second pass and throw away as many slides as you possibly can.

Adding multimedia to your next presentation can only make it better. Just remember, you are the star of the show, not your slides!

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Jim_Anderson

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Public speaking can lead to a lucrative career on its own or it can simply be used as another (very powerful!) marketing tool for your small or home-based business. Regardless of the reason you plan to speak, consider recording yourself so you can use that recording for continued marketing success in the future.

Using video can be expensive and is a hassle to get organized. But an taking audio recording of you delivering your speech can be quick and simple to do if you have the right, easy-to-use tools. This really is one of those tech-type things you can do on your own even if you’re a beginner. Following is a list of what you need to know to record your own presentation with minimal effort and expense.

These two items are the only tools you need at your speaking event to get your speech recorded:

1. Recorder

I use an Olympus Digital Voice Recorder. Make sure when you buy your recorder it is digital so you can transfer the sound later to your computer. Also, choose a model that comes with a USB cable to transfer your recording onto your computer. Prices vary from $50 – $100.

2. Microphone

You’ll need a lavaliere microphone to attach to the recorder so the sound from your voice goes directly to the recorder without any background noise getting in the way. These microphones are sold separately and typically clip on to your suit jacket and simply plug into the recorder. Prices range from $15 – $30.

Next, at your event there are a few things to know:

3. Be Prepared

Make sure your clothing has a pocket to slip your recorder into as you present. Tuck the wire from the microphone into your suit so it’s not distracting to the audience. A special note for women – Too many women’s suits and pants don’t have pockets and then you’ll be stuck having to carry your recorder during your whole talk, which is not convenient or practical. Be aware of this and make sure your new suit can accommodate your recorder (about the size of a cell phone).

4. Getting Testimonials

Here’s a little tip I learned from professional speaker, Tom Antion. Keep the recorder going after your talk while you answer questions from the people standing in line to speak to you. Immediately following your speech people tend to be thrilled with your content and will tell you what they liked best. You can use this feedback on your website saying, “According to one enthusiastic participant, …”

5. Uploading and Editing

When you get home from your speech you can simply pull out your USB cable, plug it into your computer and recorder and upload your recorded speech and testimonials to your computer. To edit, download free editing software like Audacity at http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ to remove any sounds that don’t belong. After your edits are done burn your completed recording to a CD-R. After that they sky’s the limit for using the recording of your speech!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Felicia_Slattery

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You have a good clear voice. You can be heard across the room, yet every time you speak, someone tells you it was a good speech but all it needed was some more vocal variety. What is the matter with these people? What are they talking about?

Pssst! They’re talking about the way you use your voice to create interest, excitement and or emotional involvement. That’s vocal variety!

Whether you realize it or not, according to Roy Hanschke, founder of Voice Personality: your voice has a personality that tells your story. It says you are capable, interesting, competent, incompetent, boring, exciting.

What your voice conveys, true or false, that’s the story your listener accepts as your reality. What do you want your voice to say about you? I thought so! So let’s discuss vocal variety.

Vocal Variety is achieved by varying your pitch, volume and timing when you speak. When we add articulation and linguistics, we complete the voice picture. So here are some tips:

1. Examine your speaking rate.

The rate at which you speak actually affects the way your information is received. Speaking too slowly makes it difficult for your listeners to keep their attention on what you’re saying. Speaking too quickly has the same effect. You want to speak at a rate of about 120 – 126 words per minute, this is fast enough to avoid boring and slow enough to be understood.

2. Understand range.

In speaking, range is very much like in singing. It refers to the highs and the lows in your voice. A singer may use a range of 12 – 25 notes but the average speaker may use just five. Think of that on a musical scale. It is equivalent to “doh – ray – me – fa – so” a very limited range. Practice expanding your range by finding appropriate material and reading it aloud, each time trying to expand your range of “notes.”

3. Pay attention to your pitch.

This is the “highness” or “lowness” in the sound of your voice. If your voice is squeaky, shrill, flat or guttural, then you may wish to work on your pitch. The ideal speaking pitch sounds low to medium, clear, full and varied.

4. Use volume effectively.

Voice volume is to do with the loudness to the voice. This should be appropriate in strength and intensity and should be varied in order to add emphasis and dramatic impact to your speech. Crescendo – when the voice moves from soft sounds to loud powerful ones – are helpful to expression and meaning.

