We have all felt sorry for the bothered, scared, hand-wringing guy (or gal) who “um’s” and “uh’s” his way thru an address that he is attempting to read from a crumpled paper. It’s worse if there is a microphone concerned. Worse if the unlucky fellow has not got the crumpled paper as the manager has put him on the spot to give a brief.

Yet we’ve also seen individuals who may be able to captivate an audience with the driest of info, even on a minute’s notice. What’s the difference? I have studied good speakers and have talked in public on many occasions. I’ve found that good preparation, illustrations and visible aids having folk write things down, and easy relaxation techniques all help to make you a dynamic public spokesman. When you know that you are going to have to communicate in public, begin preparing instantly.

Learn how long you’ll have to give your display, so you can plan in an appropriate way. Gather any relevant materials into a folder. You would like engaging, recent facts that your listeners can put to speedy use. You also need illustrations – short stories and funny yarns which make a point. Remember, you aren’t giving a brief like you did in 8th grade! Stop and think about the speakers you have enjoyed over time. A lot of them weave the facts into a sequence of stories that have relevancy to the subject. These illustrations do exactly that: they paint a picture in the mind of the listener about the subject.

They also ease boredom (who needs to hear a speaker recite a litany of lifeless facts?). They also help your audience remember what you claimed.