If you've ever gotten any training on how to give a speech, the instructor probably told you that if used correctly, hand gestures can be a powerful tool. However, as with all such things in life, do you think that it's possible to use this tool just a bit too much? Where should a speaker draw the line?
The History Of The Hand Gesture
So just where did the idea of using hand gestures to give some more "oomph" to a speech come from? Well, there are a lot of different ideas but the one that seems to hold the most weight is the one that reminds us that PA systems are a relatively new invention.
What this means is that back in the day a speaker might not be able to be heard by some (or most) of their audience. At least not everything that they'd say. Clearly this was a problem. In order to at least partially solve this problem, speakers started to use outsized hand gestures in order to clearly convey the emotion of the words that that they were speaking at the time.
This means that if you were getting angry about something, while you said the words you'd go ahead and start to punch the air in front of you with your fist. This meant that even the people sitting back in the "cheap seats" would get the point that you were ticked off about something.
In all honesty this made a lot of sense. Public speaking got its start in the theatrical productions that were popular back in the day. Speaking for a long time was simply a form of acting.
The Day That The Hand Gesture Died
Well, OK, it didn't really die. However, the arrival of the ability to amplify a speaker's voice by using a PA system changed the nature of public speaking forever. All of a sudden, those wild hand gestures were no longer needed - everyone could hear you and it was your words that counted, not your hand gestures.
This has all led to where we find ourselves today. Instead of attempting to appear as though we are putting on a one man (or one woman) stage production, what we are all trying to do is find ways to come across as being as authentic as possible. This means that we've done away with the windmilling of the arms and instead started to focus more on the words that we say.
This isn't to say that hand gesture are no longer an important part of the toolkit that a speaker has to work with. The trick is to know when and how to use them.
A hand gesture should never come across as being a forced action. Instead it should bubble up and be interpreted by your audience as a natural extension of what you are saying. It should fit the moment and help to make your point.
What All Of This Means For You
When you watch the video of old-time political leaders, we often have to laugh to ourselves when we see the wild hand gestures that they used. However, if we realize that the reason for those gestures was because more people could see them than hear them, it all starts to make sense.
The days of the big hand gestures have gone away; however, that doesn't mean that hand gestures are not still a powerful tool for a public speaker. You just need to be careful how you go about using them. In the end, your hand gestures should be as authentic as your speech is.
Dr. Jim Anderson
http://www.TheAccidentalCommunicator.com
Do you give speeches today, but want to learn how be more effective? Dr. Jim Anderson believes that great business skills are no substitute for poor presentation skills. Dr. Anderson will share with you the knowledge that he has gained while working to improve the speaking ability of both individuals and teams of speakers for over 20 years. Learn the secrets of effective speakers and really connect with your audience during your next speech.
If you want to follow Dr. Anderson on Twitter, he can be found at:
http://twitter.com/drjimanderson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Jim_Anderson
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
How to Write a Great Wedding Speech Everyone Will Remember
Regardless of what type of toast you have to give at a wedding there are a few simple rules that you should follow when it comes to creating your speech. Perhaps the most important point to keep in mind is that the speech must be highly personal to the bride and groom.
It is perfectly acceptable to use "canned" stories or "borrowed" jokes as long as you incorporate personal details into them that make them relevant to the couple just married.
Another tip is to ensure you have a list of all the people that you are supposed to thank in your particular speech. It is traditional for different members of the wedding party to thank different people for their input and help with wedding plans and preparations.
Each wedding speech will also focus on one or more members of the wedding party with special attention being paid to either one of or both of the wedding couple.
For example the best man will generally keep his speech centered on the groom while the father of bride will obviously be more interested in talking about his daughter as will the groom!
There are also ways to pace your speech and ensure it does not become too emotional or too humorous. The usual way to ensure your toast is well balanced and remains entertaining is to inject humour or tell a joke just after a particularly emotional part of your speech.
