What Is Public Speaking?

"nothing more than having a conversation about something you're passionate about with two or more people, while you just happen to be standing up, or not," public speaking coach Richard Greene

I like that...from a great article on Knowledge @Wharton. I also love their piece about talking with the receptionist.

Comments

• Anonymous
  October 22, 2007
  Perfect. The moment you begin to speak AT your audience instead of conversing with them, you have lost them. What I've found that can help in having a conversational style, is to actually have conversations with individuals in the audience during the talk. Pick someone out and make eye contact. Say a few sentences, until you get a reaction. It could be as simple as a nod. Then move on to someone else. This also helps make it easier to spot whether people aren't getting something. If you see a quizzical look, reiterate whatever it is that you said, or discreetly check your zipper or check for boogers, until the look leaves their face.

• Anonymous
  October 23, 2007
  The comment has been removed

• Anonymous
  October 24, 2007
  After 30 years of speaking to a wide variety of audiences, I've found the more comfortable I am with who I am, the more ease I have in front of a group. People forget that their greatest competitive advantage--and what makes them genuinely interesting when they get up to speak--is their uniqueness as individuals.

• Anonymous
  October 24, 2007
  couldn't agree more Joe. being yourelf is often more than half of the job!

• Anonymous
  October 25, 2007
  The comment has been removed

• Anonymous
  October 25, 2007
  thanks for the feedback - very kind!