5. You can write for vocal variety.

In its simplest form, linguistics is the study of how people use words and form them into sentences. In other words, linguistics is how we make meaning with our speech. This gives us the opportunity to actually select words that facilitate vocal variety. For example, try saying the 23rd psalm out loud and notice the smooth connected tones with no breaks in between.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lorna_Barrow

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It is okay to use notes when presenting, especially if you’re speaking on a new topic or to a new audience. The key to using notes effectively is what is included in your notes and how you use them. The following ten tips will help you use notes effectively to remember the key points of your presentation so you can deliver your message to your audience clearly and within the time limit.

1. NOTES ARE NOT A FULL SCRIPT

Notes should not contain the script of your entire presentation, typed out word-for-word, on multiple pages. If you’re reading every word of the script, you’re usually not making eye contact or using gestures since your attention is focused on the script rather than the audience. And if you do look up at the audience, it will be almost impossible to find your place in the script again. I’ve seen speakers flip through multiple pages, looking for their place, which flusters them and distracts the audience. (These tips do not apply, of course, if you are using a teleprompter, which would contain the entire script).

2. WRITE OUT YOUR OPENING LINE & YOUR MESSAGE

Instead of writing out every word, write out your opening line and your one-sentence message – the point of your presentation. Yes, it’s okay to memorize these lines. With practice, you should be able to deliver them without looking at your notes, but it’s good to have them written out in case you get nervous. Having a strong opening will build your confidence and make a good first impression on the audience.

3. USE KEY WORDS AND PHRASES FOR MAJOR POINTS & TRANSITIONS

For each section of your presentation, write out phrases or key words for each major point and supporting material. Also, write out the transition to the next section. Separate sections in your notes with blank lines, indentation or whatever will signal to you to pause, regroup and then move on to the next section.

4. WRITE OUT YOUR CLOSING LINE

Write out your closing line for the same reason that you wrote out your opening line – to anchor your presentation and leave a good last impression on the audience. In your closing line, restate your message and include your call to action.

5. WRITE YOUR NOTES IN LARGE FONT

The goal is for you to be able to look down at your notes and quickly find your place and the relevant phrase, so the font should be large enough that you can do this easily. How large the font should be depends on your eyesight, whether you use reading glasses, the lighting in the room, etc.

6. PUT YOUR NOTES ON CARDSTOCK

Print your notes on standard printer paper and then tape or glue them onto heavy cardstock paper (found in any office supply store). Heavy cardstock won’t blow away if there if there’s strong air movement from the fan or air conditioning vent. You can also hold the cardstock with one hand and still read it while gesturing or holding the microphone with the other.

7. SIZE MATTERS

Ideally, the size should be a standard sheet of paper, 8½ X 11inch (A4 size) or smaller. Use both sides if necessary. If your notes don’t fit, then you have too many words in your notes.

8. WRITE IN REMINDERS

Once your notes are attached to the cardstock, write out any reminders to yourself, like “breathe” or “smile.” You can also draw out any graphics that you will use, for example, a diagram that you will put on a flipchart.

9. PRACTICE WITH NOTES

It will be almost impossible to deliver an effective presentation with notes if you don’t practice. The goal is not to memorize every word of your presentation, but to get comfortable saying it a variety of ways and using your notes to remember the keywords, phrases and transitions.

10. DON’T WRITE ALL YOUR NOTES OUT ON YOUR SLIDES

Writing out all your notes on the slides that you present to the audience will be too much material for the slides. Remember, you are the presentation and the slides are just the visual aids. If everything is written out on your slides, then why would we need you? (And those slides would be impossible to read anyway).

If used effectively, notes can be a part of a successful presentation. Following these suggestions will help you remember the key points of your presentation so you can deliver your message to your audience clearly and within the time limit.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gilda_Bonanno

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When speaking in public and discussing your own experiences with an audience, how does one do so without sounding arrogant and egotistical? Recently I attended a speech just of that kind. I believe the speaker’s goal was to inspire his listeners to join his industry by sharing his success story. But there were several problems.

First, the speaker had only achieved moderate success in his industry and spoke truthfully about how hard he had worked to get there. To his great credit, he was honest and earned an honest living. On the other hand, he didn’t achieve much in terms of making his industry sound more enticing than any other.

