 |
| School days, where we begin our public speaking. |
In this chapter I want to dedicate some time to the world's biggest fear 'Public Speaking.' It is a fascinating topic and can cover so many different platforms. Perhaps you are someone who will have to prepare and deliver a keynote speech to an audience in a boardroom, or in a conference hall.
You have been appointed spokesperson for the company you either work for or have been asked to represent, in which case you may need to speak to the press and media. You may feel that you want to start working in events or you may just want to boost your level of confidence.
Every one of us has to speak in public and some point in our life, the first time may be in a nursery class at the age of 2 years young!
For someone who has spent his entire life speaking and or performing on some kind of public stage for a living I felt it was about time to remind you that I can help you with your public speaking. I am most comfortable in front of large crowds and also broadcasting to thousands of listeners of viewers on radio & television.
The first time I really remember having to step up in front of an audience was when I was 13 or 14 years old. It was part of our English Language and English Communication class and we each had to stand in front of the class and deliver a speech. Our teacher highlighted the fact that one day some of us, if not all of us, would speak for a living. I did not realise until quite a few years later just how important that particular episode in my life was to be and just how crucial it would be for my career.
Tips to follow in a moment.
I often reflect on that day in the classroom, I enjoyed the experience and I had paid attention to some of the skills that had be shown to us by our teacher, one day I could get paid for talking!
 |
| In action at the Dubai Rugby 7s Stadium audience 50,000 Live television audience exceeds 1 billion |
- Contact me and ask for help
- Relax and take a breath
- Most important... BE PREPARED and get an understanding of your audience before you speak
- Keep it simple
- SMILE
- Stand up straight (ensure airways are clear)
- Look at your audience
- Don't just look down at your script
- Look at different sections of your audience, look left, look straight ahead and look right.
- Relax .. take a breath
- Don't be afraid to use your hands.
- Fluctuate the tone of your voice (light and shade)
- SMILE
- Relax.. take a breath..
- Powerpoint presentation, KEEP THE SLIDES SIMPLE and one thought per slide.
- Use short video clips
- Enjoy the experience and share your passion
Take care of your voice.
One aspect of public speaking that is very often overlooked is how to take care of your vocal chords and breathing exercises. I learnt this the hard way in 2002 when a Dr in Monte Carlo misdiagnosed my damaged vocal-chords for a 'cold and soar throat' We discovered just over a year later that I had nodules on my vocal-chords and had to undergo surgery to remove the nodules. I was forced in to 'total silence' for a period of 3 months following the operation!!!
Honey & ginger has a part to play in looking after your voice.
Television & Radio Studios can be scary places if you are not prepared!
It was many years later, whilst sitting in a television studio with a friend waiting on the television studio sofa looking utterly terrified, that I realised the importance of Media Training and providing help to those who struggle with public speaking.
A friend of mine, whom I had known for about 10 years, was invited to join us in the television studio to record an 8 minute interview. I was totally surprised and really quite worried as he immediately began to sweat profusely, could not sit still and really began to panic. It took me just over 30 minutes to get him to relax enough to be able to begin the interview. Just over 8 minutes later he removed the studio microphone from his jacket and ran for the exit. Just as he opened the door he turned to me and shouted out, 'oh did I tell you about the $10 million investment project?!' And the answer was no.
The point of the story, he had completely missed the opportunity to get the message delivered to a television audience. It was such a shock to me to see this friend in such a state, someone I had known for so many years, always the life of the party and Mr. social, and yet public speaking was something he feared terribly. This was the motivation I needed to reach out and start providing Media Training and Public Speaking classes.
 |
| On set and co hosting Good Morning Dubai on television. |
If you would like to ask some questions directly please email : jeffpricemedia@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment