Effective
Public Speaking: Watch What You Say!
Effective
public speaking convinces the audience
and moves them to action because they
are persuaded to believe the information
or reasons given. Hence,
credibility
is an essential ingredient for anyone
who stands up in front of an audience.
Use
Specifics For Credibility
Use
specifics
rather than generalities.
When
referring to an incident, provide
the date, names, places, figures.
Although the audience may not remember
these details, the fact you mention
them adds real weight to your message.
The
audience is far more likely to believe
a speaker that has obviously carefully
researched his subject.
Ensure
Accuracy of Statements
Ensure
what you are saying is accurate. Use
reliable sources
when doing research. Do not be taken
in by sensational statistics or stories
from dubious sources. They can completely
blow your credibility if someone in
the audience is up on the subject
and knows that what you are saying
is exaggerated or inaccurate.
How
To Use Statistics
Effective
public speaking involves using statistics
skillfully. Express percentages in
round numbers for greater impact.
Instead of saying 12.2%, say 'one
in eight'.
With
very large numbers, round
off to the nearest hundred
or thousand. Few remember an 8 digit
number. For example, instead of saying
3,566,314 say, 'Well over three and
a half million'.
Avoid
Universal Words
Be
cautious when using universal
words
such as 'everyone', 'always', 'never',
as frequent use can negate the force
of your presentation.
It
is rare that 'everyone' is doing such
and such a thing, or that so and so
'always' does this or that. Better
to tone down the level by using words
such as "some, usually, often,
infrequently, probably, many, in some
cases." These words don't overstate
matters or raise serious questions
about your credibility.
Eliminate
Meaningless Words
Avoiding meaningless words
and phrases to 'fill' gaps or thinking
time as you put a thought together
will greatly contribute to effective
public speaking.
Using
expressions such as 'and-uh' through
your presentation, or regularly tacking
'you know' on the
end of most of your sentences can
irritate an audience.
Avoid
Irrelevant Material
Avoid
the danger of irrelevant
material.
You
may come across an interesting fact
or anecdote and because you like it
you try to force it into your presentation.
Unless it directly
relates
to the subject and is serving the
purpose of elaborating on or enhancing
a main point, throw it out.
Your
presentation will lose focus
if you include items that are not
relevant. Keep it on the back burner
for another time when you might use
it in a more appropriate context in
a different presentation.
In
conclusion, while not suggesting a
public speaker should be pedantic
over word use and choice, it is important
to watch what you say in front of
an audience. Inaccurate statements,
exaggerations, lack of specifics,
can leave an audience very unimpressed.
On
the other hand, effective public speakers
who pay
attention to detail,
know how to phrase statistics and
specifics for powerful effect, and
deliver solid, substantial, proven
information, will enjoy a high credibility
rating and have an audience ready
to act on their recommendations.
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You Open Your Mouth
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