Qualities of a Successful Speaker * Enthusiastic * Natural * Comfortable with their audience, their topic and themselves * A spontaneous relaxed style draws listeners while an unenthusiastic or tense style drives them away
“Nervous speakers make people nervous”
How does a person overcome the fear of speaking before a group?
Speaking at ease requires feeling at ease. * Preparation (not to be confused with memorization of speeches) * Good presentations entail plenty of hard work and practice. * A sincere desire and interest to share a subject with the group
- “Shift as quickly as you can, from self-consciousness. Put yourself in their shoes. It’s the best way to beat nervousness.” * Experience * Those who are new in public speaking should know that overcoming nervousness takes time and practice. * With practice, guides discover that they need less time to prepare for each tour that they enjoy tours rather than fear them. In time, most guides gain confidence, overcome nervousness and become more relaxed, spontaneous and effective as speakers.
Body Language
The body is an effective communicator with a language of its own.
- has a greater force than the spoken word
Postures
Movement
Gestures
Eye Contact
Dress
* When a speaker sends mixed messages, listeners will believe what they see rather than what they hear.
Posture
Posture shows much about a person’s self-esteem, health and level of interest in his surroundings. * Tense, stiff posture is as unappealing as a slouched posture * The ideal posture is erect but relaxed * People with poor posture must always remind themselves in order to improve it * The advantages of good posture include more efficient breathing, better health and appearance, increased energy and a stronger, clearer voice.
Body Movement and Gestures
Gestures such as the