I remotely manage a national network of volunteers. I am currently creating welcome/training packs for each volunteer role (one of which is Public Speaker), and am struggling to find any top tips for public speakers, or useful exercises volunteers can do to improve their public speaking skills.
The volunteers will be representing a national money education charity which focusses on preventing debt through education and training. They will be speaking mainly to churches, but will branch into schools and colleges and community groups. All help very gratefully received.
Louisa Hare
4 Responses
you could ask them to publish their own top tips
If you have experienced speakers already on board you could ask each for their “top 5 tips” and then publish these as being from the people for the people.
From my own experience I would suggest:-
1.Get in amongst your audience
2. Ask them questions rather than telling them facts
3. Get them to close their eyes in order to imagine a scenario (being horrifically in debt, say)
4. Utilise visual aids appropriately and only for the benefit of the audience
5. Keep it as short as you can
On Line Resources
I’ve found that Patrica Fripps online resource for great speaking is pretty good, as are Antion& Associates as is Greg Smith.
All of them offer free sign up with regular tips posted etc. – yes, some of them are a bit “American” for ease of use in our slightly more formal culture but nonetheless all of the above are pretty good and most importantly free.
Online Presentation Skills
In my organisation we use NETg at http://www.netg.co.uk. Yes American but good. Frankly though I feel this is one time when eLearning is not appropriate as there is no chance to practice in front of a friendly audience.
Speakers Studio
Dear Louisa
Although someone said that public speaking is not something that is naturally suited to online learning, after a recent experience, I have to disagree.
Check out a company called The Speaker’s Studio, their website is http://www.speakersstudio.co.uk. I know they are piloting a new approach to developing presentation and public speaking skills. There may even be some free help available.
Well worth a look and I imagine, a perfect solution for a remote workforce with occasional but important presentations.
Sheona Nicoll