Public speaking- time to get help!

[bats-n-trees]

Hi Tony,

There is lots of good advice already.Can I just add a couple from my experiences. I go back to the era of slides.One thing I quickly learned. Never let your equipment out of your site,someone will mess with it without you knowing and then you will be there ,come the presentation,alone in a nightmare scenario !!!!!!

 

Of course things have moved on since those days.Today your Powerpoint Presentation will be on a memory stick. Make sure you take a spare copy that you have DOUBLE checked and keep it in you pocket.Personally I prefer to take my own projector/screen etc because then you know how long it takes to change images/how the remote works etc. You will be nervous whatever so working with kit you are familiar with makes life much easier.You can hire the kit if funding is an issue.

 

Get to the venue early and get set up. Check the lighting, have a brief run through.Know how everything works.

 

As for the performance-because that is what it is.TAKE YOUR TIME. Everyone that is nervous will do one of two things in the early days They will dry on stage and become like the rabbit in the headlights or they will speak so fast as to be pretty much unintelligable.

 

I always prepare some cards-postcard size with keywords as an aide memoir for each slide.Don't have a set script .it will be an immediate turnoff.Bring some humour in from time to time and try and get some topical quips in.IF you know some of the people you regard as "anti" your point of view are in the audience well give them an honourable mention. They are less likely to shoot you down if you have given them recognition.

aknowledgement/credence

 

I note in some of your posting you end by saying "I will win because I speak the truth "

I know having spent some time with you that you are a really nice guy who cares passionately about the industry and the role of fungi.But this is a very inflammatory statement and does not endear you to someone with a different point of view.

 

Just remember the problems encountered by the opponents to the Flat Earth Society and you will see where I am heading.

 

Even though you are certain that your radical conclusions (to others ) are absolute give the learned ones room to manouvre.Try to engage them in dialogue.After all if you have really strong evidence to support your claims the no one wants to be perceived as a Luddite.Let others share in the process and you will get the changes in idustry thinking you so desire.

I know you have the passion , the knowledge and the energy.The industry needs to hear your voice. Just get up there and imagine you are explaining matters to your best friend-or me - You will be fine.

 

Finally invite interaction.Don't be confrontational.If someone asks you a question you don't know the answer to or don't particularly want to answer at that time then be honest.Say you don't know but that you will come back to them with an answer later or that to answer their question will take up a disproportionate amount of the time allocated, but you would be delighted to discuss the topic later.

 

And stop saying you are not good enough etc, etc. that is just insecurity.We all have that in spades !!!! Good luck .

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Hi Tony,

 

 

I note in some of your posting you end by saying "I will win because I speak the truth "

I know having spent some time with you that you are a really nice guy who cares passionately about the industry and the role of fungi.But this is a very inflammatory statement and does not endear you to someone with a different point of view.

 

Just remember the problems encountered by the opponents to the Flat Earth Society and you will see where I am heading.

 

 

i know what your saying Alan, I certainly do.

 

I do not think my claim is that the earth is flat though, nor anything quite so obviously wrong!

[bats-n-trees]

i know what your saying Alan, I certainly do.

 

I do not think my claim is that the earth is flat though, nor anything quite so obviously wrong!

I am glad you are so much more rounded than I thought.Get and do some proper work !!!!

[##ray##]

hia hama

dont know if this would be of any use but i used to go to one and found it of great help to me South East England Speakers all people wanting to acheive what you want but for different reasons and with different levels . could possibly open other doors as well.

ray

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Thanks ray, just had a peek the link and looks like a good avenue to explore.

[##ray##]

no worrys hama let us know if it helps you , they are normally held on an evening and you meet some great people