Some speakers speak with great wisdom and when they speak everything they do looks seamless. The truth is that they work on their piece all the time. These are some work you need to do:
- Attend seminars and read books on public speaking.
- Listen to audio materials/podcasts.
- Determine your style and stay consistent in it. Do not allow your style to replace your personality.
- Be authentic and be real. Do not be overly-dramatic.
- Read. Read. Read.
- Get a mentor
Personal story. When I was speaking and I was nervous, I would put my hands in my pants pocket and play with my car keys. The Ilocana would afterwards say, "Sweetheart, you may want to stop doing that because from the stage afar, it looks awkward!" I laughed so hard but I benefited from her correction.
As you do public speaking, make sure you carry a positive attitude when you are corrected. Those who find it hard to succeed are those who hate their friends or loved ones even when they tell them something for their own good. Is this a valid observation?
One day a tourist in New York asked a New Yorker: "How do I get to Carnegie Hall?" The New Yorker looked at him and said: "Practice…practice…practice…. But practice alone won’t get you to where you want to go. They say that “Practice makes perfect.” This may not be true. Practice does not make perfect…it makes permanent. It is the right practice of the right thing that would lead to the right results! Later on I will provide some solid steps on how to prepare correctly. Remember: Practice does not make perfect. Practice makes permanent.
My very first "official" public speaking started with only 6 people listening. I was trembling with fear. I "over-studied" and "over-prepared." During the 30 minute talk they were quiet and intensely listening. After which they encouraged me and told me they learned so much. There was a strange feeling that overcame me. From that time on I discovered my calling. I couldn't wait to study more so I can share what I learn to others. Lesson: Encouragement from the audience makes a major difference in the life of speakers and presenters.
I know of a Filipino pastor who speaks with very poor grammar and poor sentence constructions but he knew his weaknesses and he worked on it. The heart was right, the content was deep, the humour was there and he connected with his audience. Today his grammar and his sentence construction have greatly improved. I have also heard others who were impecabble with their speeches but could not connect with the audience. Have you observed this? Be confident but always seek out to improve.
We have been insulted, laughed at and made to feel ridiculous every time we erred in grammar. I have news for you. Even Americans err in English grammar so what's the big deal? The more you speak, the more you will improve on it. So do not let grammar get into the way of developing your potential for speaking. You need to improve on your grammar but having perfect grammmar is not the only key to good communication skills. There are many other variables which we will touch on later. Content and delivery are just two as there will be more I will share.