However, it is really not at all necessary to inject any humour into your speech unless you are the best man. The best man speech is traditionally funny and in the opinion of many people the most difficult speech to get right on the day!
The best way to write your speech is to study other people's attempts. By reading, watching and listening top other wedding speeches it is possible to get a very clear idea of how you should approach your own.
Are you struggling with an important wedding speech? Then you should review some sample toasts at bestman speeches and groom speeches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Samuel_Jones
It is perfectly acceptable to use "canned" stories or "borrowed" jokes as long as you incorporate personal details into them that make them relevant to the couple just married.
Another tip is to ensure you have a list of all the people that you are supposed to thank in your particular speech. It is traditional for different members of the wedding party to thank different people for their input and help with wedding plans and preparations.
Each wedding speech will also focus on one or more members of the wedding party with special attention being paid to either one of or both of the wedding couple.
For example the best man will generally keep his speech centered on the groom while the father of bride will obviously be more interested in talking about his daughter as will the groom!
There are also ways to pace your speech and ensure it does not become too emotional or too humorous. The usual way to ensure your toast is well balanced and remains entertaining is to inject humour or tell a joke just after a particularly emotional part of your speech.
However, it is really not at all necessary to inject any humour into your speech unless you are the best man. The best man speech is traditionally funny and in the opinion of many people the most difficult speech to get right on the day!
The best way to write your speech is to study other people's attempts. By reading, watching and listening top other wedding speeches it is possible to get a very clear idea of how you should approach your own.
Are you struggling with an important wedding speech? Then you should review some sample toasts at bestman speeches and groom speeches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Samuel_Jones
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Yes I Can Motivate, Let Me Speak
It seems to me the basic concept of speaking has less to do with preparation and more to do with the heartfelt message you wish to project. In fact improvising tends to let people see the real you, therefore its clear to your viewers there is nothing fake about you. We all have something to say, and of course there are many platforms upon which to express. To someone like me, the idea of being in front of a viewing audience where a mass can hear me loud and clear is quite appealing, admittedly can be a ham at times. My intent here is to let it be known that inspiration and a driven need to motivate should be a speakers agenda.
When we decide its our turn to make a statement, it is hoped of course that our viewers will be receptive, perhaps even curious to know more, and that's what we want to inspire. Hearing crickets and yawning going on while we are up there baring our soul, is likely part of a nightmare to those about to present their first speech in a school auditorium for example. In high school we are often given opportunities to present a speech as a class project and this is such a pivotal moment for a young speaker. Some are blessed with a natural ability to express easily before an audience, while others freeze in a moment that can haunt them for years.
As a child in a play, there was a line or two I had forgotten, and have to admit the impulse to run off stage was strong, yet somehow the show went on. This could have scarred me for life, but you see my inner ham was just waiting for an opportunity to make a comeback. Inevitably we will all experience moments where the words appear to have gotten lost, so long as we also recognize the many opportunities for a comeback. Those moments where we freeze will in fact fortify us in the end.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Valerie_Childs
When we decide its our turn to make a statement, it is hoped of course that our viewers will be receptive, perhaps even curious to know more, and that's what we want to inspire. Hearing crickets and yawning going on while we are up there baring our soul, is likely part of a nightmare to those about to present their first speech in a school auditorium for example. In high school we are often given opportunities to present a speech as a class project and this is such a pivotal moment for a young speaker. Some are blessed with a natural ability to express easily before an audience, while others freeze in a moment that can haunt them for years.
As a child in a play, there was a line or two I had forgotten, and have to admit the impulse to run off stage was strong, yet somehow the show went on. This could have scarred me for life, but you see my inner ham was just waiting for an opportunity to make a comeback. Inevitably we will all experience moments where the words appear to have gotten lost, so long as we also recognize the many opportunities for a comeback. Those moments where we freeze will in fact fortify us in the end.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Valerie_Childs
Friday, June 4, 2010
Public Speaking - How to Deliver a Better Business Presentation
Public speaking is an important topic especially in the business world. Everyone in the business world has to speak in public at some point in time. And one of the best ways to get a raise in pay is to totally blow your boss away. Giving a good speech or presentation in public can extremely boost your career.
