I recently saw Colin James present at the National Speakers Association of Australia’s (NSAA) Queensland Chapter meeting which was an experience that I will remember. He is polished, smooth, entertaining as well as a great teacher. I learnt several key points to help me improve my speaking ability.
He focussed on methodology as being the most important thing for a speaker to get right. It’s not about the content even though we often think so. Once we’ve got the methodology right it’s as easy as applying, practicing and improving it each and everytime we speak.
The methodology I’ve found easy to use for constructing a speech was learnt from Margot Halbert who I met at the recent NSAA convention in Sydney. She talks about structuring a speech to highlight the following:
- What you’re going to talk about
- Why you’re talking about it now
- How this will benefit the listener
- The outcome of the presentation.
Following this methodology has greatly helped me improve the way I present to audiences. It would help any aspiring speaker to develop connection with the audience and help them develop the rapport and empathy they need to be a resounding success on the platform.
Tags: methodology, Presentation skills
