Public Speaking: One-Liners

One-liner is a general term for very short pieces of humor. Using one-liners is probably the best and easiest way to begin adding humor to your public speaking engagements. These brief bits of humor are quick and easy to deliver and they don't have to be all that funny to be effective. If you are a little apprehensive about using humor, this is the place to start.

Public Speaking: Places are Funny

Some places are simply funnier than others. Cleveland is funny. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is funny. I live just off Goodluck Road. That's funny. My computer consultant used to live on Easy Street in Temple Hills, Maryland. That's funny. It was hard to find him because people were always stealing the sign, and it's not easy to steal an Easy Street sign.

Public Speaking: Self-Effacing Humor

Self-effacing humor, or making fun of yourself is quite a contrast. It is a very powerful form of humor that gets its strength from highlighting your weaknesses. It seems that people who have the ability to laugh at themselves in just the right amount during a public speaking engagement are perceived as secure, confident, strong, and likeable.

Public Speaking: On Stage Tips

* The larger the crowd, the larger and slower the gestures...

Tie One On (for men only)

I got this tip many years ago from speaker Paul Radde. After shooting one of my first major videos, I noticed that my tie was crooked for most of the video. It looked bad in person, but it looked TERRIBLE on video...

Public Speaking: Learn Public Speaking Material Easily Using Bits (AKA Chunks or Series)

A bit is a section of public speaking material that is so related that it makes it easy for you to memorize. Each point flows naturally from one to the next so you can deliver the information without notes (if you know your material). Until I learned about bits, I never thought I could be that great at speaking because I'm not great at memorizing long talks. I discovered that no one memorizes long talks. They have a mental or written outline consisting of...

Public Speaking: 20 Questions to Ask BEFORE Hiring a Speaker

1. Is the speaker's topic right for my audience? 2. Does the speaker have verifiable references? 3. Does the speaker have audio and/or video demonstration materials? These materials should show you what the speaker is like in front of an audience. Caution: Don't get hung up on the...

Public Speaking: Room Setup Makes a Big Difference

The arrangement of chairs, the sound system, the lighting and the overall climate of the room can make a big difference in the way a public speaking engagement is received. You may not think you have much control over these items, but think again, because you do.

Public Speaking: Storytelling DON'Ts

When setting up a story: Don't say the words funny, reminds me of, or story. These words are so overused they alert the audience that a story is coming. This causes audience members to resist your...

Public Speaking: Specific Objectives

Make sure you find out exactly what you are supposed to accomplish when you are asked to do a public speaking engagement. It is best to have it in writing.

Public Speaking: Glossary K - O

Keynote: The main speech at a meeting delivered to all attendees in a general session. Originally the main point of a speech. Lavaliere: A corded or cordless microphone worn around the neck or attached to a piece of clothing. See Hands free microphone. Lectern: A stand with a sloping top from which a speaker delivers his or her program. Sometimes incorrectly called a ...

Public Speaking: Glossary P - T

PA: Abbreviation for public address system. Panel: A group of presenters, normally seated, that hold a discussion on a particular subject. Audience members are invited to pose questions to individual presenters or to the group as a whole. Parody: A humorous imitation of a serious piece of literature or ...

The Secret of Persuasive Presentations - It's In The Voice!

In making a presentation, speaking isn't enough. You need to be able to be heard AND understood. And you need to be persuasive. Learn about the 4 Ps for persuasive presentations.

How to Overcome Shyness and Be All that You Want to Be

Shyness and social anxiety can prevent people from being all they want to be. This article will show you methods you can practice to manage your shyness and take on public speaking.