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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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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Let’s be honest. As much as people hate giving a presentation, it’s no thrill listening to most of them. The first cue we’re in for a rough time? When the speaker (make that the majority of speakers) begins with “I’m going to talk to you today about (fill in the blank).” Cue the snooze!

Then there is that a stack of pages the speaker is holding. Pages, in full text, indicating the seasons might change before it’s through. Or the alternative – the speaker balancing, seemingly, hundreds of index cards. At least we can amuse ourselves waiting for a stack of cards to drop, or for the speaker to become flustered when a card is out of sequence.

Speakers: how do you capture our attention from the very start when you are already nervous about speaking? By shocking us as soon as you open your mouth. By motivating us to listen to you. Yes, public speaking is the number one fear. However, it is your first few lines that offer you the greatest anxiety – and threaten us with an anticipated nap. To avoid dispensing “verbal Ambien,” script those lines:

• Draft your first two sentences. No more or you will be glancing down too long.
• Type those out in a large font on an 8 1/2″ X 11″ piece of paper. This is your cue card.
• Memorize those lines. Know them well enough that you can look directly at your audience.

If there are still “spots in your eyes,” don’t worry. Just glance down at your large, easy-to-read cue card. With that technique, you will be more confident about approaching the presentation.

Now, how should you construct that opening? Instead of beginning by stating what you’re going to do, grab out attention with a:

• Startling Statistic. People are fascinated with reading/hearing statistics. Use one that is relevant and watch your audience perk up.
• Rhetorical Question. This gives the audience a task from the first sentence, and keeps them from tuning out.
• Brief Anecdote. Emphasis is on the word “brief.” It should be no longer than 20-30 seconds. Audiences love stories.
• Quotation. Make sure it’s brief, not stuffy and has “punch.”
• Paint a Picture. Ask your audience to visualize a good/bad scenario, which transitions to your statement of intent.

In other words, be creative. Once you have our attention, you can complete your introduction by telling us how you’re going to inform, persuade or motivate us. You’ll be more relaxed. We’ll be on your side, and ready to listen.

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Want to learn more about ways Executive Speak/Write can make your public speaking resonate with your audience and accomplish your goals? Take a look at the Programs we customize for our clients or contact us to discuss your needs. We can reduce your anxiety and increase your effectiveness. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Clements

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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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The important thing to remember at this formative stage is that the finished product needs to be read aloud. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of writing an ‘essay’ that looks great on paper, but sounds downright odd when you read it out.

So how do you write a speech that will come across well on the day?

1. Use short, punchy sentences. Six to eight words is ideal.

2. Break up longer sentences into manageable sections. Use dots… to mark convenient places for you to pause… and breathe.

3. Don’t be afraid to use conjunctions (and/but) at the start of some sentences. It may not be perfect grammar, but they reflect the way that people speak out loud, and can keep the flow of the speech moving without any awkward pauses!

4. Type each section of your speech separately. For example, after the section where you introduce yourself, hit the Return key a couple of times so you have a few lines of space. This will help you remember where to pause.

5. After a few minutes of writing, step away from the computer to clear your head. When you return, have a look at what you last wrote. Then delete every word that doesn’t seem to add any value.

6. Read sentences aloud after you have written them. This may make you feel a bit bonkers if you’re sitting alone in front of a computer, but it’s an invaluable way of instantly discovering what sounds right (and, more importantly, what doesn’t). This technique will help you get rid of tongue twisters and other worlds that you just aren’t comfortable delivering.

7. Use the Word Count function on your computer. Work on the basis that 500 words should take you approximately five minutes to deliver. If maths isn’t your strong point, that means that to keep the speech within 10 minutes, you need to keep it under 1000 words!

I appreciate that much of this (as ever) is just common sense, but I hope it helps you get started. If not, I would (as ever!) be delighted to write it for you.