How do you deliver a better presentation? I hope to answer this question in the following article.
Use Visual Elements
Studies have shown that people are better able to remember something when it's something visual like a picture or a chart. You can of course use that to your advantage in your presentation. Make a nice chart on your topic which includes lots of relevant information reproduced in a new way. You can also simply use flip charts or draw something on a board. But don't use too much images otherwise your listeners will be distracted by them and won't listen to you anymore.
Good Body Language
Body language is something that is often forgotten when holding a presentation. But there isn't almost anything that is more essential than a good posture. To appear confident you should straighten yourself and set your feet shoulder-wide apart. Chest out, shoulders back. Then the last thing you need to keep in mind is your eye contact. It should feel natural looking at your listeners. Don't look at them for too long but also don't look at them for a glimpse of a second.
Videotape Yourself
Taping yourself while holding a speech is one of the best ways to get better at public speaking. The reason is that normally you do things you don't even notice while holding your presentation. The videotape will help you see these things and will help you correct them by making your more aware of them. Bit by bit you will get better.
Public speaking is important and there is nothing more important than learning from someone who has the experience and skills necessary to deliver a dazzling presentation.
If you want to improve public speaking skills then be sure to visit my website. Ultimately it will help you to accomplish better public speaking.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julius_Kuhn-Regnier
How do you deliver a better presentation? I hope to answer this question in the following article.
Use Visual Elements
Studies have shown that people are better able to remember something when it's something visual like a picture or a chart. You can of course use that to your advantage in your presentation. Make a nice chart on your topic which includes lots of relevant information reproduced in a new way. You can also simply use flip charts or draw something on a board. But don't use too much images otherwise your listeners will be distracted by them and won't listen to you anymore.
Good Body Language
Body language is something that is often forgotten when holding a presentation. But there isn't almost anything that is more essential than a good posture. To appear confident you should straighten yourself and set your feet shoulder-wide apart. Chest out, shoulders back. Then the last thing you need to keep in mind is your eye contact. It should feel natural looking at your listeners. Don't look at them for too long but also don't look at them for a glimpse of a second.
Videotape Yourself
Taping yourself while holding a speech is one of the best ways to get better at public speaking. The reason is that normally you do things you don't even notice while holding your presentation. The videotape will help you see these things and will help you correct them by making your more aware of them. Bit by bit you will get better.
Public speaking is important and there is nothing more important than learning from someone who has the experience and skills necessary to deliver a dazzling presentation.
If you want to improve public speaking skills then be sure to visit my website. Ultimately it will help you to accomplish better public speaking.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julius_Kuhn-Regnier
Thursday, June 3, 2010
How to Speak & Present Without Notes
Why would you want to speak without notes? Because you will look more confident and knowledgeable about your topic. You will hold the attention and respect of your audience as they recognize that you know your topic well.
A presenter that keeps checking his notes looks like he didn't prepare or he doesn't know the material well. That can damage your credibility with the audience. Imagine how badly the audience might feel when you read your presentation from sheets of paper or worse, your PowerPoint slides. Arrggh!
Speaking without notes is something that you do every day. Every time you have a conversation you are speaking without notes. So you know that you can do it.
Let's discover how you can speak without notes while delivering a presentation to an audience. It's simple and effective when you know how.
Naturally, the first thing you must do is to know your topic well. The knowledge must be in your brain.
Here are three techniques that you can use to deliver your presentation without notes or at least fewer notes.
1. Key Word Notes
The most common technique is to use point form notes. The key words serve to remind you of the sequence and the points that you plan to cover. While delivering the presentation you are simply filling in the blanks between the key words. You can do this because you know your material well and you rehearsed well. The challenge is to distill your presentation down to a few key words. Write those key words on a small piece of paper or better yet an index card that you refer to while speaking. Imagine getting a 30 minute presentation summarized in about seven key words.
