‘6 Good Reasons Why Reading Your Speech or Presentation is Not a Very Good Idea’ (Part 2) - 2008-08-24
‘6 Good Reasons Why Reading Your Speech or Presentation is Not a Very Good Idea’ (Part 2)
Have you ever attended a conference or workshop and the presenter reads his PowerPoint presentation to you? How did you feel? Bored? Put out? Did you feel like he was wasting YOUR time? Did you learn anything? If you're a nervous or anxious presenter, you may think reading is a quick and dirty way to get it 'over with'. Trust me, it's not.
Here is part two of our ‘6 Good Reasons Why Reading Your Speech or Presentation is Not a Very Good Idea’.
4. When you're reading, you're not connecting with the audience. Your eyes are down on the paper or up at the screen. Your eyes need to be on your listeners.
5. Most of us are not able to present without notes. Prepare your notes in an outline. This way you can keep your place, not leave out anything important and you'll be able to keep the audience engaged. You'll appear relaxed.
6. A good presentation needs a lot of rehearsal. Rehearsing your speech will give you the confidence necessary to ensure topic knowledge, pronunciation, time management and vocal quality. Reading will not replace rehearsing.
Consider hiring a Business Communication Specialist to help you outline and rehearse your speech. You'll gain confidence and professionalism. Who knows, you may even learn to LIKE public speaking!
Please contact us with your comments or questions about improving your business communication skills or how our accent reduction programs can help you be more successful.
Don Harris, MS, CCC-SLP
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
Business Communication Coach
www.SpeakingSuccessfully.com