~ Lawrence

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Lawrence Bernstein is a professional speechwriter, with vast experience in corporate speech writing, as well as speeches for weddings

Likes: Writing; old-fashioned service; hearing that your audience loved it. Dislikes: Dull speeches and presentations; cheesy, recycled gags; over-complicating things.

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

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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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The Thing About Words

As speakers, we have a tendency to focus on the things that scare us the most — forgetting our words, nervous body tics, etc. and we can often overlook the things that really count: making an impression on our audience. We see these images of sharply dressed orators presenting fantastic multimedia presentations and we sigh to ourselves and say “I could never do that.” Well it turns out that you don’t have to. You can be a powerfully effective speaker who is sought after by many just by taking the time to carefully pick the words that you use.

Why Do Words Have So Much Power

I don’t know about you, but when I know that I have a speech to give, I hurry to get the speech written so that I can start to practice it. Hopefully I’ve got a reasonably clear idea in my head of what I want to say and I rush to get it down on paper (ok, so I type it into a computer) before I forget what point I want to make. If I’m nervous about the audience that I’ll be addressing, then I’ll take some time and worry about the “flow” of the speech, but in all honesty that’s pretty much it.

Clearly I’m skipping the most important point: it’s all about the words that we use. Sure, the structure of the speech is important also just like the design of a house is important; however, it’s what you build the house out of that is just as (if not more) critical. Words have power.

Just think about the most powerful speeches that we’ve all heard: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” and “I have a dream…” I don’t think that these words were in the first draft of either of these speeches, rather the authors went back and spent the time to get their words right. The fact that all of these years later we can still recall them shows that they were successful.

Words Are Like The Paints You Use To Make A Picture

When we give a speech, the big question is what are we really trying to do? We want to have our audience share an experience with us. We want them to feel and see what we feel and see. They don’t have to agree with us, but we want them to understand how we see a given situation. If we’re sad, we want them to experience sadness. If we’re happy, then we want to feel our happiness.

As a speaker, at the end of the day all that we have to work with to accomplish this goal of connecting with our audiences are words. What words allow us to do is to paint a picture in the minds of our audience. I like to think of choosing the right words as being the same thing as an artist choosing the right colors with which to create a painting.

If I gave you just a three colors, red, green, and blue, could you create a painting? Yes, in fact you could combine these three colors to make many more colors and if you had some artistic ability you could probably create a very nice painting. However, something would be missing. If we stepped back once you were done and looked at your creation I think that we’d both agree that you’d captured the essence of whatever you were painting; however, something would be missing — depth.

If instead of restricting you to just using three colors I let you use every color in the world, just imagine what you could create now! The final product would be much richer — you would have been able to capture both depth and subtlety that was not possible when you had just three colors to work with.

All of the same things can be said about using words in a speech. If you keep it simple and only use plain, everyday words then your speech will be flat and lack depth. Sure you can do it this way, but who’s going to want to listen to that?

If instead you take the time to carefully pick and hone your words so that you use just the right word in just the right spot, then you will have made a speech that allows you to connect with your audience. When you are done, your audience will have a mental image that they can take home and treasure forever.

What This Means For You

The most powerful tool that a speaker has are the words that make up the speech that he / she is giving. Just racing to throw a speech together and not spending any time to craft the words that you will use means that you are missing out on one of your most powerful speaking tools.

Words are how we connect with our audience. In order to make a lasting impression on an audience we need to use the right words that will allow us to create a vivid mental image in every member of our audience’s head.

It doesn’t take that much of an extra effort to make our words work for us. Reviewing your next speech and asking yourself if the words that you are using will allow you to connect with your audience will tell you where you stand. If your words aren’t painting a powerful image for you, then get some more colors to paint with!

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

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Should a speech be written before it is practiced and presented? I have heard a variety of answers to that question, and I have even made different choices in my own speaking experience. In this post, you will learn some specific tips on when you should answer yes, and when you may want to answer no.