Second, the speaker spent his entire time onstage speaking in “I” statements. “I did this, then I did that, because I felt….” I hope you see my point. An endless series of “I” statements can be off-putting to an audience, especially when combined with a bullet-laden PowerPoint. The speaker did come across as self-involved as he shared a detailed timeline of his career’s development.

Audiences don’t come to hear speakers that simply extol themselves, even if it’s a celebrity speaking. If the speaker is famous, or someone who has an awe-inspiring story to share about their lives, these stories must serve their audience in some way. They’re unique, extraordinary, entertaining- a tale of a great adventure of some sort. By the end of the speech the audience is inspired to do something for themselves, face and overcome their own obstacles, and so on.

In short, when you are asked to give a speech about some aspect of your life, please keep the following in mind:

1) The messaging in your speech must be structured to serve your audience, not simply be a testament to yourself.

2) Construct your story so that it is unique, original, and inspiring to others.

3) Keep the “I” statements to a minimum.

4) Eliminate the bulleted text in Powerpoint. If you use slides, put images on them only. A quote or two can be an exception.

Last but not least, always remember your goal in a speech such as this: inspire and motivate your audience!

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lily_C_Iatridis

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At a workshop I was holding in Toronto, one of the participants proceeded to deliver part of a rote, memorized persuasive presentation. This man, who I will call Bill, told us that he was a ‘professional’ speaker and that his presentations lasted 90 minutes. Luckily for us, he was only allowed to speak for 8-9 minutes; however, it took just 5 minutes of his memorized script for the attention of the group to begin to fade, as their eyes glazed over.

What was so interesting about Bill’s delivery was that at one point, he forgot a word. He then looked up to the ceiling, trying to capture the word. It was at that moment, and at that moment only, that he sounded and looked natural.

If you memorize your presentation or your speech, you are bound by the memorized word. Public speaking has, as one of its two fundamentals terms, the word speaking. The premise is that you are to talk to your audience, not at them. If you deliver a memorized script, you are not talking to or communicating with your listeners, you are performing. In that sense, you are acting.

The difficulty with memorization is two-fold:

1. If you forget where you are, you will have much more difficulty recapturing your thoughts.

With memorization, there is a different thought process involved than in speaking around notes, a PowerPoint presentation or slides. In the latter, you have bullet points pointing you in the right direction. If you forget where you are when playing the piano, for example, it is quite possible that your fingers will continue to play even if your mind goes blank. This only happens, however, if you know the musical selection inside and out. Why the same does not hold true for memorization in speaking, however, is because the words will not come out of your mouth if you have forgotten what comes next.

2. The other problem with memorization is that you do not sound natural.

Your delivery is much like that of the telesales people who phone you with their memorized script, trying to sell you something. What is fascinating about their approach is that they have no desire to communicate with you. Their role is to spit out a pile of words, trying to force you to listen and never once showing an interest in your response. Trying to politely end the conversation is near to impossible; and, sometimes the only way to tell them you are not interested is to hang up. Much the same is happening to the delivery of the memorized speech or presentation. It does not allow for your awareness of your audience’s reaction to you.

There are times when memorization is a must in public speaking. The body of your speech or presentation is not one of them.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_Daniels

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Impromptu speaking is more of a predicament you may find yourself in rather than a method of delivery. Since an impromptu talk is one for which you have had no previous notice, you are denied the advantage of preparation. Yet, if you analyze your daily conversation, you will find that most of it, be far, is impromptu: in class, over coffee, at home, on the phone, with a date, and during interviews. In all these cases, except interviews, you may be conversing with one or a half-dozen people. You talk: they listen. They talk; you listen.

Because of your experience or degree of involvement in a group or organization, you should know whether or not you may be called upon “to say a few words” at a meeting. If there is any possibility that you may be called upon, prepare some comments. Before going to a meeting, banquet, social, civic, or fraternal gathering, ask yourself, “If I were called upon to speak, what would I say?”

An impromptu situation does not require a fifteen minute talk. Driving home one sharp point in a couple of carefully prepared minutes of an “off-the-cuff” talk can make you look like a real pro.

If there is any possibility, no matter how remote, that you may be asked to say a few words, be ready for it. It is better to be prepared and not called upon than not to be prepared and called upon.

Although you may have something prepared, in a general sense, once called upon, you must focus your thoughts on the specific subject and occasion.

Following are some ideas that may help in your actual delivery:

• Refer to what previous speakers have said.

