I asked folks on Twitter and Facebook to share the best public speaking advice that they've ever received--and actually put to use. (There's plenty of advice to go around, but I wanted some time-tested ideas. Seven readers weighed in with a variety of ideas related to engaging the audience, managing yourself during a speech and how to prepare. Here's their best advice:- Beth Schachter says: "Show up early and introduce yourself to a few audience members as they arrive. Often this gives you new information to use in your presentation that will be tailored to the particular group."
- Germaine Palangdao suggests you "bring in the human element - give examples from your own personal life. It increases the connection with the audience. You could see how the they (the audience) are mesmerized."
- Mary Fletcher Jones says she's been advised to "LISTEN to the question before you answer it next time!" And you may want to ask a question of your questioner before answering, if you're not quite clear on what's prompting the question.
- Dave Ryan says, "Contrary to most intros & presentations, don't talk about your background first...rather, engage the audience with a question, and slip your bio in later."
- Sarah Milstein urges you to "practice, out loud, 5 - 10 times, with your slides, and time yourself. Ironically, the practice will help you seem spontaneous."
- Nancy Carr offers: "Put [stop] and [breathe] into your note cards at appropriate intervals."
- Tiffany Lohwater shares "1) slow down 2) find ways to involve the audience 3) leave time for Q&A."
Related posts: Graceful ways with Q&A
