Public speaking and spinach: good, and good for you
The importance of listening
What makes public speakers really effective
How public speaking can help you
Join the rubber chicken circuit
A fool with two red ears went to her doctor. The doctor asked her what had happened to her ears and she answered,
"I was ironing a shirt and the phone rang--but instead of picking up the phone, I accidentally picked up the
iron and put it to my ear."
"Oh dear!" the doctor exclaimed in disbelief. "But what happened to your other ear?"
"The creep called back," she replied.
You're no fool--so why did you agree to speak in public? Because you know that public speaking is one of the single
most important tools in professional and private advancement.
In this chapter, you'll learn how important it is to speak with confidence in both personal and public aspects
of your life. You will also discover what makes a good public speaker. After you fill out the Public Speaking Inventory
included in this chapter, you'll have a fuller understanding of your own personal strengths and weaknesses as a
speaker. This, in turn, will enable you to concentrate your time and efforts on areas where you need the most help.
Encores and Exits
Think you're going to make a hash of it when you get to the podium? The Reverend William Archibald Spooner, the
dean of New College, Oxford, was a learned man, but not spell woken, or well spoken. "We all know what it
is to have a half-warmed fish inside us," he told an audience, meaning to say, "formed wish." He
once explained to his listeners, "The Lord is a shoving leopard," meaning, of course, a "loving
shepherd." His mistakes were so famous that they came to be known as "Spoonerisms." The scientific
name for this speech affliction is metathesis, the accidental transposition of letters of syllables in a sentence.
Reach Out and Touch Someone
The way we interact with other people in both our personal and public lives has very little to do with the written
word: It's almost totally based on speaking. Yet, very few people actually stop to consider how important the way
they speak is to every aspect of their lives.
When I realized the importance of improving my ability to speak in public, I turned to formal education and training.
The fact that you're reading this book shows that you've reached the same conclusion I have: Powerful public speakers
are made, not born.
Public speaking can be powerful in promoting your organization or building your practice. As a marketing tool,
public speaking is one of the best ways to attract new clients and customers, and to build a reputation with people
who can make referrals to you. Take a look at my top 10 reasons why:
Top Ten Reasons Why Speeches Make Good Marketing Sense
10. When you set up speeches and seminars the right way, your audience will want to hear what you have to say.
9. Your audience will get to talk with you directly.
8. You will be talking to a group of prospective customers and referral sources.
7. Your audience will not automatically resist what you say because you won't be specifically "selling."
6. You will be educating and helping your audience with a problem.
5. Your audience will see you as an expert.
4. You will be able to follow up immediately with people who seem especially interested.
3. Your audience may include people of influence whom you would find difficult to meet otherwise.
2. Public speaking can enhance your exposure and your standing in your field, community, or profession.
And the No. 1 way public speaking can help your professional life is:
1. Your audience will appreciate your willingness to speak to their organization. You'll build valuable goodwill.
So Why Do This to Yourself?
Okay, I know that the idea of speaking in public still doesn't thrill you. You're probably even muttering in despair,
"I'll never be able to do this." But you're starting off with much more on your side than you might realize.
Speech plays an all-pervasive role in our lives. Without words and the power to voice them, it is very difficult
to complete our daily routines effectively. Speaking well affects our ability to apply for a job, plan or take
a trip, elect public officials, argue for a raise, or even argue in general. Knowing how to speak with power helps
us tell our doctor where it hurts, dine with a friend or business associate, and choose a career.
No matter what your occupation, your success depends in part on your ability to speak well. For example, people
select doctors, dentists, real estate brokers, financial advisors, and lawyers not only on the basis of their professional
competence, but also on the basis of how well they "click" or relate to each other. Anyone who has to
deal with the public, from salespeople to stockbrokers, and from servers to supervisors, has to establish rapport
with the people they deal with in their jobs. This rapport is established through speech.
Speech of the Devil
If at all possible, don't cancel a planned presentation--and never at the last minute. You'll create far more ill
will than goodwill.