• Comment on some of the topical views expressed by people at -our table. They could be a fertile source of ideas. Compare the past and present, with possibly a word on the future.

• Compare certain advantages and disadvantages.

• State the problem and a possible solution. (Perhaps you may wish to recommend a special committee be named to investigate the matter further and then file a report at the next meeting.)

• State the importance of the problem and its effect on our families and our daily lives.

• Consider the topic from the viewpoints of childhood, adulthood, old age.

• Consider the topic from political, economic, or social aspects.

• Consider a topic geographically–by city, state, country, and world.

One or more of these approaches should “work” for you, because your obligation is to speak only for a few minutes. No one is expecting a fully prepared fifteen minute talk. But you do have to think fast; make no mistake about that. And under no circumstances start off by apologizing.

If you are completely unprepared and do not wish to address the group, bow out as gracefully as possible (again, prepare a short statement ahead of time).

There is no question that the best preparation for an impromptu performance is to have had practice in extemporaneous speaking and to have a mind well stocked with information and opinions. The most important suggestion, however, is to prepare ahead of time. Before you go to any gathering plan a few pertinent remarks so that the audience will not only listen to you but will also envy your ability to speak off the cuff.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pinvalee_Prapa

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The Size of Your Speech Does Not Matter

If you ever have to give a presentation, whether it is for 60 seconds or 60 minutes, you need to make your message stick. What use is a message that gets thrown back into the ether once your audience goes home and can not remember or recall what you said to them a week, or even a month after you spoke to them. You want to not only impact your audience while you are speaking to them, but also long afterwards.

Create a Phrase or Slogan

So how do you do this? You do this by creating a phrase or slogan that basically sums up your entire message and which lingers in the ears of your audience members – even long after you leave the speaking platform. This is the first part of the World Class Speaking PARTS formula that we use to coach speakers when they are creating their message. The phrase must be 10 words or less. The reason for this is because anything longer that 10 words will be difficult for people to remember. In addition, If the phrase, as you will soon see, has a bit of a rhyme, it will add to its ability to be remembered.

Okay, so now perhaps you might be thinking, “How on earth can I sum up an entire speech in one phrase?” I will be honest with you, coming up with the right phrase will not be easy, in fact, it will take some effort, but when you do, you will be well rewarded. When you anchor your message to your audience, you will be rewarded handsomely by not only being remembered by your audience, but by the people that brought you in to speak – and you will be called back time and time again.

How I Created My Slogan

It was just recently that I came up with my latest phrase. It was 7:00am last week Thursday March 18 2010. I had attended my weekly BNI meeting in Westfield New Jersey, where I give my usual educational networking tip of the day. BNI is an international referral organization where business owners get together to network, develop relationships and give referrals to each other.

Aside from my position in the chapter as the educational coordinator, my specialty there is also as a public speaking coach, keynote speaker, and presentations skills trainer. The education that I gave that morning was about the need to meet with the people in our BNI chapter – not just in the chapter at the weekly meetings, but also outside of the weekly meeting in order to develop the relationship, so that an atmosphere of trust and likability is developed.

I started the education that morning by talking about a study that the founder of BNI Dr. Ivan Misner and BNI had conducted over a 6 month period where they had polled close to 2,350 business owners, sales people and professionals from both retail and service industries. The poll included people from countries across the world. People from the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and the United kingdom had participated in this poll.

What Dr. Misner and his group at BNI had found, was that more that 80 percent of the respondents preferred receiving more business through networking groups or an introduction of some sort. So in other words, they wanted to receive referrals. In BNI they have a term for setting up times to meet with other members of the chapter to get to know one another and develop friendships that leads to the giving and receiving of referrals. They call this form of getting together, a “Dance Card.”

So as I was doing my educational that morning, and after telling my fellow BNI members about the conclusion of Dr. Misner’s study, “that most business owners would rather receive their business through word of mouth and referrals,” I turned to my group of 38 members and said, “I have been here for close to 8 months, and guess how many dance cards I have had? Five. That’s it!” And upon hearing that, many people in my chapter wanted to stone me! This was obviously not a good thing! I was not setting a very good example of developing relationships.

However, I purposely put my ego on the line for the sake of making a point. In my public speaking skills workshops, I talk about how, when you self deprecate, you enhance your connection with your audience. So in order to bring the point home to my fellow BNI members that morning, I had to make an example out of myself, so I could connect with my audience and drive my point home to them.

