To be a writer, you write, right? If only. To be a writer, you not only write (and isn’t that a loaded word?), you must network (via the internet and in person), and you must promote, via public speaking. Suddenly, the shy, reticent wordsmith has to get out there and talk in front of strangers. Gulp. Help!
So I’m taking a six week course on public speaking. We meet once a week and together we experiment with voice. Not the writing voice, but the speaking voice. It’s been a lot of nerve-wracking fun.
Some points to share when speaking in front of your peers:
About you:
* speak slowly and practice timing yourself
* don’t fiddle with your pen, your hair, your glasses, etc.
* look people in the eye – they’re interested, they want you to succeed
About your speech:
* open with an attention getting statement or visual
* less is more, don’t overwhelm with information
* conclude on a strong, unapologetic note, summing up what you’ve just told them
Oh, and don’t thank the listeners. They’ll be applauding you for giving such a wonderful and inspiring talk.
Of course, speaking to kids is a slightly different ball game. No doubt they’ll be more honest, perhaps more critical, and not necessarily as interested: all the more reason to practice being an engaging, dynamic speaker.
So I highly recommend finding a local group where you can have some fun finding your voice. Check our www.toastmasters.org for more information or, like I did, your community extended-education program.
Let me introduce our next speaker, debut novelist … Hey! That’s us!
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