2. Questions
The second technique is to prepare your presentation as a series of rhetorical questions that you pose then answer. The questions could be the most common questions about your business. You've heard and answered those questions many times so you can certainly talk about them. Asking yourself a specific question is also an effective way of drawing out the information from your memory.
A variation of this technique is to pose questions to your audience. Listen to their responses and then add your comments to fill in the gaps. This is also the most unpredictable method because you can't anticipate the direction of the questions.
Both of these variations on using questions will make your presentation appear more like a conversation. Therefore you will look more confident and knowledgeable.
3. Props
The third technique to speaking without notes is to use props. Lay the props out on a table in the order that you plan to address them. The props could be products, tools and/or toys. You could even use colored pieces of paper, books and correspondence. The props replace your notes. They serve as a visual cue to you and add the show-and-tell flavor to your presentation.
You can deliver your presentation without notes. There's no need to memorize it. Know your material and use these techniques and aids to speak without notes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Torok
A presenter that keeps checking his notes looks like he didn't prepare or he doesn't know the material well. That can damage your credibility with the audience. Imagine how badly the audience might feel when you read your presentation from sheets of paper or worse, your PowerPoint slides. Arrggh!
Speaking without notes is something that you do every day. Every time you have a conversation you are speaking without notes. So you know that you can do it.
Let's discover how you can speak without notes while delivering a presentation to an audience. It's simple and effective when you know how.
Naturally, the first thing you must do is to know your topic well. The knowledge must be in your brain.
Here are three techniques that you can use to deliver your presentation without notes or at least fewer notes.
1. Key Word Notes
The most common technique is to use point form notes. The key words serve to remind you of the sequence and the points that you plan to cover. While delivering the presentation you are simply filling in the blanks between the key words. You can do this because you know your material well and you rehearsed well. The challenge is to distill your presentation down to a few key words. Write those key words on a small piece of paper or better yet an index card that you refer to while speaking. Imagine getting a 30 minute presentation summarized in about seven key words.
2. Questions
The second technique is to prepare your presentation as a series of rhetorical questions that you pose then answer. The questions could be the most common questions about your business. You've heard and answered those questions many times so you can certainly talk about them. Asking yourself a specific question is also an effective way of drawing out the information from your memory.
A variation of this technique is to pose questions to your audience. Listen to their responses and then add your comments to fill in the gaps. This is also the most unpredictable method because you can't anticipate the direction of the questions.
Both of these variations on using questions will make your presentation appear more like a conversation. Therefore you will look more confident and knowledgeable.
3. Props
The third technique to speaking without notes is to use props. Lay the props out on a table in the order that you plan to address them. The props could be products, tools and/or toys. You could even use colored pieces of paper, books and correspondence. The props replace your notes. They serve as a visual cue to you and add the show-and-tell flavor to your presentation.
You can deliver your presentation without notes. There's no need to memorize it. Know your material and use these techniques and aids to speak without notes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Torok
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Leaving Speeches - How to Give a Memorable Leaving Speech
It's your last day at work. You're happy to be leaving but petrified about the leaving speech. You're due to say a couple of words of goodbye right after the department lunch. You have no idea what to say and it's clouding your whole final day in the office.
Don't worry, this article will help you prepare the perfect leaving speech with ease.
Here are the key tips for a memorable goodbye
1. RELAX. You're only saying goodbye. Public speaking can be daunting for even the most extrovert. Just remember: you're leaving! You don't have to face these colleagues day after day ever again. So even if your speech is unmemorable at best or terrible at worse, in the scheme of things, it does not matter. In a few years time, consider yourself lucky (or ynlucky!) if your former colleagues even remember you at all, yet alone what you said on your last day at work
2. KEEP IT SHORT. A five minute speech is great, but a three minute speech is even better. Short and sweet is the key
3. PREPARE BEFOREHAND. Write down what you want to say and make sure you practice it OUT LOUD and STANDING UP the night before until you can present it naturally. Then write down the key bullet points and have them on hand on the day of your leaving speech. If you do need to refer to your bullet points during your goodbye speech, that is perfectly okay...even the most respected actors and actresses have done that before in the Oscars and they would be used to memorizing lines. Do you recall a time that any Oscar winner was criticized for referring to their cheat sheet? No, it has not happened and it will not happen to you.
