Tag: public speaking

Practice and Have Fun

Practice often in front of your bathroom mirror.

  • Some folks like to type out every word at first and then work on phrasing it into their own words.
  • Others use concepts on 3 X 5 cards.  Either way, with each time you practice, you will become more comfortable and proficient with your talk and it will come through in the delivery.
  • Many people become very nervous because they are not as familiar with their subject and their prepared remarks to the point of confidence.  Practice breeds confidence.

Three Parts to your Talk

Break your talk into three parts

I.      Introduction

Get their attention and introduce the topic by telling a story or explaining a metaphor.  You can ask questions (rhetorical) that provoke thought.  Then you answer the question or solve the problem in the next section.

II.      Body

  • This is the main part of the talk.
  • You answer any questions from the previous section.
  • You build the case for your topic.
  • Keep the topic very narrow.
  • Solve the problem.
  • Teach them how to ease the pain.
  • Focus on HOW as much as possible.

Blind Spots in Speaking

Your Blind Spots List

A communication Blind Spot is when you do or say something that causes push back, boredom, or anger and you don’t know why. Here are some suggestions on how to avoid Blind Spots in your talk.

  • Do not mention your topic at the beginning of your talk.
  • Do not mention the story of how the Bishop, Branch President, or Stake President asked you to speak on the following subject.
  • Do not explain that you had prepared a talk last night and this morning the spirit changed his mind and now you’re speaking on something else. He rarely changes his mind.