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Tips for Better Speaking
DOES THE AUDIENCE KNOW WHEN YOU EXPECT A RESPONSE?
by J.A. Gamache
Third place Champion at the 2001 Toastmasters International
World Championship of Public Speaking
Doesn't it feel awkward when you ask the audience a question
and no one responds? You wait... and wait... until you're
compelled to ask for an answer. To avoid this uncomfortable
situation, tell them that you expect a response just BEFORE
you ask your question. Here's why:
1- TO CLARIFY WHAT YOU EXPECT THEM TO DO
The participants might not answer simply because they're
confused about what they're supposed to do. They might be
thinking that you're asking a rhetorical question. Since no
answer is expected for that type of question, they just keep
quiet.
All you need to do is to say something like: "Now, I'll ask
you a question and I'll take three answers from the floor."
And then ask your question.
2- TO AVOID MAKING AUDIENCE MEMBERS LOOK LIKE FOOLS
I strongly believe that the message is not what you say, it's
what they understand. If you have to break the silence and
insist on getting a response, some of them might think you're
really saying, "Aren't you smart enough to understand that
NOW is the time to answer?"
3- TO MAKE SURE THEY'LL CONTINUE PARTICIPATING LATER ON
Audience members don't like to look bad. Do you? If some of
them feel like you tricked them, they'll instinctively
hesitate about participating later on because they might get
tricked again. Then you'll wonder why the group is so
lethargic.
Some questions don't need a response, while others do. Be
sure that the audience can tell the difference. Say
beforehand when you expect an answer; otherwise you might
have to tell them afterwards, after an awkward silence. Make
your participants look good; tell them ahead of time how you
want them to react and they'll gladly participate!
Happy speech!
©MMX J.A. Gamache www.jagamache.com. All rights reserved.
This article was reproduced from "Speaking in Public with
J.A.", a FREE electronic magazine authored by J.A. Gamache,
International Inspirational Speaker. To subscribe to his FREE
e-zine or to find out more about his presentations, visit:
http://www.jagamache.com.
Free article no. 66
A TIP TO PREVENT MEMORY BLANKS
by J.A. Gamache
Third place Champion at the 2001 Toastmasters International
World Championship of Public Speaking
Here's a tip used by theater people to prevent memory blanks.
On the day of your presentation, just before getting on
stage, repeat your text rapidly without emotion.
I once wrote a play for children and hired some professional
actors to help me deliver my tale. On the day of the show I
was happy as we were setting up the stage and the sound
system when I heard one actor say to the others: "Let's make
a rehearsal!".
I was shocked. We didn't have time for a rehearsal! We only
had a half hour before the kids would come in the room.
To calm me down they explained to me that they would not do a
regular rehearsal but instead an exercise called a "speed
run-through" aimed at bringing the text back to their memory.
That's all. They would do it as they would work on something
else. We would rehears the play but the actors would simply
say their part rapidly without interpreting it.
I found it to be a quite ingenious way to refresh one's
memory. In addition, once it was over I was less nervous. I
felt more confident because the exercise proved to me that I
knew my text since I just said it out loud.
Here's what I suggest. A short while before giving your next
speech, say your text out loud, rapidly and without emotion.
You should make this exercise even if you don't know your
text by heart. Read your notes out loud if you have any.
What's important here is to refresh your memory just before
you speak.
Is it a guaranty that you won't have a memory blank? No.
However, it will decrease significantly the risk that such an
accident occurs. Having taken such a precaution you'll be
less stressed and that will make a difference on stage!
Happy speech!
©MMX J.A. Gamache www.jagamache.com. All rights reserved.
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