AAC F A M I L Y  F R I E N D S » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » 2. Practice! Tere is no magic formula for becoming a polished public


speaker. Tose of you who play a musical instrument know you do not become proficient without practice. I used to roll my eyes when my mom told me to practice the piano for an hour after school before I did any- thing else. I later came to appreciate her instruction and the time spent in practice. To learn to play the piano, you have to play the piano. To learn to speak, you have to speak. You know the old cliché “How do you get to Carnegie Hall? – Practice, practice, practice.” Public speaking demands the same level of practice. And yes, you rehearse out loud. Tat way you hear yourself and it is easy to detect what needs to be changed. 3. Know your audience. Greet some of the audience members as they


arrive. It is easier to speak to a group of friends than to strangers – or at least to people to whom you have made some kind of connection. 4. Know the room. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids you may be using in the presentation. (Now you know why you can greet the audience as they arrive – because you’re already there checking things out…..trying to minimize any mishaps.) 5. Relax. Easier said than done – but


relax! Te four things I have already men- tioned should help you relax. But there are additional relaxation techniques such as slow deep breathing; possibly a brisk walk to loosen up your entire body and get your blood flowing; positive self-talk; and there are many others. Te very best thing in my opinion is to be prepared. Preparation is key to any good speech. 6. Realize that people want you to suc-


ceed. Audiences don’t want to be bored to death. Tey want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative and entertaining. Tey’re rooting for you. 7. Don’t apologize for being nervous.


you actually gave. Te one you practiced, the one you gave and the one you wish you gave.


“T


Most of the time your nervousness will not show. If you don’t refer to it, most won’t notice. “Tere are only two types of speakers in the world anyway – the nervous and liars.” 8. Concentrate on your message – not the medium. Your nervous feelings dissipate when you focus your attention away from your anxieties and concentrate on your message and your audience, not yourself. 9. End with a memorable conclusion. Te conclusion is the final component of your speech or presentation. A speech is structured with an introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Te conclusion needs to serve as a review of your message. Tose listening tend to remember the last words they hear you say, so it’s vital that your key message is restated in your conclusion. As you put the finishing touches on your speech, make sure your presentation comes full circle by relating your conclusion back to your introduction – tie it together. And close with a quote or a story leaving the audience with a visual image of your message. Although your conclusion is short, its significance is important. Tis is your last chance to drive your message home and leave a lasting impression. Big public speaking mistakes


Why is it that intelligent people end up boring their audiences? Tey


fail to recognize that public speaking is an acquired skill that improves with practice and honest feedback. Let me share with you some of the


biggest public speaking mistakes. n Starting with a whimper. Do not start with a whimper – a start like the “dead-fish handshake.” Start with a bang! Give the audience a startling


COUNTY LINES, WINTER 2013 ” statistic, an interesting quote, a news headline, a funny story – something


powerful that will get their attention immediately. n Attempting to imitate other speakers. Be yourself – although in an


enthusiastic way. Authenticity is lost when you are not yourself. n Failing to “work” the room. If you don’t take time to mingle before the presentation, you lose an opportunity to enhance your credibility


with your listeners. n Failing to use relaxation techniques. If you’re nervous and tense do whatever it takes – listening to music, breathing deeply, shrugging your


shoulders – to relieve and release nervous tension. n Speaking without passion. Te more passionate you are about your


topic, the more likely your audience will act on your suggestions. n Ending a speech with questions and answers. It is fine and many times appropriate to have a segment of questions and answers – but, as the speaker, always have the last word. After the Q and A, tell a story that ties in with your main theme, or summarize your key points. Conclude with a quote or call to action.


here are always three speeches for every one


n Failing to prepare. If you don’t leave a good impression you have hurt your credibility and failed. So over prepare and rehearse well enough to ensure you’ll leave a good impression! “If you don’t know what you want to achieve in your presen- tation your audience never will.” [Harvey Diamond] Testifying in a legislative committee or speaking one-on-one to legislators Much of what I have said already con- cerning Public Speaking is apropos and can be used, with some obvious modi- fication, in testifying before a legislative committee.


Te first thing to remember is that


“you are the expert.” If you’re testifying before a legislative committee on a county government bill – you will probably know more about the subject than anyone sit-


ting on the committee. Tat should reduce the “fear factor” – but don’t let it make you over confident. Here are a few things to remember when testifying before a committee


at the Capitol: n Don’t speak until recognized by the chair. Once recognized in- troduce yourself, your office and your county. Tis is required and will


become a part of the committee record. n Be over prepared on the subject matter. Chance favors the prepared


mind – so be prepared. n Don’t talk the bill to death. Adequately cover the merits of your bill – or the demerits if you’re speaking against a bill. Remember to include a brief introduction, the body or main points pro or con, and a “zinger” but short conclusion – something for them to remember you by … but


don’t take too much time. n Committee members will many times have questions concerning the


bill. Answer all questions fully and truthfully. n In making your presentation before a committee only speak about the bill itself. Stay away from public policy debates. It is the legislature’s


prerogative to set and establish state policy. n Don’t argue with members or become publicly angry if they toss a


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