Are you a great public speaker?

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 20:51:45 -0400

Another key to being a successful leader is to have the ability to be a great public speaker. So you agree? What tips so you have for someone who has challenges with speaking in front of large groups of people.

http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/professors-guide/2010/02/24/15-strategies-for-giving-oral-presentations

15 Strategies for Giving Oral Presentations

Most college students will need to bolster their public speaking skills at some point.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 9:28 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 21:28:18 -0400

No. I'm okay, but my crutch is extra notes on ppts and ensuring I think about the questions that I would ask and the info that I would want. I try to prepare myself from the viewer's angle. Funny you should ask, though. I have to take a public speaking class next month.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 12:38 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 00:38:23 -0400

I whole-heartedly agree that a SM's ability to perform well as a Public Speaker will enhance their career / opportunities. I have heard some leaders with great public speaking skills, as well as those who need work. However, I believe EVERYONE is trainable. I coach public speaking and debate for high school students. You would be surprised how common is it to see someone who is shy, lacks confidence, etc. become one of the best presenters at the end of the year.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 12:39 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 00:39:01 -0400

I'm not a great public speaker, but I think I'm decent thanks to Toastmasters. I was in it 25 years ago and just returned to it. It did wonders for me. It turned fear of public speaking into joy The clubs are very supportive and generate fellowship as well as improve your communication and leadership skills. There are many clubs on military bases as well as quite a few in town. My tip is to recommend that all military people join a Toastmasters Club.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 12:42 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 00:42:44 -0400

Be prepared, rehearse and know your audience. I do it for a living as an attorney. Being prepared is the key to being confident.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 1:23 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 01:23:12 -0400

Google Toastmasters International. Upper right hand corner. Hit FIND A CLUB; go to left side and hit your area. If, according to your profile, you are still at Detroit Arsenal, there is a Club right there: Tankmasters Club. There are also 2 others in Warren alone and many in the Detroit metro area. They always welcome new people. Check it out!

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Jun 3 at 2016 9:51 AM

1SG Brian Adams — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 09:51:24 -0400

Be well prepared, look left, center, right. Do not read from a script. Use the script as a guide only. Know the audience you are addressing. As many public speeches that I had given, I always had some butterfly's. That's normal and a good thing.! Open up with a ho- hum crasher, like a soft joke or current event. This will relax yourself, and set the tone for the audience. If using powerpoint, do not read the slides...they are just a guide.