By now, you know that you should be complementing your speech with gestures.
But do you know how big these gestures should be?
In this article, you’ll learn to match the size of your gestures to your audience and venue.
Articles in category: Delivery Techniques
Six weeks ago, we were fortunate to share Becky Blanton’s educational and inspirational story titled How to Deliver the Talk of Your Life. This was one of the most popular articles we’ve ever published on Six Minutes.
The focus of her article — her TEDGlobal 2009 talk — is now available on video. Watching it will be the best seven minutes of your day. Click here to watch it.
Does your voice put your audience to sleep? Does it put you to sleep?
Do you find it hard to conveying emotions with your voice?
Are you easy to listen to, or does your voice let you down?
The sixth Toastmasters speech project guides you to harness the power of your own voice. This article of the Toastmasters Speech Series examines the primary goals of this project, provides tips and techniques, and links to numerous sample speeches.
Ed: A few weeks ago, Becky Blanton wrote to me saying: “I used your site to help me prepare for my TEDGlobal 2009 talk! It was a godsend literally. [...] I would love to ‘give back’ by writing about what I learned from other TED talkers and my TED experience.” This is Becky’s educational and inspirational story.
As a speaker, one major milestone you face is your first highly public speech. Most of you won’t have to give that first talk at a TED conference as I did. However, if you do, it helps to remember that the things which make TED talks great can make all talks great.
Is your body dead when you speak, or does your constant motion give your audience headaches?
Does your face signal fear or does it signal excitement for your topic?
Do your hands vibrate, or do they punctuate your words?
The fifth Toastmasters speech project encourages you to make every body movement enhance your speech rather than detract from it. This article of the Toastmasters Speech Series examines the primary goals of this project, provides tips and techniques, and links to numerous sample speeches.
No other two letter word says so much when a speaker says so little.
Except perhaps ah or uh or so.
Are filler words the most sensational speaking sin you can commit? Or do they make you imperfectly human and help you connect with your audience?
The topic has created quite a buzz in public speaking blogs recently, so read on to find out what the experts are saying.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008. History was made.
The immediate impact is tremendous, etched on the faces of millions as they watched the results and listened to the speeches. The longer-term impact has yet to be written.
While we can’t accurately predict the next four years, we can assess the speeches from election night. Both Barack Obama and John McCain received praise for their performances.
Watch the speeches, and then read the analysis from many sources.
Last week, we examined speech critiques of Barack Obama and others at the Democratic Convention 2008.
This week, it was the Republicans’ turn at the microphone with the whole world watching.
One by one, they spoke — John McCain, Sarah Palin, Rudy Giuliani, Joe Lieberman, Fred Thompson, Tom Ridge, and Cindy McCain.
One by one, they were critiqued — by Nick Morgan, John Watkis, Garr Reynolds, Bert Decker, and Denise Graveline.
The 2008 Democratic Convention was an oratory feast.
One by one, they spoke — Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Maya Soetero-Ng, Jesse Jackson Jr., and Ted Kennedy.
One by one, they were critiqued — by Nick Morgan, John Watkis, Bert Decker, Denise Graveline, Terry Gault.
This article is a collection of speech videos and numerous speech critiques from public speaking experts.
Watch, listen, and learn from their strengths and weaknesses. Enjoy!
Republicans? John McCain, Sarah Palin, and the 2008 Republican convention speakers are critiqued here.
When you mask your emotions, you sever all connection with the audience. They might as well be reading your speech from a boring magazine.
Conversely, your connection to the audience is strongest when you effectively transfer your emotion to them.
Are you sharing your emotions? Or are you speaking as if a paper bag hung between you and your audience?
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Speech Critiques
- Majora Carter (TED, 2006)
Energy, Passion, Speaking Rate - Hans Rosling (TED, 2006)
6 Techniques to Present Data - J.A. Gamache (Toastmasters, 2007)
Gestures, Prop, Writing - Steve Jobs (Stanford, 2005)
Figures of speech, rule of three - Al Gore (TED, 2006)
Humor, audience interaction - Dick Hardt (OSCON, 2005)
Lessig Method of Presentation
Recommended Books
- Title
- slide:ology
- Author
- Nancy Duarte
- What is it About
- The book on effective visual presentations from the expert whose design firm created the graphics for Al Gore's Oscar-winning film, An Inconvenient Truth.
