Four keys to great public speaking

I can't count the number of times I have been asked, "What are your top four keys to great public speaking?" That is unless you count zero as a number. :)
Here they are in no particular order:

1. Structure
   You hear this all the time and yet some people still refuse to follow it: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. Your Introduction should clearly state what your speech is going to be about. Your Body should clearly state what your speech is about. Your Conclusion should clearly state what your speech was about. Get it? Future, Present, Past. Your audience is expecting this, so give it to them because without an audience you're just talking to yourself.


2. Visuals - Show don't tell
   Images stay longer in our memories than words. Try to evoke as many images as possible to illustrate your points. Action verbs are much better illustrators than adjectives. Try this exercise after you've written out your speech: take a highlighter and mark every passive verb (especially "be" verbs: is, are, was, were, be, been, etc.) then go back through and see if you can re-work each sentence to increase the action and eliminate the passive verbs. If you're not sure, ask yourself who or what is doing the action and who or what is the beneficiary of the action.


3. Vocal chords
   Some of the things that can dry out your vocal chords and/or make it difficult to speak (and therefore should be avoided, at least before speaking): tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, some medications, toothpaste, and mouthwash. I am not saying you shouldn't have minty fresh breath, just try not to wait until right before your speech to practice good oral hygiene. Also make sure to bring a bottle of water at room temperature. I know you like your water cold, but you want to warm up your vocal chords, not cool them down. It is important to carry your own water because you cannot guarantee it will be available when you speak (see Preparation.) I was speaking to a group of 5th graders once when I was hit by a severe case of cotton mouth brought on by a prescription medication. I had to put the entire presentation on hold for several minutes while we located some water so I could continue. You probably can guess how hard it was to regain the attention of those children once I was ready to continue.


4. Preparation
   Rehearse your speech several times. If you have a video camera, record yourself. Get a spouse, parent, friend, cat, whatever - to watch. Practice in front of a mirror if you have to. Do whatever it takes so that the least of your worries is what you are going to say. Then make sure to arrive extra early before your audience. If you are using any electronics or other special equipment, test them out. Check the room lights and the seating arrangements. As Sun Tzu said, "The victorious warrior wins first and then goes into battle." If you prepare well you will have a successful speech before you even speak your first word.

Obviously this is the tip of the iceberg. For more thorough direction there are three options I recommend:

• Toastmasters International is a respected organization with a long history. This is the best training you can get for relatively little money. You can visit local area clubs for free to see what they are about before you join. If you are in the Chicago area check out my club. Otherwise find a local club in your area.
• If you are looking for a faster solution, I am available for one on one coaching. You can email me to work out the details. Chicago based coaching is preferred, though we may be able to make arrangements in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or St. Louis.
• For the least expensive option, self study, check out the Instant Speaking Success program.