THE 10 PRACTICAL "P's" OF PUBLIC SPEAKING!

There are ten practical "P's" for good public speakers. Do you know them?

1. PURPOSE: Decide on the purpose of your speech.  It can be: to inform (let us know about something); to entertain (make us laugh, cry, get excited); to motivate (encourage us to take some action); or, to inspire (get us to say YES).  These are not mutually exclusive; you can have more than one purpose.
   
   
2. PEOPLE: your audience.  Understand them, their interests and their mood.   Tailor the information in your speech, your style, tone, and manner of delivery for them.  Don’t forget – they want you to do well. They are happy that you are here and speaking.  Make your speech special for them.
   
   
3. POINT: The most important “P.” Every speech must have a point, a theme, a message, a lesson. If not you are rambling. Know your point before you start your speech.
   
   
4. PERSPECTIVE: Your audience wants to hear your viewpoint on a topic, an event, or your own personal story. When you hear “talk about what you know,” that is what they mean.
   
   
5. PLACE: The room. Become familiar with the stage (any squeaks), sound system. Are there any steps? Know the room so that you won’t be surprised.
   
   
6. PERSONALITY: specifically – your personality. Be yourself. Speak like you are having a conversation.   Your personality is unique. It also is what allows you to relate to your audience.
   
   
7. PICTURE: Have a vision of yourself giving your speech.  As you look at a photo, you start to notice more and more details. In the same way, build a picture of you presenting.  Hear your voice. Watch your movements. Listen to your words.
   
   
8. PREPARE: Invest the time to have a good presentation.  Write your speech.  Re-read it, several times. Think it through until you are satisfied.
   
   
9. PRACTICE: The second most important “P”(after POINT).   You can’t just read and memorize your speech. Even picturing it is not enough. Practice-practice-practice.
   
   
10. PERFORM: After all your efforts, it is time to DO IT.   You may be nervous, but you can feel your excitement.  You know you are ready.

There are two more Practical “P’s.”  You experience them after getting to the tenth.  The eleventh“P” is PLEASURE. Yes, you will have fun.  The twelfth "P"" is PRIDE.  You will feel very proud of yourself and your accomplishments.   Follow those first ten “P’s” and reap the rewards  you have earned.

Free Copy of Contest In A Box is here!

You remember the nervousness and confusion:  The first time you were “AH Counter.”  Your second speech.  Your first time as Toastmaster.  Your third speech. Your first evaluation. Each time, your first thoughts are:  “WHAT DO I DO?  WHAT DO I SAY?”

The questions continue today. You are an experienced member.  You want to be better.

ToastMentor is different than other public speaking newsletters and sites. It gives practical, helpful advice for you to get the most out of your Toastmasters experience.

We will provide “HOW TO” ADVICE on all aspects of Toastmasters, RESOURCES, including forms and scripts, CASE STUDIES of presentations and successes, INTERVIEWS with winners and leaders.

ASK US at ToastMentor.

Make the most of our resources and ask about:

Your question on your role, and how to prepare.

Helpful advice to share with other members.

Requests to critique your video presentation.

Information on your book or service that may be of interest to others.