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Welcome Message
This month's newsletter highlights the exemplary speaking skills the new American President, Barack Obama. It was with great excitement that I watched his inauguration speech -- and what a speech it was -- so that we could take a closer look at the details that contribute to his charismatic and inspirational speaking style.
Please take a look at my newest article, The Four Forgotten Rules to Making a Great Presentation, recently published on ezinearticles.com. And check out the newsletter's newest feature, the Question of the Month.
News of where I'm going to be speaking -- or who I've been writing for lately -- are listed below. And you, my dear newsletter readers, are always invited to my speaking engagements. Be sure to email me if you'd like to come! |
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News & Events
This month, Suzannah has been working on marketing writing projects for clients that include:  |
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Upcoming Speaking Engagements:
McGill University Leadership Development Workshop Series
WHEN: Feb. 12 2009
5:30pm-7:30pm
WHERE: McGill University, MacDonald Campus
Ste-Anne de Bellevue, QC
PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR PROFESSIONALS
Youth Employment Conference
WHEN: March 28 2009
9:00am-5:00pm
WHERE: Dawson College
Montreal, QC
FUTURE SEMINARS:
There are many more opportunities to attend one of our workshops. Look for more information in next month's newsletter -- and keeping checking the News section of our website to stay updated!
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Effective Public Speaking Course  Suzannah will be teaching this popular course once again for the McGill Post-Graduate Student Society. Class starts Feb. 2!
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Cool Quote
"There are only two types of speakers in the world. 1 - The Nervous and 2 - Liars."
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THE FOUR FORGOTTEN RULES TO MAKING A GREAT PRESENTATION
There are some rules of public speaking that are often overlooked -- or even forgotten -- that must be implemented in order to create and deliver a presentation that gets your point across, makes you look like an expert, and is valued by your audience. These rules are not often part of the generic "how to give a good presentation" tip sheets, which is why they tend to get overlooked. However, NOT doing them makes the difference between a presentation that's simply passable, and a presentation that is professional, memorable, and downright impressive.
The next time you have to make a presentation, make sure that you come across as an expert by following these four forgotten rules of public speaking:
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PRESIDENT OBAMA'S INAUGURATION SPEECH
 After watching President Obama's inauguration speech on Tuesday (and many of his speeches to date, for that matter), it is clear that the man is a gifted speaker. Reviews of the speech have called it "inspirational," "uplifting," and "graceful;" and while many bemoan the lack of iconic phrases that would put it on par with the inaugural speeches from John F. Kennedy or Franklin D. Roosevelt, the euphoric looks on the faces of his audience can be seen as testament to President Obama's charisma and vision.
But what is it exactly that made this speech so moving to so many people? Aside from stirring, persuasive content, there are quite a few public speaking techniques that President Obama uses very effectively, which ultimately distinguishes him as a talented speaker.
CONTENT:
This was constructed as the classic persuasive speech. State the problem right from the start, then give detail: What is the problem? Who is to blame? What are the consequences of not doing anything? Then, present the solutions and call-to-action, framed in a way as to be manageable and possible to accomplish.
The use of repetition, metaphors and vivid language turn the speech from a persuasive one to an inspirational one. For example:
Repetition: "The god-given right that all are free, all are equal, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness"
Metaphors: "We will extend our hand if you're willing to unclench your fist"
Vivid, descriptive language: "To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you...to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds..."
DELIVERY:
President Obama connects with his audience by being brutally honest and up front about the problems facing the country, and imploring them to do their part to "...begin the work of re-making America." Although he can, at time, look like a stern father disciplining his child, he comes across as sincere, honest and genuine.
Pauses, speaking speed, and volume: His voice and his effective use of pauses build anticipation and add impact to his speech. Notice how he speaks slowly and deliberately most of the time, but when he's nearing an important point, he speeds up his pace and raises the volume, adding even greater impact, intensity and passion to his speech.
President Obama is a great model of public speaking. So the next time you listen to him make a speech -- and certainly, there will be many -- listen not only to what he says, but how he says it. Then apply what you can to YOUR future speeches.
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QUESTION OF THE MONTH
 "What's the rule-of-thumb for how often I should practice my presentation? I want to be very familiar with my content, but don't want it to look too memorized."
- James, Calgary
Hi James,
There is no magic number that dictates how often you should practice prior to your presentation. However, you probably want to practice however often it takes for you to become comfortable enough with your content so that you won't have to rely on notes or PowerPoint slides to get you through it. At the same time, practice with an eye on your delivery style. Do you fidget? Do you smile, and look around the room? Do you sway from side-to-side? Give your presentation in front of a mirror, a video camera, or some friends or colleagues who will give you honest feedback. This way, you'll monitor both what you say, and how you say it, so that you can master the content AND delivery of your presentation.
Congratulations on building in some practice time into your preparations, and not 'winging it.' You'll be more in control, feel less nervous, and look like a real professional.
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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...
"She listened to my presentation each time with such attention, that I was surprised at the details she picked up. Suzannah's attention to both content and form helped me enormously, and I would have not been able to go through this experience and succeed without this coaching."
- Mira Khazzam, Ph.D. Psychology View more customer testimonials...
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ABOUT US
Bring power to your words with public speaking training, presentation coaching, and marketing writing services. Find out more... | |
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