Making the Cut
The difference between success and failure is often the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Never has
this been more true than in today's competitive business climate. One of the most outstanding examples of a contemporary
person who has achieved success because of his speaking skills is Lee Iacocca.
Mr. Iacocca saved the Chrysler Corporation by using his considerable talent as a speaker to win the backing of
the President, Congress, and the American public in the largest corporate bailout in America's history. Even Iacocca
credits his professional success to his skills as a speaker. In his autobiography, Iacocca writes: "I've seen
a lot of guys who are smarter than I am and a lot who know more about cars. And yet I've left most them in the
smoke. Why? Because I'm tough? No.... You've got to know how to talk to them, plain and simple."
Public speaking affects every area of communication. Yet many people insist on separating "public speaking"
from "one-on-one" speaking. They think the former is stilted and ceremonial, while the latter is casual
and relaxed. In some circumstances, this may be the case, but truly effective speakers put the power of speech
to work for them whenever they communicate verbally. Remember, all the great speakers were once bad speakers.
Class Act
You know more than you think you do. Follow your instincts--and my advice--and the odds are that you'll do a great
job. Use your common sense and do what you feel is most comfortable.
Test Time
The ability to express ideas is as essential as the capacity to have ideas. Take a closer look at your strengths
and weaknesses as a public speaker by filling out this Public Speaking Inventory worksheet.
If necessary, use blank paper to provide more space.
Public Speaking Inventory
1. List the qualities you think an effective public speaker should have.
2. List which of these qualities you now have.
3. What are your strengths as a public speaker?
4. What are your weaknesses as a public speaker?
5. When do you have to speak in public?
6. What public speaking situations do you find the most difficult?
Save your Public Speaking Inventory. When you finish the book, fill out another copy of the inventory and compare
the two versions to see how much you have learned about public speaking and how your feelings about it have changed.
Class Act
How often should you speak in public to raise your confidence level? Aim for at least one major speech a month.
The Leader of the Pack
Being a good public speaker makes you visible to the high achievers in business, money, resources, and power. Speaking
in public with confidence gives you the edge. And there's really no mystery about what makes someone an effective
public speaker.
Speech of the Devil
Beware! In most instances, oral channels of communication are better than written channels for group decision making
because they allow misunderstandings to be rectified much more quickly. Oral communication also seems more personal,
which offers another big advantage in business.
Here's my list of the qualities you need to be a good public speaker. I've included the 10 characteristics most
likely to make you a success at the podium or the head of the table.
1. Knowledge. The famous American writer and humorist Mark Twain said, "It takes three weeks to prepare
a good ad-lib speech." If that's the case, imagine how much time it takes to prepare a good written speech.
Twain was exaggerating to make his point, but not by much. Reading widely will help you gather the information
to make your speeches successful. However, you don't have to wait a long time to give a speech. One of the skills
you'll learn in this book is how to get the facts you need to make your point. Various research techniques are
covered in depth in Part 2, "It's All in the Planning."
2. Preparation. There's no substitute for doing your homework. The more background work you do, the more
you'll be convinced that your speech is good--and it will be. Work and rework your speech until it is entertaining,
important, and meaningful. All good speech writers will tell you that there's no such thing as good writing--only
good rewriting.
3. Language. Powerful speakers use language skillfully. A speaker's choice of words can make the difference
between a good speech and a great one--or even between failure and success. Unfortunately, learning to choose the
best words to suit the occasion and the audience is one of the most difficult tasks a speaker faces (and you thought
it was actually getting up to speak!).
4. Message. Your audience may be potential supporters at a political debate, friends at a retirement dinner,
students at a graduation, or executives at a corporate meeting. But whoever they are, you will either win or lose
them with the speech you write and deliver. This list details just a few of the most important things that a good
speech can do:
Launch a successful campaign
Build credibility
Clarify issues
Persuade voters
Correct misconceptions
Forge bonds
Help a worthy cause
Motivate employees
Generate publicity
Rev up a sales team
Position yourself
Calm upset people
Garner support
Spark interest in a new service
Help you earn income
Make you well-known
Also think about these points as you evaluate your message:
Can I teach people something they didn't know?