So, after members of my chapter were done having their laugh at my expense, I then paused and made my point. I said, “…and guess from whom I was receiving all my referrals? That’s right. The ones whom I had been doing the dance cards with” and then I said, “If you want to advance in the referrals that you receive. If you want to advance in your business – you gotta dance.”

“If You Want to Advance, You Gotta Dance” – my slogan was created.

Claudia, the area director of our BNI chapter just happened to been sitting in on the meeting that morning, and she walked up to me after the meeting and said, “Lewis, wow! I really like that slogan, “If you want to advance you gotta dance” – That was a great slogan you had created.” I thanked her and left the meeting to start my day.

Testing Your Slogan for The “Stick Factor”

One week later, The following Thursday morning, I was again sitting at my BNI meeting where I did my educational tip of the day. We then had our usual 90 minute meeting where each member of the chapter does their 60 second commercial on their business, followed by two presentations from our members, which is then followed by a referral go-around where everyone in the chapter starts handing out referrals to one another.

So when it came my turn, I decided to do something interesting. I handed out some referrals and then decided to test the waters and see if my phrase that I had created the week prior, did indeed get anchored with the audience. I turned to my audience and said, “I am free after this morning’s meeting, So If anyone has time to kill I would be happy to meet up with you – because if you remember what I said last week, “If you want to advance…” I paused, and let the audience do the rest. Amazingly they said “You Gotta Dance!” My phrase had worked! It stuck with them. It passed the Stick Test!

Final Thoughts

Creating phrases and slogans are not easy, but if you really take the time to think about your speech, you will eventually come up with the proper phrase or slogan for your message. You will not only have a great message but you will have created a phrase that is like glue that will connect your message with your audience even long after you leave the speaking platform. Because when they remember your phrase, they will remember your message.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lewis_Roth

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Imagine yourself standing in front of a room full of people, all waiting for you to begin your presentation. Now imagine that you begin with the words “Did you hear the one about…” Believe it or not, you just started digging a very deep hole for yourself. You may be thinking, “but Rob, how do I avoid that?”

You have probably heard the old adage, tell them what your going to tell them, then tell them, then tell them what you told them. The thing that is missing there is the essential need for you to develop a connection with your audience. You do not want to jump into that first main point until you have established that connection.

Here are three ways you can establish a connection right from the start. Each of these techniques is designed to be the very first thing you say when you address the audience. Let me repeat that, the very first thing you say. Why do I repeat that? Because someone will think I meant for you to use these techniques after “Ladies and Gentlemen,” or “I’m really glad to be here,” or “thank you Mr Toastmaster,” or… you get the idea.

What I am suggesting is to use one of the options below starting with your very first word.

The first method you can use is to open with a story or a quote. This is a 1-dimensional approach, since it only includes you speaking. If you use a story, remember to keep it “you focused” as much as possible. For example, “do you remember what it was like at your high school prom? You should have been there at mine when… you would have seen me…” Use this method to include your audience in the story. Of course, the story should meet a few criteria:

- it should relate to your presentation
- it can include humor, but probably not include jokes
- you should be able to call back to it throughout the presentation. i.e. “Just like my high school prom date told me, ‘It’s just the way it is’.”

If you choose a quote, make sure you do a couple of things:

- again, it should relate to your presentation
- you should quote a source most (if not all) of the audience would be familiar with
- both the subject and the source should relate to your presentation. i.e. quote Gen Patton or Stephen Covey on leadership, Jay Leno or Dave Berry on humor, etc.

The next method you can use is to open with a question. This is a 2-dimensional approach, and had two really good purposes. The first is to get them thinking right off the bat. Once they are thinking, they are involved… and you are getting connected. Second, you can gauge their overall energy level by their response, and work your next segments accordingly.

The final method is opening with an activity. This is a 3-dimensional approach, since it involves true audience interaction. BEWARE – this is not for the novice or the unprepared crowd. It can be tough enough to make activities work in the middle of a presentation, but to open with one, you will need to be on your game. If you pull this one off, you will have a high energy room with an audience that is glued to your entire program. If you bomb it, well… ouch. I recommend feeling comfortable with leading activities in other parts of the speech before trying this.

A successful connection with your audience does not have to be a difficult pursuit. By using one of the techniques I have discussed, you can make that connection, feel comfortable and confident, and with practice, Ace your Opening!

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Christeson

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