One of the ways that you can become a more effective leader is by being able to speak in public, and give a speech. Obviously, for those of us in Christian situations, we are thinking mainly of the sermon, but in business and other places there are times for speeches, for presentations and so on.
Even if you are not a preacher, being able to speak in public can help you if you are ever called or required to speak in front of a large group of people. This post is only going to give you some simple help, but it will help you.
- Prepare Well. Don’t be moved by expert travelling ministers who are preaching a message that they have easily preached over fifty times before who get up with no notes. You need to prepare. It is essential. You need to learn what you are talking about, go through your notes, think about how you are going to say it, practise. Practise with a few friends, or your spouse.
- Be Authentic. You are a unique individual. Think about the Tree of Life preachers, there are so many different personalities. Be you. You don’t have to sound like me or Richard or Lee or Patience, just be you.
- Be Confident. If you are up the front speaking, someone believes in you. You are not there by accident. People want to hear you. Make sure someone there is encouraging.
- Don’t talk too fast. That’s a sign of nervousness and it makes you seem unconfident.
- Don’t talk too slow. That’s a sign of nervousness and it makes you seem unconfident.
- Make eye contact. Look up from your notes, look around the room, and make eye contact with people. Look at them.
- Do your best. You cannot do more!
BONUS TIP: have some passion. Really care about what you are talking about and the people you are talking to will care too.
Inspiring and Challenging Dreamers 