Ebook Table Of Contents
INTRODUCTION 3
Part I – TO SPEAK OR NOT TO SPEAK, THAT IS THE QUESTION…PREPARING FOR , TAKING AND BEING
IN CONTROL OF THE BASICS 6
THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF SPEECH:
Paying close attention to all vocal elements: Enabling Breathing, Harnessing your vocal physical utilities, Vocal routines and care
Part II – MIND OVER MATTER – HOW TO PAY ATTENTION AND ENGAGE AUDIENCES EVERYWHERE 15
EFFECTIVE METHODS THAT WORK!
The role and use of Pauses, Emphasis, Voice tone and Inflection
Effective Application of Speech Techniques like Visioning, Focus, Keeping things simple, Honesty and Humility
Aim & Purpose, Intent, Confidence and dealing with emotions
Part III – THE WHAT OF PUBLIC SPEAKING: ALL ABOUT THE CONTENT! 31
How to get things together – synergy or Physical, Mental and Moral Aspects of Speech
Gathering Materials: Arranging, Briefing, Committing
The Nature and Characteristics of the Presentation and Delivery
Stages of speech - divisions, structure and sections of the speech delivery (Introduction, Discussion, Statement of facts, conclusion and Ending)
Part IV – THE HOW OF PUBLIC SPEAKING: MORE THAN CONTENT! 45
Who is listening?
How do I start?
How do I proceed and what do I do next?
What are the highlights of my message?
How do I close? What do I do afterwards and when I am done?
Part V – FLEXING MY VOCAL DEXTERITY, RANGE AND MUSCLE 49
Sounds
Words
Practical Routines
Mis-Speakings!
Other Errors And Mistakes
‘Voicing’ And Using My Voice & Other Vocalizing/Public Speech Exercises
FINAL THOUGHTS 67
Ebook Sample Content Preview
Introduction
Many of us are interested in mastering the art of being and becoming a master of public speaking or speaking in public at a variety of formal and social events. This interest is increasing in recent years and people hone, harness and refine their skills. Engaging, shaping and influencing audiences all around, is what is at stake here. Sounding confident, convincing and speaking with energized speech is paramount, regardless of the context. For business, social and public life, it is a core skill and almost an entry-level prerequisite these days to be deemed ‘successful’. If you have interest in improving your public speaking, then this is the ultimate practical guide for you.
There are lots of information regarding public speaking in the public domain. We felt it fit to give some structure and added direction to it.
Some might argue that portions of the book are too vague and generalist. This is deliberate, it is written in a tone that encourages and recommends certain things, practice and actions, rather than a theoretical analysis of what it is and why it works. It is a comprehensive hands-on, practical guide to use to enable YOU to make some of the changes and improvements yourself. In process and as you progress, you will discover your own inner strengths as well as the areas that you would want to develop over time.
Variety is the spice of life and we suggest lots of it. Vary your daily 15 minute routines and shuffle the exercises around to custom-fit your individual, personal needs and requirements. All areas and aspects can do with some focused and targeted practice. Give close attention to areas like: deep breathing, voice and sound articulation and the use of your voice or instrument.
Up to 45 minutes daily can be dedicated to verbal expression exercises, projection and practice out loud.
For the first week , new habits take time to form and establish themselves, so we suggest starting off by deep breathing exercises. This will help you relax and also become aware of your voice and activity, what makes you nervous and so on. Only practicing inhaling and exhaling deeply repeatedly for about five minutes every day is all it will take! Breathing from deep within you will become second nature before you know it. You can do it as you go along your daily business and execute your tasks and routines in and around the house and office. Ensure that you are relaxed and keep your mouth closed at al times when doing these deep breathing exercises. Take on a new breathing exercise every week and you will soon start reaping the rewards of more controlled breathing and this is a wonderful calming technique if you are a nervous speaker.
If you are focusing in on the area of sounds and articulation, then a set of syllables will be the logical starting point. A variety of combinations in different sequences will help you out here. First focus on getting the list right and then speed things up a bit. See how fast you can go, improving both speed and accuracy as you go along. Again they will become almost automatic before you know it. You will remember them better and have instant recall after a while. You will have a nimble and able verbal and vocal tool and utility at your disposal before you know it! Responsive, flexibility will enable you to speak faster and better, with more confidence, moving your lips, palate and tongue with much more ease and satisfaction.
Discovering and honing the character of your voice will typically take a little longer. Still try and stick to one exercise in this category each and every day...