Sometimes, the answer is clouded by the fallacy that if you put it in writing, you are planning to either memorize it or read it. This, of course, is Hooey. Taking the time to write your speech out before you give it can accomplish at least these few things:

1. You will be able to see your outline, your opening, and your conclusion to see if it fits in your plan
2. You will be able to see how the timing of your speech works
3. You will have clearly done some preparation, rather than just “wing it”

Many experts would tell you that, in fact, it is important not to memorize your speech, but to internalize it. What’s the difference? To internalize it, you need to practice and really know your topic. You may not (and should not) present it exactly the same each time, but the overall content and message would be the same.

Example: You have a main point about setting goals, and a story about how you completed your college degree. For a high school audience, you may point out that it is never too early to start thinking about their future. In your story, you would mention than when you took you SAT test, you were already thinking about where you would go to school one day. For an audience of adult learners, your point would be that it is never too late to move forward in their educational goals, and in your story cite statistics about adult graduation success that drove you to go back to school to finish your Masters Degree.

When would you not want to write out your speech? Good question. Here are my thoughts: Anytime you are happy with doing less, than it’s your best.

Keep in mind, this does not mean it needs to be written out word for word. Some preparation may call for more detail, some may allow you to use some of your own shorthand, like “Tell the University of Maryland graduation story – focus on how I felt seeing the Masters Degree students walk across the stage”. (A true story of mine, by the way)

Should a speech be written before it is practiced and presented? That answer is going to be yes, anytime you want to increase the success of your presentations. Don’t try for a literary masterpiece, just get your thoughts down on paper so you can deliver the best presentation possible. The extra few minutes you spend crafting the written word will pay dividends in reduced practice time, and a better result in front of your audience. Try it, and you will be glad you did.

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

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Before writing a speech, you must first determine the topic on which you’ll be speaking. Often when given a speaking opportunity, you’ll find yourself in one of two positions: searching desperately for a topic or choosing from a myriad of topics. These simple questions can help you find a topic or define your choices.

Question #1:
Who is your audience? Will you be speaking in a corporate setting or a more relaxed atmosphere? Think of what will be most helpful and valuable to your audience. Think of what will connect with them.

Question #2:
What is your field of expertise or experience? Are you a scientist, doctor, lawyer, author, analyst, project manager, athlete, actor, world traveler? Draw on your vast knowledge and narrow your focus to one particular topic.

Question #3:
What are your areas of interest? Think of topics you’d like to know more about. Then research, do your homework and develop your speech. Share with others what you’re passionate about. Take them on your journey of discovery.

Question #4:
What interesting people or places are in the locale of where you’ll be delivering your speech? Think of ways you can choose a topic and work a local angle into your speech.

Question #5:
Will you be giving your speech near a holiday? Pair the holiday theme with something of interest to your audience. (Note: Best for non-corporate audiences).

As an example, I’ll show you how I picked a topic for one of my speaking opportunities. I considered the following: I would be speaking after dinner to a group of 30 couples near Valentine’s Day. As an author of a book of romantic poetry, I used that as a platform to brainstorm. The venue was a local restaurant and, while we would have a private dining room, space was limited.

As I would be part of a program, I knew that the mood would be light and fun. I chose my speech, ‘Living a Passionate Life,’ to incorporate the romantic holiday theme and created a display using heart-shaped knick knacks, stuffed animals and my poetry books. While the topic could be broad (life could equal family, health, career, spirituality, etc), I narrowed my focus to ‘family’ with a splash of ‘spirituality’ as this was a church group.

Remember that a good topic has a narrow focus. If you feel you’ve chosen a broad topic, find something specific within it. Then build a topic ‘tree’ with the remaining subtopics. You may find that you have not only an idea for this speech but one for your next one as well. A narrow focus on your topic will save time in research and developing your speech.

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

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3. Public Speaking – 10 Ways to Transition to Your Next Idea