Are you afraid of speaking in front of a group? Don’t worry, so’s everyone else.
In this recent Google Nexus 7 commercial, a shy young man called Evan investigates ‘glossophobia’ on his Google tablet, watches various powerful speeches, then delivers a speech in front of his class-mates, winning the girl, all thanks to the shiny hardware. I was skeptical at first (and my facile synopsis may have reinforced your own skepticism), but have a watch; the version in the link above (1 minute 27 seconds) presents two vital elements for public speaking, neither of which require the silicon slab:
- Prepare. Research, write and rehearse. The more you prepare the better (although over-rehearsing can be a problem, more on that next time), and there is no upper limit to this. I’m deadly serious. Got a presentation to give in a year’s time? You’d better start writing now. Got a presentation tomorrow? Better stop reading this then, hadn’t you?
- Focus on the objective. Are you trying to persuade, inform, or entertain? Perhaps all three? Without defining your ‘success’, you’ll probably fail. Evan’s Mum tells him: “If you change one mind, you’ve succeeded”. Good advice; even if only one person looks interested, then deliver your talk to them.
Oh dear; this lady has done no preparation.
So, clever Google for making such a good commercial. And clever me for drawing out a couple of top speaking tips for you. But most of all, clever you for taking the time to read this. Virtual high fives all round! Enjoy your Friday.