AAC Jazz
SEEMS TO ME ... Continued From Page 19 <<<
we can find serendipity or value in each unique occasion. And if you have done much public speaking you know each audience is somewhat different. Let’s go back to what I said a little earlier. Deliver your message as best you can. Tat’s not a copout phrase to just get up and shoot from the hip. I actually meant, “Do the best you can.” And no one does the best they can without preparation. It was Dale Carnegie, the great trainer of public speaking and interpersonal skills, who said, “Only the prepared speaker deserves to be confi- dent.” Mark Twain said, “It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.” Always know your material. Know more about your subject
than you include in your speech or presentation. In other words, over prepare. You may need the additional information for ques- tions that may be asked. Not only should you know your material, but convey the mate- rial in an interesting way so people retain some of what you said. Tree ways to do that is use conversational language (it flows bet- ter); use humor; and use personal stories. Well-executed humor and stories hold the power to deliver messages in an entertaining fashion. Once you get people laughing — or at least lighten the mood — they’re listening and you can sell your points. Be sure to start and finish strong. Don’t start with a whimper — a start like the “dead-fish handshake.” Start with a bang! Give the audience something to remember like a startling statistic, an
interesting quote, a news headline — something that will get their attention immediately. 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 conclu- sion needs to serve as a review of your message. Te audience tends to remember the last words they hear you say, so it is vital that your key message or messages are restated in your conclu- sion. As you put the final touches on your speech, make sure your presentation comes full circle by relating your conclusion back to your introduction. Tie it together. Close 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. Patricia Fripp made this very apro- pos statement, “Te first 30 seconds and the last 30 seconds have the most impact in a presentation.”
So what in the world does jazz have to do with public speaking? Well, in addition to what I’ve already mentioned:
• Learn the tune. Don’t just memorize a speech, but really study your subject and consider the possible questions and challenges. Tat will make it easier for you to be on your toes, think on your feet, and adapt what you say to the situation. If I’m giving a speech
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