Public Speaking for the Beginner – Web based assistance for Learners

Course held at South Cheshire College 18^th January – 8^th February 2005

Preparing to Speak – The Basics

Session 2 – 25^th January 2005

Important concerns for Speakers

· Wanting to do a good job

· Dealing with the challenge of the unexpected

· Coping with lack of support

· Getting a positive reaction from Listeners

Basic concepts for preparation strategy [to do a good job]

· Context – being clear about subject and occasion when speaking in public

· Material – having the appropriate information, illustrations and equipment

Basic tools [to prepare even for the unexpected]

· Probability – because some topics are more likely than others

· Database – to accumulate potentially useful information in manageable quantities

Asking fundamental questions [to give yourself support]

· Subject – there are always clues even when there is no one to ask

· Time – how long have you got?

· Place – especially where the audience is and the facilities/equipment available

· Other speakers – what are they doing and how can you identify them?

· Audience – what can you learn about them?

Satisfying the audience [the best way to get a positive reaction]

· Put yourself in their place

· Help them to understand your role

· Choose illustrations that will be familiar to the people you are speaking to and are appropriate to the occasion (and the technology available to you and them)

· Be prepared to ask and answer questions

· Be yourself

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