Can I impart some knowledge that will help people?
Can I entertain the audience?
Can I move people to thought or action?
Can I persuade people to do something for the good of the community?
Can I pay tribute to a person?
Encores and Exits
You might become famous (make that infamous!) if you don't select the proper words. Mrs. Malaprop, a character
in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's The Rivals, used many "high sounding" words out of her ignorance and vanity.
Her name soon became a synonym for the misuse of words, especially by speakers who are trying to sound important.
Here are a few of her famous examples: "She's as headstrong as an allegory [alligator] on the banks of the
Nile," "I would by no means want a daughter of mine to be a progeny [prodigy] of learning," and
"He is the very pineapple [pinnacle] of politeness."
5. Self-confidence. I've already mentioned that the impression you convey can say as much about you as your
words. Many factors determine how nervous you may feel: the people in the audience, how much sleep you got the
night before, or what the speech means to your career.
Exhibit poise about what you have to say and your ability to say it well. Don't leave the door open for your audience
to doubt you; for instance, if you cite a surprising fact, acknowledge it and say that you doubled-checked and
verified it.
Don't apologize about what you have to say. Under no circumstances should you begin your speech with, "I'm
not much of a public speaker, so you'll have to give me a little latitude," or "Unaccustomed as I am
to public speaking...." Chapter 2, "Stage Fright," explores different ways to conquer initial jitters
and harness your natural self-confidence.
6. Enthusiasm. A close friend of mine once gave a speech at a bridge banquet. As a nationally ranked bridge
player, she knew the game inside out and is passionate about it. Yet her speech was lifeless, dull, and tedious.
I was astonished, because she is normally animated on the subject of bridge. Of course, I wasn't planning to say
anything if she didn't ask for an assessment, but ask she did. "Well," I said cautiously, "this
speech lacked your usual enthusiasm." She replied, "That's because I'm not a morning person. It takes
me until noon to really wake up." Her speech had reflected that sluggishness.
Effective speakers have an intensity or involvement that helps them reach out and make contact with their audience.
They possess an enthusiasm about their subject that excites the audience. Even if they're tired, powerful speakers
summon the energy to inspire their audience. They convey their vitality about the subject with their words, gestures,
and body language.
7. Listening skills. Speaking is a two-way process that involves not only making contact with the audience,
but also receiving feedback from them. It's not enough to be a good speaker; you must be a good listener as well.
The broad topic of listening actually falls into three main categories. These skills will be most useful during
question-and-answer sessions or in small group discussions after the speech. They will help you listen and really
hear.
Empathetic listening. The purpose of this type of listening is to provide the person speaking with emotional support
to help him or her come to a decision, solve a problem, or resolve a situation. As a result, this type of listening
focuses more on emotions than on reason or ethics. As an empathetic listener, you can ask questions and critically
analyze the issues. Your intention here is not to make a decision for the person speaking. Rather, it is to support
the person speaking in his or her own independent decision-making process. You do this by providing the person
speaking with the chance to express all of his or her ideas and feelings. For example, if prospective clients ask
about a problem they had with your product, you might want to ask questions to bring certain facts to light. By
supplying these facts, you are giving your version of events as you also allow the clients to express their fears
about future problems with the product. You can allay those fears as you provide emotional support.
Comprehension listening. In this case, the listener gathers as many facts as possible to craft an accurate perception.
This is the type of listening you do when members of an audience offer comments. It's the type of listening you
need when you're first asked to speak so that you make sure you understand the task and the audience. Comprehension
listening demands that you focus on specific details, distinguish between different pieces of information, and
organize the information into a meaningful whole.
