The presentation provided tips on improving public speaking skills. It began by addressing common myths about public speaking, such as the myths that nervousness is a sign of weakness and that public speaking is an inborn talent. It then offered techniques for engaging audiences, such as maintaining eye contact, using relevant content, and practicing presentations. The presentation concluded by highlighting local resources for further developing public speaking abilities.

1. Capturing from the Platform
Presentation and Communication Skills in Leadership
Presented by:
Brenda Meller, Director of Marketing
Thursday, March 7, 2013

2. • Public speaking is ranked as one of
the things we fear the most.
• Those who overcome this fear and are
able to speak confidently are easily
identified as leaders.
• Those who can articulate themselves
one-on-one, in front of groups, or even
virtually (over the web or in videos) will
gain an edge in their careers.
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3. Today’s Agenda
• Who Am I and Why Am I Here?
• How About You?
• Myths and Truths
• Tips & Techniques
Plus:
• Speaking Exercises  FUN
• Local Resources  Audience
Participation
 Q&A
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4. Who Am I?
• My loves: work, family,
coffee, chocolate, pie
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5. And Why Am I Here?
• Director of Marketing
• A Toastmaster: VP of
PR, CC
• An Introvert at Heart
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6. How About You?
Audience
1 2 3
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7. 9 Myths and Truths
About Public Speaking
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8. Myth #1: “Nervousness Is a
Sign of Weakness.”
FACT:
Even the world’s
best speakers get nervous.
http://e-articles.info/e/a/title/Myths-about-public-speaking/

9. Myth #2: “You Have to Be
Perfect.”
FACT:
It’s better to be natural.
http://e-articles.info/e/a/title/Myths-about-public-speaking/

10. Myth #3: “It’s a Talent You
Have to Be Born with.”
FACT:
It takes practice, practice,
and more practice.
http://e-articles.info/e/a/title/Myths-about-public-speaking/

11. Myth #4: “You Have to Be a
Comedian.”
FACT:
Use of tasteful humor
can help, but
it’s not essential
http://e-articles.info/e/a/title/Myths-about-public-speaking/

12. Myth #5: “Everything You Say
Must Be Important.”
FACT:
Not everything has to
be of top importance.
Focus on key
takeaways, examples,
illustrate your points.
http://e-articles.info/e/a/title/Myths-about-public-speaking/

13. Myth #6: “My Nervousness Is
Worse than Anybody Else’s.”
FACT:
You’re more aware of
your nervousness
than anyone else.
http://e-articles.info/e/a/title/Myths-about-public-speaking/

14. Myth #7: “It’s Too Daunting
and Overwhelming a Task.”
FACT:
You can do anything
you set your heart and
mind to achieve.
http://e-articles.info/e/a/title/Myths-about-public-speaking/

15. Myth #8: “You Have to Be
Outgoing to Engage an Audience.”
FACT:
It’s more important
to focus on being
relevant.
http://e-articles.info/e/a/title/Myths-about-public-speaking/

16. Myth #9: “It’s All Over if You
Make a Mistake.”
FACT:
Mistakes happen.
Move on. Your
audience wants to
see you succeed.
http://e-articles.info/e/a/title/Myths-about-public-speaking/

17. Tips and Techniques
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18. Audience Engagement
• Make it relevant
• Think on your feet
• Maintain eye contact
• Funneling attention
(diversion)
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19. Make Your Message the Hero
• Avoid crutches
• Respect timing
• Watch pacing
• Intentional gestures
• Add “white space”
(pauses). Breathe.
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20. Let’s Give It A Try
Audience
4 5 6
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21. Practice, Practice, Practice
• In front of a mirror
• In the actual room (if
possible)
• Audience (ask for CRE
feedback)
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22. Be “Virtually” Engaging
On webinars or web-based presentations:
• Use video
• Polls, Q&A
• Collaborate with
other presenters
• Prezi, other tools
• Record, playback,
evaluate
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23. Local Resources
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24. Because I’m Not A Super Human
(aka, We’ve Only Scratched the Surface in an Hour)
• Every opportunity you get… SPEAK
• Local resources:
– Dale Carnegie
– Public Speaking Courses
– Toastmasters
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25. What One Thing Will You Do?
Audience
7 8 9
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