Public Speaking: Test Yourself

At the last Chamber staff meeting, we tried something new.  Each staffer was asked to give a one minute speech that described what they did (and no, you couldn't go longer than a minute).  I actually filmed the speeches and we reviewed them, as a group, a few weeks later.  The purpose of this exercise is obvious - we wanted to help everyone on staff grow their public speaking abilities.

We all speak in public much more than we realize - in a group, to a dozen people, even one-on-one discussions are forms of public speaking, and the skills that you learn while giving a speech can help you in any situation.

Overall, I would absolutely recommend filming yourself speak.  It's not that hard - set up a camera on a tripod (or a table, any flat surface really) and give a one minute speech about what you do.  Try to give the speech in front of someone if possible - the more, the better.  From there, review the speech.

The thing that struck all of us was just how strange it is to watch yourself speak!  No matter how good or bad you are - or think you are - the perception you have in your own head about yourself and how you look when speaking never matches to the reality.

Here are a few things that we noticed about the various individuals who spoke:

• I'm on a boat!:  Many of us looked like they were speaking on a boat - that is, people spoke while swaying or rocking.  It seemed natural and comfortable at the time, but it looked silly.  The best way to end this?  Plant your feet.  Don't move.
• Hands...where do they go?:  Not knowing what to do with your hands is a big problem with giving a speech, which is so funny - most people, when they speak, know exactly what to do with their hands.  It takes practice, but you just have to try and let your hands do what they want (sort of the opposite advice as above, I know).
• Slow down:  Nervous people talk fast.  Speakers have to make a very conscious effort to slow down when they speak.
• Uhh...........:  "Umms" and "Uhhs" are commonplace in many speeches, but it makes you look unprepared and unprofessional.  The solution?  Everyone's is different.  Some people are great at ad-libbing a speech, others like just having bullet points, and some cannot speak without completely prepared text.  Do whatever makes you most comfortable!

Any tips you want to add to this?  Let us know in the comments!

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