Critical listening. Here's where you weigh what has been said to see whether you agree with it. Start the process
with informational listening to make sure that you have all the facts. When you are fairly sure that you understand
the issues, you can then evaluate them and make decisions based on the facts, evidence, and speaker's credibility.
This type of listening is most helpful for public speakers in decision-making and confrontational positions.
Class Act
How can you glean what the "corporate culture" is in order to establish compatibility with the audience?
Ask around to find out the unwritten rules. Listen to stories to find out who the company heroes are and what they
did to earn that respect.
8. Sense of self. This refers to the way that you look at yourself. It's a relatively unchanging set of
labels that describe how you perceive yourself.
What is the source of self-concept? How does it develop? Some social scientists believe that it comes from within;
others believe that it develops from what others think of us. In other words, we use feedback from others to forge
our own identity, matching our interpretation of ourselves with how we perceive others view us. These people weigh
the feedback from different sources, accepting the appraisals from the people they consider most important--parents,
bosses, lovers, husbands, wives--as most meaningful.
Even before they put pen to paper, effective speakers have a clear sense of who they are. They have judged communication
from various sources, sifted through facts and data, and formed their own self-images. This firm sense of self
is communicated to audiences as confidence, power, and self-assurance--and it makes their message all the more
meaningful.
9. Integrity. In The Rhetoric, Aristotle wrote that public speakers need more than an ample vocabulary and
the good taste to pick the right words for the right occasion. They also need more than intelligence, self-control,
and balance. They even need more than being up-to-date on the issues, although all these accomplishments and traits
are useful. Above all else, Aristotle claimed, good public speakers must be good people. If you want a group of
people to accept your ideas, you must be respected and trusted.
People never just listen to a speech; they focus also on the person who is speaking. This fits with what you just
read about forming a strong sense of self. Of course, effective speaking calls for a mastery of basic skills and
techniques. Foremost, however, it requires you to be respected by others and by yourself. You probably already
have integrity; this book will help you master knowledge, self-confidence, and preparation as well.
Pseudo listening occurs when you only go through the motions of listening. You look like you're listening, but
your mind is miles away. Correct this by really focusing on what the speaker is saying.
Self-centered listening occurs when you mentally rehearse your answer while the person is still speaking. This
focuses on your own response rather than on the speaker's words. Correct this fault by letting the other person
finish speaking before you begin to frame your answer.
Selective listening happens when you listen to only those parts of a message that directly concern you. For instance,
during a business meeting you may let your mind drift away until you hear some specific information that is directly
relevant to your concerns. You'll be a more effective communicator if you listen to the entire message.
Encores and Exits
Being able to listen well is an invaluable skill for effective speakers. We all have bad listening habits that
can be overcome with training and practice. This list covers three of the most common bad-listening habits:
10. Sincerity. Effective public speakers believe in what they are saying. They're genuine, not gold-plated.
They make it easy for their audience to believe their message, too.
Why You're Reading This
Having the ability to speak clearly and effectively pays off in every walk of life, from acing job interviews to
working as the president of a successful corporation. The ability to write and deliver a speech also is of enormous
value, partly because there aren't a whole lot of people who can do it with any skill or grace.
There's no doubt that you've seen it over and over yourself: Good speeches with a dash of humor, a touch of class,
and an entertaining approach can be the difference between winning or losing a business deal; between raising a
little money or a lot for your favorite worthy cause; between having your listeners on their feet applauding with
enthusiasm or skulking for the door; and between an audience nodding in understanding or nodding off.
The Least You Need to Know
Everyone feels nervous about speaking in public; it's an inborn physiological reaction. It's what you do with
the fear that counts.
Good public speakers have knowledge, self-confidence, a strong self-image, and integrity. They convey an important
message and prepare thoroughly.
Effective speakers listen closely to what others are saying. They process what they have heard and avoid common
listening faults.
The ability to speak clearly, cogently, and competently in public pays off.
Any idiot can learn to speak in public with confidence (and it will be even easier for you because you're no idiot).
