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<\/a>Toastmasters is such a popular organisation around the world. I have gathered some tips from both Toastmaster publications and members from the club I attend along with my experience in the classroom to help you out.<\/p>\nPeople join Toastmasters at all ages. They also come from all walks of life and for different reasons. Basically we are all \u201clife long learners\u201d \u2013 whether you are giving a speech at a wedding, managing a meeting at work or presenting your research at school or university there are many common elements of an effective and engaging presentation. For some it is overcoming Glossophobia \u2013 a fear of public speaking. For some they aren\u2019t afraid of it \u2013 they just want to keep getting better at it!
\nHere are some tips on what to do and what to avoid:<\/p>\n
Do<\/strong>:<\/p>\n ✔ Have a good structure:<\/strong><\/p>\n A strong introduction that outlines say three things you will cover. The audience\u00a0can follow that and when you recap in the conclusion they feel like they have\u00a0heard\u00a0 the complete package.<\/p>\n ✔ Make it memorable and real.<\/strong><\/p>\n How can you do this \u2013 especially with a science focus? Turn it into a story that\u00a0 makes it personal.<\/p>\n ✔ Make it enjoyable for you and them!<\/strong><\/p>\n ✔ Include humour, anecdotes, body language, and props. \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n This engages your audience and helps them remember it.<\/p>\n ✔ Give your listeners some useful information they can take away with them<\/strong><\/p>\n ✔ Be enthusiastic without waffling. Be clear, concise and brief.<\/strong><\/p>\n ✔ Look at your audience \u2013 make eye contact!<\/strong><\/p>\n Avoid<\/strong>:<\/p>\n X\u00a0 \u00a0Having detailed notes<\/strong><\/p>\n You will get lost and start \u201cumming\u201d and \u201caaahing\u201d.<\/p>\n X\u00a0 \u00a0Reading a script or reading off a PowerPoint word for word<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u00a0If you have simple ideas and pictures on a PowerPoint (if you have one) or on\u00a0a\u00a0 card they should act as a prompt. If you read it tends to be monotonal and not engaging for the audience. The more you practice the more familiar you\u00a0get\u00a0 with the content.<\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0X\u00a0 \u00a0Using fillers such as \u201cum\u201d, \u201cah\u201d, \u201cer\u201d, \u201cyou know\u201d, \u201cand\u201d, \u201cbut\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n Practice your speech in front of someone and just get them to tally up how\u00a0 often\u00a0you use these terms. Using these terms devalues the rest of what you\u00a0really\u00a0want\u00a0 the audience to hear. Just pause. Relax, take a calm breath. Slow\u00a0down. It\u00a0is so\u00a0 powerful!<\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 X\u00a0 Clasping your hands. <\/strong><\/p>\n What do you do with your hands? Get someone to observe your practice and\u00a0notice\u00a0 this and give you feedback. What could you do instead?\u00a0 Having your hands\u00a0 by your side is a more open gesture.<\/p>\n Toastmasters have a great range of resources. Here is one<\/a> on better speaking that has been republished many times over the years and while you are there check out being a better listener and more!<\/p>\n Past blogs that you might find useful about different aspects of presenting are:<\/p>\n Engaging the audience\u00a0 <\/em> Once upon a time<\/em> Welcome everybody! \u2013 Some musings on introductions:<\/em> Eureka Trust Science Speech Competition resource links TED’s secret to great public speaking<\/em> Graphic source: www.acc.ligfl.ru<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Most people find it daunting to make a presentation and speak in public. This is why Toastmasters is such a popular organisation around the world. I have gathered some tips from both Toastmaster publications and members from the club I … Continue reading
\nhttps:\/\/blogs.otago.ac.nz\/ouassa\/2018\/05\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\nhttps:\/\/blogs.otago.ac.nz\/ouassa\/2017\/03\/27\/once-upon-a-time\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\nhttps:\/\/blogs.otago.ac.nz\/ouassa\/2017\/04\/21\/welcome-everybody-some-musings-on-introductions\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\nhttps:\/\/www.eureka.org.nz\/presentation-skills<\/a><\/p>\n
\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-FOCpMAww28<\/a><\/p>\n