Giving a presentation? Make eye contact, but don't be fidgety!
Even the best orators
can be left tongue-tied when addressing an audience. A few tips to help you
make a great presentation.
Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, is one of the most common phobias. According to the National Institute of Mental Health in United States, 74 per cent of people suffer from speech anxiety. Anxiety and nervousness causes the body and mind to react in inappropriate ways, which can be avoided with conscious effort.Learn how to improve your speech by avoiding these mistakes.
Unable to deliver the message
According to author Darlene Price, speakers fall into the bad habit of giving generic presentations that are not tailored to address the needs of a particular audience. "Listeners know when the speaker has not done his homework, and the response ranges from disappointment and frustration to anger."
To avoid this, ask yourself: Who is my audience? What are their burning issues? How does my message help them?
Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, is one of the most common phobias. According to the National Institute of Mental Health in United States, 74 per cent of people suffer from speech anxiety. Anxiety and nervousness causes the body and mind to react in inappropriate ways, which can be avoided with conscious effort.Learn how to improve your speech by avoiding these mistakes.
Unable to deliver the message
According to author Darlene Price, speakers fall into the bad habit of giving generic presentations that are not tailored to address the needs of a particular audience. "Listeners know when the speaker has not done his homework, and the response ranges from disappointment and frustration to anger."
To avoid this, ask yourself: Who is my audience? What are their burning issues? How does my message help them?
Eye dart
A majority of speakers fail to maintain eye contact with their listeners. "Unconsciously, their eyes scurry from person to person, darting around the room, without ever pausing to actually see the recipients of the message," said Price. Lack of eye contact implies insincerity, disinterest, detachment, insecurity, shiftiness, and even arrogance.
To visually connect, maintain eye contact for at least two to three seconds per person, or long enough to complete a full phrase or sentence.
Distracting mannerisms
Behaviours such as clenching or wringing of hands, pacing back and forth, keeping hands in pockets, jingling change or keys, twisting ring, adjusting hair or clothing, fidgeting with a pen can distract the audience.
A majority of speakers fail to maintain eye contact with their listeners. "Unconsciously, their eyes scurry from person to person, darting around the room, without ever pausing to actually see the recipients of the message," said Price. Lack of eye contact implies insincerity, disinterest, detachment, insecurity, shiftiness, and even arrogance.
To visually connect, maintain eye contact for at least two to three seconds per person, or long enough to complete a full phrase or sentence.
Distracting mannerisms
Behaviours such as clenching or wringing of hands, pacing back and forth, keeping hands in pockets, jingling change or keys, twisting ring, adjusting hair or clothing, fidgeting with a pen can distract the audience.
As a remedy, practice your speech or presentation. Record yourself
speaking and watch the playback or take a public speaking class.
Low energy
Enthusiasm is an audience's most desired trait in a presenter. A boring delivery — low monotone voice, dull facial expressions, and lethargy — is their most disliked trait. An engaging, memorable and persuasive presentation is balanced with both information and inspiration.
"To avoid losing your audience, crank up the energy level," says Price. "Be expressive, smile, move naturally, and enjoy the moment."
Data dumping
As a speaker, do not focus only on functions like logic analysis, reasoning, critical thinking and numbers. When you rely on this type of content, you end up talking too long, reading too many slides, and turning your back on the audience. This undermines your ability to inspire, connect and persuade.
Low energy
Enthusiasm is an audience's most desired trait in a presenter. A boring delivery — low monotone voice, dull facial expressions, and lethargy — is their most disliked trait. An engaging, memorable and persuasive presentation is balanced with both information and inspiration.
"To avoid losing your audience, crank up the energy level," says Price. "Be expressive, smile, move naturally, and enjoy the moment."
Data dumping
As a speaker, do not focus only on functions like logic analysis, reasoning, critical thinking and numbers. When you rely on this type of content, you end up talking too long, reading too many slides, and turning your back on the audience. This undermines your ability to inspire, connect and persuade.
Lack of pauses
Many speakers rush through their content. The causes are often anxiety, adrenaline, or time constraints. Instead, use silence as a rhetorical device to come across as self-confident and impactful. Your audience will remember more of what you say. Not crafting a powerful opening Many speakers open the speech with a joke, reading an agenda, or apologising. Invest thought, time, and effort to craft and memorise the beginning.
Making an excuse
Making an excuse or an apology sets a negative tone and gives people a reason to think your presentation was underwhelming. Instead, take any personal mishaps in stride and let the audience evaluate your performance independently.
Many speakers rush through their content. The causes are often anxiety, adrenaline, or time constraints. Instead, use silence as a rhetorical device to come across as self-confident and impactful. Your audience will remember more of what you say. Not crafting a powerful opening Many speakers open the speech with a joke, reading an agenda, or apologising. Invest thought, time, and effort to craft and memorise the beginning.
Making an excuse
Making an excuse or an apology sets a negative tone and gives people a reason to think your presentation was underwhelming. Instead, take any personal mishaps in stride and let the audience evaluate your performance independently.
Business Insider|
Sep 15, 2016,
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