Summary
You're no idiot, of course. You can hold your own in water cooler conversation, are the life of the party at
get-togethers, and have no problem firing a quick comeback at your smart-alecky friends. But when it comes to standing
onstage in front of a group of people, you feel like you're the one in your underwear--not the audience.
Don't hide behind the lectern just yet. The Complete Idiot's Guide� to Public Speaking, Second Edition, helps you
feel confident and build the skills you need to deliver winning speeches and presentation. In this completely revised
and updated Complete Idiot's Guide� you'll find:
--Professional guidance on identifying your audience and adapting to the situation.
--Expert advice on effective wardrobe and body language.
--Useful pointers on how to tell jokes.
--Valuable tips on handling hecklers and negative audiences.
--Cutting edge information on using Powerpoint and other visual aids.
Table of Contents
Part 1 - Clearing Your Throat
Chapter 1 - What Fresh Hell Is This?
You Mean I Have to Get Up and Say Something?
Fright Night
Top Ten Excuses People Use to Avoid Public Speaking
Why We Feel Nervous About Public Speaking
Chapter 2 - Stage Fright
Armchair Diagnosis: Symptoms of Stage Fright
Why You're Afraid
Conquer Your Fear
Physical and Mental Exercises for Releasing Stress
Symptoms and Solutions
Take a Test Run
Use It!
Chapter 3 - All the World's a Stage
Reach Out and Touch Someone
So Why Do This to Yourself?
The Leader of the Pack
Why You're Reading This
Chapter 4 - Do You Hear What I Hear?
First Contact
You're Only Human
Types of Communication
Special Delivery
Chapter 5 - Common Communication Problems
Say What?
Check Mate
Communication Isn't Always Valuable
Communication Can't Solve Everything
More Communication Isn't Always Better
Say What You Mean
Communication Can Be Complex
Part 2 - It's All in the Planning
Chapter 6 - Fun with SPAM
Situation
Purpose
Audience
Method
Chapter 7 - Getting to Know You: Audience Analysis
Why Me?
People Who Need People
Let Me Entertain You
Why Are They Here?
Appearance Doesn't Matter--Or Does It?
Gender Bender
Dumb as Toast?
Spin Doctor
Your Place in the Sun
Location, Location, Location
Pull It Together
Chapter 8 - Types of Speeches
The Three Main Kinds of Public Speaking
A-to-Z Speeches
Chapter 9 - Hear Ye, Hear Ye: Speaking to Inform
Dream Theme
What If You Have Nothing to Say?
Basic Patterns
Hit the Books
Leaving it Unsaid
Chapter 10 - My Way or the Highway: Speaking to Persuade
I've Looked at Life from Both Sides Now
Surfing the Net
Buyer Beware
Taking a Side
Appealing to Logic
Appealing to Emotion
Would You Buy a Used Speech from This Person?
Truth or Consequences
Chapter 11 - The Life of the Party: Speaking to Entertain
Playing the Crowd
Developing a Clear, Central Theme
Doing the Heavy Lifting
Get the Facts!
Share and Share Alike
Making Happy Talk
Part 3 - Writing Your Speech
Chapter 12 - Whose Speech Is It, Anyway?: Speech Style
Words and More Words
Hone the Tone
Avoid Sexist Language, Baby
Go Figure
Throw Out the Rule Book: A Look at Grammar
A Final Word: Be True to Yourself
Chapter 13 - Getting Organized
Time Marches On
Be Sincere, Be Brief, Be Seated
Another Look at Methods of Organization
Be Supportive
Chapter 14 - Time to Outline
What, Me Outline?