- Who Should Read It
- Everyone who wants a classic reference text for presentation design. You'll read this again and again.
- Book Review
- Read the Six Minutes Review of this book
- Title
- Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln: 21 Powerful Secrets of History's Greatest Speakers
- Author
- James Humes
- What is it About
- 21 chapters averaging about 10 pages each. Each chapter introduces one simple speaking technique. Historical and contemporary examples are used throughout.
- Who Should Read It
- Speakers looking to elevate their speechwriting and delivery from good to great.
- Book Review
- Read the Six Minutes Review of this book
- Title
- Presentation Zen
- Author
- Garr Reynolds
- What is it About
- Bestseller which teaches presentation design. Emphasizes designing around the message rather than designing around the slides. Includes numerous full-color examples of slides, both good and bad.
- Who Should Read It
- Every speaker, particularly those who want to break free from the "Death by Powerpoint" mold.
- Book Review
- Read the Six Minutes Review of this book
- Title
- Clear and to The Point: 8 Psychological Principles for Compelling PowerPoint Presentations
- Author
- Stephen Kosslyn
- What is it About
- Well-written book full of practical tips and techniques that can be applied immediately to design your slides more effectively.
- Who Should Read It
- All speakers who want their visuals to complement and reinforce their message.
- Book Review
- Read the Six Minutes Review of this book
- Title
- The Wealthy Speaker: The Proven Formula for Building Your Successful Speaking Business
- Author
- Jane Atkinson
- What is it About
- An insider's view of professional speaking with loads of tips and insights for positioning yourself in the industry.
- Who Should Read It
- Established speakers ready to take the next step professionally and new speakers who are curious about the possibilities.
- Book Review
- Read the Six Minutes Review of this book
- Title
- Better Beginnings: How to Capture Your Audience in 30 Seconds
- Author
- Carmen Taran
- What is it About
- One-of-a-kind! An engaging and thorough treatment for one of the most essential public speaking skills -- how to open your speech.
- Who Should Read It
- Every speaker will benefit from this book, whether you speak with visuals or off the cuff, to investors or children.
- Book Review
- Read the Six Minutes Review of this book
- Title
- Multimedia Learning
- Author
- Richard E. Mayer
- What is it About
- An academic review of cognitive research which provides guidelines for the design of visual presentation aids.
- Who Should Read It
- Teachers, trainers, instructors, and speaking coaches who want to understand the cognitive theory behind modern slide design.
- Book Review
- Read the Six Minutes Review of this book
- Title
- You've Got to Be Believed to Be Heard
- Author
- Bert Decker
- What is it About
- A comprehensive, general-purpose, introductory public speaking guide.
- Who Should Read It
- Any novice or intermediate speaker will benefit greatly by reading this book.
- Book Review
- Read the Six Minutes Review of this book
- Title
- The Story Factor
- Author
- Annette Simmons
- What is it About
- Makes a strong case of the power of storytelling to influence and inspire, in both public speaking and business communications.
Discusses the different types of stories that every speaker must be able to tell. Weaves numerous stories through the book. - Who Should Read It
- (1) Anyone who is not yet convinced how powerful storytelling can be.
(2) Speakers looking to enhance their story repertoire. - Book Review
- Read the Six Minutes Review of this book
- Title
- The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking
- Author
- Dale Carnegie
- What is it About
- Practical and plain public speaking advice. Covers a wide breadth of topics. This book contains the foundation for the Dale Carnegie speaking courses which have been completed by millions of people.
- Who Should Read It
- Novice speakers or anyone whose fear of speaking leads them to believe that they cannot excel as a speaker.
- Book Review
- Read the Six Minutes Review of this book
