Becoming an Effective Public Speaker

Dear Carnegie Coach:

I need to give an important presentation in a couple of weeks. I don’t have much public speaking experience and just thinking of speaking in front of a group people makes my stomach turn upside down. What are some techniques that could help me overcome this fear? I don’t know where to begin.

- Linda

Dear Linda:

Even the greatest public speakers get nervous before giving important speeches. Some planning, along with applying proven techniques, will help you present like a pro. Follow the below steps and you will be on your way to deliver your message effectively.

1) Outline main points. Organize your thoughts in the form of an outline. Knowing when to say certain things will help you make good transitions and avoid repetitions.
2) Know the topic well. When you understand what you are talking about, you deliver the message better. This way if you forget what you meant to say, you can always improvise.
3) Don’t memorize the speech word for word. A memorized speech may sound stiff. To remember what you need to say, break the whole speech into sections and write the main points on index cards.
4) Practice. Before the actual presentation, practice with a friend, in front of a mirror, or even film yourself. Practicing in your head is different than saying the words out loud. When you practice you can make changes to the presentation until you feel comfortable and confident with what you are saying.
5) Make eye contact. When you make eye contact the audience will feel engaged in your speech. If looking at the audience makes you nervous, pick out objects above the audience’s heads and glance at them occasionally. The audience will not know the difference and they will feel involved in your presentation.

Effective Listening Skills

Dear Carnegie Coach:
I’ve been a manager in a very high stress job. Some days I find myself in my office all day stuck under a pile of work. Most of my employees don’t see me very much and this has lead to some discontent within my office. What can I do to better stay in touch with my employees?
-Daren

Dear Daren:
Open your door and listen. Employees need to feel like you value what they have to say, by listening you can raise morale and energize your workforce. Here are a few tips on how to become an active listener.

1. Look at the other person- Eye contact is very important, it let’s the other person know that you are listening and have an interest in what they have to say.
2. Ask questions- By asking questions you can not only better understand what the persons saying but you are engaging them.
3. Don’t change the subject- You should not be the one leading the conversation. Listen and let the other person lead, let the person stay on the topic.
4. Express emotion with control – emotion is a form of non verbal feedback. A smile or a frown lets the person know that you understand what they are saying.
5. Action – If a question or concern is left unanswered, show that you will follow up, take action and return back with a response.

"I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow." -Woodrow Wilson

Dale Carnegie

“It isn't what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.” -Dale Carnegie

Be an Effective Leader.

What are some things that separate an effective leader from an ineffective leader?

An effective leader...
1. Leads through cooperation rather than authority.
2. Motivates by enthusiasm rather than fear.
3. Encourages creativity rather than ordering tasks.
4. Delegates rather than controls.

How to think more creatively .

The human brain consists of two sides, creative thinking and analytical thinking, strengthen your creative side by doing the following:
1)Create a list- come up with ideas and record them
2)Defer judgment- present ideas without prejudice so you think without restrictions.
3)Strive for quantity- the more ideas, the better!
4)Stimulate hitch hiking- Encourage others to add on your ideas to help it grow and expand.