Public Speaking - Be More Conversational

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The best public speaking today is conversational in style. It is like a conversation addressed to more than one listener. The only significant difference between conversation and public speaking is that during a speech there is no exchange of remarks.

In adopting a conversational style in public speaking there are conversation techniques that can be applied to public speaking

Be natural and improve.

When you are in conversation you are being yourself. In adopting this approach your speaking is not forced or false. However, as with conversation there is an opportunity to improve your speaking by observing yourself and noting your strengths and weaknesses.

Brevity

In great conversation it is recommended that you keep your talking brief, i.e. you keep your speaking to the point. In public speaking, you are normally expected to speak for a certain length of time. However, your speech should be like a great book: long enough to get your ideas across and leave your listeners wishing there was a little more. Maintaining eye contact

In conversation it is very important to maintain eye contact with your listeners. Similarly with public speaking you should maintain eye contact with your audience because this will help you gain feedback to gauge whether your listeners can hear you etc. It will also help to draw the audience into your speech and involve them. Added to this you will find the listeners with encouraging expressions.

Speaking as equals

In good public speaking you treat your audience as equals. As in conversation your listeners do not like to be "spoken down to" - it can cause resentment, or to be "spoken up to" - it can come across as phoney.

Make a good first impression.

In conversation you do this with a smile, being polite and friendly. The first impression for your audience will be after you have been introduced and have moved to the podium. It is important that you show good manners by confidently walking to the podium, smiling at the audience and acknowledging the leadership and the audience. Also dress appropriately for the occasion it shows respect to your audience. You are there to communicate with the audience not to show off any possible eccentricities.

Asking questions and active listening

In conversation listening is the most important part of being a good conversationalist and shows that you are interested in what is being said. When delivering your speech you will be doing most of the talking and the audience the listening. However, before your speaking engagement it is advisable to employ active listening and questioning to fully understand the requirements and to determine the audience's interests, so that your speech meets the organisation and the audience's wants.

When you adopt the conversational style of public speaking the speech is the thing. It is not a performance and by focussing on conveying of your ideas and by being yourself this approach can lessen the anxiety that accompanies public speaking.