4. IT IS OK TO BE NERVOUS. In fact, it can be most endearing to be nervous. Remember that the audience is on your side, they are happy for you and your new career and/or life change. A touch of nerves will show your sincerity and how much this occasion means to you.
5. LEAVE THE COMEDY FOR COMEDIANS.. Do not succumb to the temptation to be funny if you are not the sort of person who can deliver a joke. It is far better to show sincerity and heartfelt emotion that to try hard to crack jokes and having them fall flat.
6. DO NOT BURN BRIDGES. Your last day in the office is not the time to settle personal scores or reel off your list of gripes. Be gracious and diplomatic about everyone and your time at the company, particularly your boss.
7. DON'T BE SMUG ABOUT YOUR NEW JOB . While it is perfectly okay to mention your new career or life plans, never be smug about them. Concentrate more of your speech on your sadness at leaving than your delight at your new opportunity.
8. LOVE YOUR LEAVING GIFT. Remember to say a few kind words about your leaving gift. For example you could say something like "It is just what I wanted and will take pride of place on my new desk. Every time I look at it, I will think back at my happy times here, the fun and laughter we all had and the friendships I made."
Gemma Swansburg is a writer and researcher on a variety of topics. Her specialist areas of interest are in self-improvement and personal improvement. You might want to check out her latest article on airbrush makeup systems including Luminess Tan reviews. Visit her website for more information on luminese airbrush makeup and related products.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gemma_Swansburg
Don't worry, this article will help you prepare the perfect leaving speech with ease.
Here are the key tips for a memorable goodbye
1. RELAX. You're only saying goodbye. Public speaking can be daunting for even the most extrovert. Just remember: you're leaving! You don't have to face these colleagues day after day ever again. So even if your speech is unmemorable at best or terrible at worse, in the scheme of things, it does not matter. In a few years time, consider yourself lucky (or ynlucky!) if your former colleagues even remember you at all, yet alone what you said on your last day at work
2. KEEP IT SHORT. A five minute speech is great, but a three minute speech is even better. Short and sweet is the key
3. PREPARE BEFOREHAND. Write down what you want to say and make sure you practice it OUT LOUD and STANDING UP the night before until you can present it naturally. Then write down the key bullet points and have them on hand on the day of your leaving speech. If you do need to refer to your bullet points during your goodbye speech, that is perfectly okay...even the most respected actors and actresses have done that before in the Oscars and they would be used to memorizing lines. Do you recall a time that any Oscar winner was criticized for referring to their cheat sheet? No, it has not happened and it will not happen to you.
4. IT IS OK TO BE NERVOUS. In fact, it can be most endearing to be nervous. Remember that the audience is on your side, they are happy for you and your new career and/or life change. A touch of nerves will show your sincerity and how much this occasion means to you.
5. LEAVE THE COMEDY FOR COMEDIANS.. Do not succumb to the temptation to be funny if you are not the sort of person who can deliver a joke. It is far better to show sincerity and heartfelt emotion that to try hard to crack jokes and having them fall flat.
6. DO NOT BURN BRIDGES. Your last day in the office is not the time to settle personal scores or reel off your list of gripes. Be gracious and diplomatic about everyone and your time at the company, particularly your boss.
7. DON'T BE SMUG ABOUT YOUR NEW JOB . While it is perfectly okay to mention your new career or life plans, never be smug about them. Concentrate more of your speech on your sadness at leaving than your delight at your new opportunity.
