Public Speaking

Public speaking is an opportunity to reach a group of people at one time, to educate them and recruit volunteers.

Principles of Public Speaking

• Create an outline.
• Convey the campaign by describing the problem to be taken.
• Convey a sense of excitement.
• Describe a set of ways to get involved.
• Assume your audience had never heard of you or your campaign.

Tips for Public Speaking

• Have a presentation written out ahead of time and know it well.
• Rehearse your speech. Practice role-playing with your group taking the part of hostile questioners.
• Set up beforehand.
• Use visuals as much as you can.
• Always circulate a sign-up sheet.
• If nervous before your speech, move around a little. If you can't move around reach down and pull up on the bottom of the chair with both hands.
• Start your speech by telling the audience that you are not used to public speaking and are nervous. This will create a rapport with the audience because 90% of them have the same problem.
• Urinate before and at breaks. It is disturbing to get up in the middle of the meeting to go to the bathroom.
• During breaks and after the meeting talk to the opposition. Often one can find out more about a person's positions during a break than in several days of meeting.
• Insist on formal minutes at every meeting, signed by both parties.

Qualities to Project

• Sincerity. Avoid subjects on which you do not have deep convictions. Base your opinions on careful study.
• Fairness. Acknowledge opposing arguments. One aspect of fairness is accuracy.
• Likable image. A person displaying warmth, friendliness and good humor has a distinct advantage in all speaking situations.
• Dynamic quality. The listener should see the speaker as a person of action, someone who gets things done.
• Expertise. The surest way of proving your expertise is to be well prepared.
• Respect your audience. Avoid rudeness or contempt for people. Do not talk down to your audience.
• Professionalism. Dress appropriately and conduct yourself with discretion and avoid negative comments.
• Be prompt. Arrive at meetings early to size up the space and possibly rearrange chairs.