How to Know a Good Outline When You See One
Outline Rules
Recipe for a Great Outline
The All-Purpose Outline
Chapter 15 - Start at the Very Beginning, A Very Good Place to Start
Hand-in-Glove: Intro and Speech
Story Time
Asked and Answered
Greetings from the Home Team
You Could Look It Up
The Numbers Game
Sex, Lies, and Videotapes
Laugh In
Chapter 16 - Body Building
Write Away
Tailored to Fit
Cast and Crew
Go with the Flow: Transitions
Getting It on Paper
Chapter 17 - Are We There Yet?: Conclusions, Revisions, and Titles
End Game
Body Shop: Matching the Conclusion to the Speech
Reading and Revising
Crafting a Title
Chapter 18 - Ever Hear the One About...?: Using Humor
Laugh In
What Makes a Good Joke?
Be of Good Cheer
Making Humor Work for You
Jokes That Never Work
Chapter 19 - Taking the Show on the Road: Multicultural Concerns and International Speeches
Vive la Difference
Ways to Get Your Message Across in Any Language
Stroll Through the Cultural Minefield
Lingua Franca
Part 4 - Take It On Home: Tackling Specific Kinds of Speeches
Chapter 20 - Informational Speeches
Insert Tab A into Slot B: Explaining a Process
Working Nine to Five: Job-Training and Teaching Sessions
The Corner Office: Interviews
Interview Preparation Checklist
In the Hot Seat: Giving Testimony
Let's Get Critical
Listen Up: Describe an Object, Person, or Place
Define a Concept
Chapter 21 - Persuasive Speeches
True to Type
Sales Presentations
Dead, But Not Forgotten: Eulogies
Proactive Problem-Solvers
Vote Early and Often
Nominating a Candidate
Chapter 22 - Entertaining Speeches
The Host with the Most: Introducing a Speaker
Making the Grade: Giving a Graduation Speech
Put Your Hands Together For...
The Envelope, Please: Presenting an Award
Award Presentation Checklist
Speaking at Conventions
Happy Birthday to You!
Going to the Chapel: Speaking at Weddings
Cutting the Ribbon: Dedicating an Imposing Edifice
Chapter 23 - Speaking Off-the-Cuff
Been There, Done That
Know Your Stuff
Lost in Space
Uh, Like, Wow: Speak in Complete Sentences
Nowhere to Hide: Question-and-Answer Sessions
When the Well Runs Dry
Practice Makes Perfect
Chapter 24 - Debate and Parliamentary Procedure
Point/Counterpoint
Assume the Position
Doing Hard Time
Me and My Shadow
Debate Format
The Rules
Parliamentary Procedure
Part 5 - Master of Your Domain
Chapter 25 - A Thousand Words: Visual Aids
The Short History of Medicine
Show and Tell Time
A Dollar Late and a Day Short
Use and Abuse
Chapter 26 - Preparing and Using Visual Aids
Audiotapes
Blackboards
Charts and Graphs
Computers
Diagrams
Films
Handouts
Maps
Models
Overhead Projectors
Photographs
Slides
Videotapes
Chapter 27 - Byte Me: Using PowerPoint
Power to the People
Tool Time
Views
Wizards of Ahhs
Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Colors
What's the Object?
Text Time
Chapter 28 - Smashing the Sound Barrier
Read My Lips: Voice
Loud, Louder, Loudest: Volume
Pump Up the Volume: Using a Microphone
Listen Up
Chapter 29 - An Ounce of Prevention: Rehearsing
Why Rehearse?
How to Rehearse
Rehearsing with Others
Preparing Index Cards or a Speech Manuscript
Chapter 30 - Let Me Hear Your Body Talk: Body Language
The Hidden Persuaders
It's Later Than You Think
The Eyes Have It
Finger Play
Platform Movement
Know When to Fold Them
Culture Clash
Chapter 31 - Dress and Grooming
Dress for Success
A Clean Machine
Night Moves
Part 6 - The Moment of Truth
Chapter 32 - Delivery
See and Say
I Should Have Stayed in Bed
I'm Glad You Asked Me That...
Making a Graceful Exit
Chapter 33 - Last Licks
Speaker's Bureaus
End Game
Appendix A - Word Power Glossary
Appendix B - Sample Speeches
Appendix C - Further Readings