######################################################## Simply Speaking...Selling Yourself & Your Ideas E-Zine Volume 5, No 6, June, 2002 Published by Lenny Laskowski Copyright LJL Seminars(tm), 2002 All RIghts Reserved ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LJL Seminars (tm) 106 School House Road Newington, CT. 06111-4002 United States Of America (860) 666-4855 or Toll Free 1-800-606-4855 Fax: (305) 489-6481 Web page: ############################################################## ******************** JUST RELEASED !!! ********************** Lenny's new book, "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking" is now available as an Audiobook. You can be one of the first to order. Take the link below: I have also provided an audio sample as well to listen to at the link above. Also, Amazon.com now offers a downloadable audio file of this book as well. ************************************************************** In this issue: 1. Remembering What You Have to Say - Part II 2. Simply Speaking Discussion Board 3. How to subscribe / unsubscribe ######################################################## 1. Remembering What You Have to Say - Part II from, "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking" (Chapter 4 - pages 75 - 79) Copyright, 2001 Philip Lief Group Inc & Lenny Laskowski -------------------------------------------------------- In my last issue of Simply Speaking I discussed the first two common methods of remembering material; memorizing and reading from complete text. In this issue I will be discussing the second two methods; using notes and using visual aids. Using Notes Notes capture the major sections and main points of each section. I recommend using either note or index cards. This is the most common way to remember speech material. Using notes has more advantages than reading because you use your normal voice inflection and make more effective eye contact with your audience. Here are suggestions to consider if you decide to use notes. * Keep it brief. - Don't write out whole paragraphs of text. Put only a few key words or phrases on each card, just enough to jog your memory. Also put only one or two ideas on each card, and print large and neatly so your notes are easy to read. * Remember to number your note cards! - Just in case you drop them. * Include quotes, statistics, and lists. - Don't include whole paragraphs of text. * Leave your notes on the lectern or table as you're speaking and move away occasionally. - Don't be afraid to move away from your notes and get out of your comfort zone. Too many speakers use the lectern to hide behind, and this restricts the use of your body. If the notes are in your hand, you won't gesture as often. * Practice using your note cards. - Practice helps you analyze your note cards. For example, if you find yourself reading from your note cards too much, reduce the amount of written text on your cards. * Use pictures and maps. - You don't have to use just words on your note cards. Pictures and maps help you visualize the key points of your speech. In some cases it's best to draw a sketch or diagram on your note cards. Sometimes a simple drawing is all you need to jog your memory. Also use mental picture to tell a story in your mind. This takes creativity, but it's worth the effort. For example, picture in your mind the events as they unfold. As you relive the story, whether it's true or fictional, it's easier to visualize your speech as a story rather than a group of words written in a certain order. Using Visual Aids Simple visual aids effectively serve as headings or subheadings on your topic and allow your audience to visually see what you are discussing. Create meaningful headings, and practice using only these headings as your cues. This takes time to master, but practicing helps you internalize your speech. For example, one visual aid might read, "How to structure a presentation." Then you can speak extemporaneously from what you know. If you have properly prepared your speech, you can speak in a conversational manner. When I give a presentation, I use visual aids. Here is an example of a visual aid I use when giving a seminar entitled, "How to Overcome Speaking Anxiety in Meetings and Presentations." (NOTE: For conciseness, I have combined information I usually would place on several slides) * Symptoms of Speaking Anxiety - Dry mouth - Sweaty palms - trembling hands * Mental Techniques to Reduce Speaking Anxiety - Prepare and rehearse - Use positive self-talk - Be natural, but enthusiastic * Physical Techniques to Reduce Speaking Anxiety - Take a brisk walk before you speak - Use deep breathing exercises - Don't sit with your legs crossed. Choosing the right visual aid for you presentation is as important as its design. Following are tips to consider when using visual aids and notes: * Use the KISS method. - This is an acronym for "Keep it short and simple." Use no more than one idea per visual aid. Use no more than six or seven lines per visual aid and no more than six or seven words per line. * Use descriptive titles. - The title of each visual aid should be a simple summary of what is on the visual aid. A clear title helps grab the attention of the audience and helps you and the audience remember your main message for that particular visual aid. * Use the same design for each of your visual aids. - Use the same color, text size, and font type. The idea is to be visually and stylistically consistent. * Make copies of your handouts. - Make sure you bring enough for everyone, and always have extras. I recommend keeping a copy of your handouts for two reasons. FIrst, you have a copy to refer to during your presentation. Also, if you are using an overhead projector and it breaks or the bulb burns out and you don't have a replacement or time to change to bulb, you can refer to your handouts without stopping the flow of your speech. In addition, I keep an original copy of my handouts, one without notations written on them, in case I need to make any last minute copies for workshop participants. * Proofread your visual aids. - Proofread for typos and grammatical errors. Then proof again. Then have someone else proofread them. It is amazing how you can review your own visual aids and skip right over the same misspelled word each time. Having others proofread your slides helps you find other mistakes. Don't assume that the spell checker on your word processor will catch all the errors. For example, if you type, "cat" when you meant "chat," your spell checker won't catch that error since "cat" is a word. Keep in mind, your visual aids are not limited to words. They can also contain diagrams, drawings, pictures, or even objects. Regardless of the method you choose for remembering material, nothing helps you more than proper planning, preparation, and practice. Next issue: In my July, 2002 Issue I will be discussing how the setting of your speech affects your delivery.. Until next month! ------------------------------------------------------------------ Can't wait for the next issue of Simply Speaking? Why not purchase a copy of my new book, "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking". Click on the link below: My new book is now available as an Audiobook. Click on the link below: Also, Amazon.com now offers a downloadable audio file of this book as well. ######################################################## 2. Our Simply Speaking Discussion Board !!! ######################################################## Do you have some public speaking questions or questions dealing with presentation skills? Ask me directly and I will provide you with some sound advice and some immediate solutions using my on-line discussion board. Below is the direct link to our new discussion board. ######################################################## 3. How to subscribe / unsubscribe ######################################################## To subscribe to Simply Speaking visit http://www.ljlseminars.com or use the following links below: Subscribe Address: Unsubscribe Address: You may also send subscription requests to: and we will help you. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LJL Seminars (tm) 106 School House Road Newington, CT. 06111-4002 1-860-606-4855 In Continental US call Toll Free: 1-800-606-4855 Until next issue! - Lenny Laskowski :-)