| Public
speaking -- it's many people's worst nightmare. But it is also
a useful tool to effectively spread the word about libertarianism.
Here are 10 suggestions from communications specialist Donna
Hartley to make your next public speech more successful -- and
to make you more at ease while giving it:
1) Remember that a speech is like a story;
it should have a beginning, middle, and end.
2) To grab your audience's attention in the
first minute, begin with an entertaining story, humor, or a
intriguing question. Keep their attention by using colorful
words with visual impact.
3) Every three to five minutes in your speech,
back up your opinions with real-life stories or factual examples.
4) End your speech on an upbeat note: Ask a
provocative question, quote somebody, tell a story -- leave
them laughing.
5)
The first time you give your speech should not be in public!
Practice your speech outloud in private beforehand. Record
it into a tape recorder; film yourself in front of a video camera;
have a friend listen to it.
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6)
Work on your voice range as you practice. Speak from your diaphragm,
using a range of highs and lows for emphasis. Avoid a snooze-inducing
monotone!
7) Practice pausing before and after important
points, and speak in a normal conversational tempo. High speed
is a virtue for trains -- but not for public speaking!
8) Use direct eye contact with the audience.
If necessary, find a few people who seem to be the most receptive
and look right at them.
9) Move around and gesture while giving your
speech; don't just stand behind the lectern. Studies indicate
that 55% of how people perceive you is by body language; 38%
is by your voice quality; a mere 7% is by your words.
10) Smile. Show that you're enthusiastic
about your ideas; if you're not excited about what you're saying,
why should an audience be? Have fun!
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SUGGESTION:
For an effective libertarian "speech-in-a-box" --
complete with the text of the speech, presentation notes, and
an audio tape of the speech -- see the Advocates' "Speaker
Training Kit 1: for Service Clubs" or the "Speaker
Training Kit 2: for High Schools and Colleges." |
