Presentation: Introduction to Public Speaking

In spite of all the high-tech communication enhancements available today – email, instant messaging, cell phones, video conferencing, etc. – some things just work better in person. For this reason, it is likely that at some point, maybe as a part of your job or even as a community volunteer, you will be called upon to stand before a group of people and make a presentation about an important issue, opportunity or product. For many folks, this is the scariest thing that could ever happen to them. Our Presentation Classes are created with such people in mind. We will help you go over every aspect you can think of to develop a highly effective presentation, and a lot of things you haven’t thought of. As a result, you will develop confidence in your presentation skills that will make a difference when that big day comes.

What's the best way to promote your business? Do it yourself. Our Public Relations Expert shows you how to get personal with potential customers.

Q: You've mentioned public speaking as a great way for small-business people to let others know about your business. I'm a small-business marketer and graphic designer. So how do I determine which groups to speak to? What should I talk about? Should I speak for free? How do I overcome stage fright?

A: Congratulations for recognizing this valuable marketing tool that can boost your profits. Here are tips on how to get in front of an audience, make the butterflies fly in formation, and encourage people to buy from you:

Identify your audience. If small-business owners are your ideal customers, they're also your ideal audience. Target chambers of commerce, small-business networking groups, trade associations for small businesses, and homebased business groups. Now identify the audience's pain. What are the top three problems you can help your customers solve? Those are the topics you should discuss. Here are some ideas: "Nine ways to trim your printing costs," "Why many small-business marketing plans fail," "11 mistakes you don't want to make when designing a brochure."

Check your local newspaper to find out when these groups meet. Then call the contact number and ask the program chair to consider you as a speaker. Don't expect to be paid. Even though you might receive a small honorarium, you're not speaking to make money. You're speaking to get free publicity and to receive valuable exposure and to position yourself as an expert in your field.

Plan your presentation. Plan a presentation of 45 minutes to an hour. Give away lots of free advice. Don't write a speech and then read it. Instead, write a few notes and present your material in a conversational style. Practice, practice, practice until you're comfortable with it.

During your speech, avoid sales pitches about your products and services. Your sole purpose is to be so helpful and knowledgeable about your topic that audience members feel they must call you later when they need your help.

People love freebies. At the end of your presentation, give away a door prize that relates to your business. And don't forget to leave behind something that audience members can take with them—even if it's just your business card.

Tips for stage fright. Being nervous is normal. If you have dry mouth, push the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth to create saliva. Cold liquids constrict your vocal chords, so drink only warm water or tea before your speech. While you're being introduced, take a deep breath, smile and remember that everyone in the audience wants you to succeed. The more presentations you make, the easier they get.

An excellent source of free articles on how to make business presentations is professional speaker Tom Antion's Web site. Sign up for his free e-zine Great Speaking, which offers tips on public speaking, business presentations, speaker marketing, speaker humor and more.

Make your presentation fun, and your audiences will remember you the next time they need what you're selling.

By Joan Stewart
Dallas

Public Speaking - Let Others Know About Your Business

Presentation Quote
"Obstacles are those frightful things we see when we take our eyes off our goals."
Henry Ford

Suggested Reading:

10 Simple Solutions to Shyness: How to Overcome Shyness, Social Anxiety & Fear of Public Speaking
by Martin M. Antony

The Elements of Speechwriting and Public Speaking
by Jeff Scott Cook

How Executives Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking and Other Phobias
by Roger J., Ph.D. Callahan

1001 Humorous Illustrations for Public Speaking
by Michael Hodgin

The Art of Public Speaking, Seventh Edition
by Lucas

Public Speaking: Connecting You and Your Audience
by Patricia Andrews

Confident Public Speaking (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac)
by Deanna D. Sellnow

Fearless and Flawless Public Speaking: With Power, Polish, and Pizazz
by Mary-Ellen Drummond

Laughing Matter: For Public Speaking and Private Conversation
by Arnold I. Burns

The St. Martin's Guide to Public Speaking
by Joseph S. Tuman