8. LOVE YOUR LEAVING GIFT. Remember to say a few kind words about your leaving gift. For example you could say something like "It is just what I wanted and will take pride of place on my new desk. Every time I look at it, I will think back at my happy times here, the fun and laughter we all had and the friendships I made."
Gemma Swansburg is a writer and researcher on a variety of topics. Her specialist areas of interest are in self-improvement and personal improvement. You might want to check out her latest article on airbrush makeup systems including Luminess Tan reviews. Visit her website for more information on luminese airbrush makeup and related products.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gemma_Swansburg
Monday, May 31, 2010
The 3 Things You Need to Do to Increase Your Volume Without Shouting
Recently, I worked with an NFL player in voice and presentation skills. During his 3rd session, he discovered the techniques for increasing his volume without shouting which I refer to as projection. He was stunned. It did not hurt his throat; it sounded better; and, his voice carried with more depth and breadth.
This is not the first professional athlete I've taught who has discovered the benefits of projecting the voice. Athletes, politicians, teachers, trainers, coaches, ministers, professional speakers, and even those who work in loud environments notice a tremendous difference when they learn the correct techniques for increasing their volume.
Unfortunately, if you are speaking loudly for long periods of time, you may also be suffering from vocal abuse which is characterized by chronic hoarseness, sore throats, or even loss of voice by the end of the day. And, if you frequent loud bars, projection is the only way to be heard without hurting your throat or your listeners' ears!
In order to increase your volume properly, you will need to do 3 things first:
1. Breathe with the support of your diaphragm;
2. Use your chest cavity to power your sound; and
3. Find the optimum pitch of your speaking voice.
This technique is how you make the change from your habitual voice to your 'real' one. In the process, you will discover a sound that is deeper in pitch, warmer in quality and resonant. You will know when you have found it because you will not only hear the difference but you will feel your chest vibrating when you speak.
Once you have made this change, you will be able to increase your volume by means of your pelvic muscles instead of just your throat and voice box. Those pelvic muscles, sometimes referred to as your girdle of strength, will enable you to amplify your voice comfortably and with ease.
If you need to be able to speak with a larger volume of sound, stop shouting or yelling and learn how to project your voice instead. Your throat will thank you as well as your listeners!
The Voice Lady Nancy Daniels offers private, corporate and group workshops in voice and presentation skills as well as Voicing It!, the only video training program on voice improvement. Visit Voice Dynamic and watch Nancy as she describes Your Volume Control.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_Daniels
This is not the first professional athlete I've taught who has discovered the benefits of projecting the voice. Athletes, politicians, teachers, trainers, coaches, ministers, professional speakers, and even those who work in loud environments notice a tremendous difference when they learn the correct techniques for increasing their volume.
Unfortunately, if you are speaking loudly for long periods of time, you may also be suffering from vocal abuse which is characterized by chronic hoarseness, sore throats, or even loss of voice by the end of the day. And, if you frequent loud bars, projection is the only way to be heard without hurting your throat or your listeners' ears!
In order to increase your volume properly, you will need to do 3 things first:
1. Breathe with the support of your diaphragm;
2. Use your chest cavity to power your sound; and
3. Find the optimum pitch of your speaking voice.
This technique is how you make the change from your habitual voice to your 'real' one. In the process, you will discover a sound that is deeper in pitch, warmer in quality and resonant. You will know when you have found it because you will not only hear the difference but you will feel your chest vibrating when you speak.
Once you have made this change, you will be able to increase your volume by means of your pelvic muscles instead of just your throat and voice box. Those pelvic muscles, sometimes referred to as your girdle of strength, will enable you to amplify your voice comfortably and with ease.
If you need to be able to speak with a larger volume of sound, stop shouting or yelling and learn how to project your voice instead. Your throat will thank you as well as your listeners!
The Voice Lady Nancy Daniels offers private, corporate and group workshops in voice and presentation skills as well as Voicing It!, the only video training program on voice improvement. Visit Voice Dynamic and watch Nancy as she describes Your Volume Control.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_Daniels
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