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VOICE.– Voice inflection is extremely important
to maintain interest.
Speak in a pleasant,
conversational tone. You want to make sure you
speak loudly enough to be heard and slowly enough
to be understood. Speak clearly and fluctuate your
tone to avoid the monotone drone that can lose
listeners.
EYE CONTACT.– Make eye contact with your
entire audience. Use a random rotation to include
everyone. Try to avoid patterns that the audience
can pick up on. Using a key point outline will help
you to avoid reading your subject matter. Notice
verbal and nonverbal buying signals from your
audience.
GESTURES.– Gestures can effectively add to
your command presence. Hand gestures should be
purposeful.
Facial and eye gestures should be
random. Most importantly, be aware of your body
language.
ATTITUDE.– Like most things in recruiting, and
life in general for that matter, your attitude will
hold the key to success. Three main ingredients will
shape your attitude during a public-speaking
presentation: your belief, your enthusiasm, and your
sincerity. The audience must feel that you truly
believe in what you are saying.
You should
enthusiastically relay the information or message.
And above all, you must be sincere in what you are
saying. These ingredients will ensure the audience
picks up on your positive attitude so that they too
can believe and become enthusiastic with a sincere
interest.
Use of Training Aids
Training aids should augment your presentation,
never dominate it. When using training aids, make
sure they can be clearly seen by all your audience.
They should be professional in appearance and
correct in content. You may want to refer back to
chapter 2 for a more complete discussion of training
aids.
Fielding Questions
First of all, you want to make sure your
audience feels welcome to ask questions. When
you are done with your conclusion, take a step
toward the audience and say, “I now have time for
a few questions. What are your questions?” This
psychologically brings you closer to their access and
by assuming that they do have questions, they are
more likely to respond. When questions are asked
of you, repeat the question and answer to the entire
group. This prevents anyone from being left out or
misunderstanding your response. If you are asked
a question you are unable to answer, be honest.
Promise to research the answer and get back to the
individual. Then make sure you follow through.
Handling hostile questions can be an art. First, try
to rephrase the question, taking the sting out of it,
so you can answer it. If that is not possible, you
may have to thank them for their opinion and ask
them to meet with you after the presentation for
further discussion.
Never allow yourself to be
drawn into a public debate.
Public-Speaking General Guidelines
There are as many tips on public speaking as
there are public speakers, but some good basic
guidelines should help new speakers get started.
The more accustomed we become to public
speaking the more natural and proficient we
become.
l Always plan your entire speech in advance.
Try to memorize your introduction and close, but
not the body of your key point outline.
l Toastmasters International advocates the
idea
that
a
good
speech
consists
of
an
attention-arresting opening and a conclusive ending,
spaced not very far apart.
l Try not to show fear, even though you may
feel it.
Display confidence in your subject and
ability.
l Know your subject. Knowledge will give you
power and help you forget your fear.
l Never thank an audience for listening to
you or for their time but you may thank them for
the opportunity to meet them. Never apologize or
give excuses.
If necessary, explanations are
acceptable.
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