Public Speaking Tips
06/18/24 • 12 min
As you all know, I am Jason Fisher, the voice and spirit behind the Be Better Tomorrow podcast. Each episode, we embark on a journey together, diving into the vast ocean of personal and professional development. It's more than just advice; it's about sharing experiences, overcoming fears, and embracing growth. In our latest episode, we took a deep dive into the world of public speaking and presentation skills – an area many of us find daunting, yet immensely rewarding once mastered.
Public speaking, as I've shared, is not a natural talent for all. It's a skill, something that can be honed and improved over time. Many of you know my fondness for Toastmasters, an organization that has played a significant role in my own speaking journey. Since joining in 2015, I've not only witnessed my own growth but also the transformation of countless others who stepped into the arena of public speaking with trepidation, only to emerge as confident speakers. It's more than an organization; it's a support system for individuals who dare to face their fears head-on.
In the episode, I delved into the common hurdles many face when tasked with presenting – be it in a boardroom, at a conference, or even in casual team meetings. The fear of public speaking is real and pervasive. However, with the right mindset, tools, and practice, it's a fear that can be diminished, if not entirely overcome.
One key takeaway I emphasized is the importance of preparation and authentic presentation. It's easy to resort to self-deprecation as a defense mechanism but rising above this impulse sets the stage for a more impactful delivery. Remember, your audience is there to listen and learn from you; owning that space with confidence makes all the difference.
Visual aids, such as PowerPoint slides, can either be your best ally or your worst enemy. It's critical to design them to complement your speech, not overshadow it. The goal is to engage your audience, not to give them a transcript of your talk through slides overloaded with text. Simplicity and clarity should guide your creation process.
Additionally, the art of pacing and the strategic use of pauses cannot be overstated. They serve as powerful tools to emphasize points, allowing your audience to absorb and reflect on the information being shared. It's through these moments of silence that your words gain weight and significance.
Finally, the episode wouldn't have been complete without addressing the crucial aspect of audience engagement. Asking not "if" but "what" questions they have, shifts the atmosphere from passive listening to an interactive discussion. It encourages participation, making the session more enriching for everyone involved.
To all our listeners, your journey to becoming a more effective communicator is ongoing. Each opportunity to speak is a chance to improve, to learn something new about yourself, and to share your insights with the world. Remember, the goal isn't to eradicate nervousness but to harness it, to make those butterflies fly in formation.
For those who haven't had the chance to listen to the episode yet, I highly encourage you to do so. Whether you're aiming to become a thought leader within your organization, hoping to boost your confidence during meetings, or simply seeking to enhance your communication skills
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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Follow me at:
https://twitter.com/TheBeBetterPod
https://www.facebook.com/TheBeBetterPod
As you all know, I am Jason Fisher, the voice and spirit behind the Be Better Tomorrow podcast. Each episode, we embark on a journey together, diving into the vast ocean of personal and professional development. It's more than just advice; it's about sharing experiences, overcoming fears, and embracing growth. In our latest episode, we took a deep dive into the world of public speaking and presentation skills – an area many of us find daunting, yet immensely rewarding once mastered.
Public speaking, as I've shared, is not a natural talent for all. It's a skill, something that can be honed and improved over time. Many of you know my fondness for Toastmasters, an organization that has played a significant role in my own speaking journey. Since joining in 2015, I've not only witnessed my own growth but also the transformation of countless others who stepped into the arena of public speaking with trepidation, only to emerge as confident speakers. It's more than an organization; it's a support system for individuals who dare to face their fears head-on.
In the episode, I delved into the common hurdles many face when tasked with presenting – be it in a boardroom, at a conference, or even in casual team meetings. The fear of public speaking is real and pervasive. However, with the right mindset, tools, and practice, it's a fear that can be diminished, if not entirely overcome.
One key takeaway I emphasized is the importance of preparation and authentic presentation. It's easy to resort to self-deprecation as a defense mechanism but rising above this impulse sets the stage for a more impactful delivery. Remember, your audience is there to listen and learn from you; owning that space with confidence makes all the difference.
Visual aids, such as PowerPoint slides, can either be your best ally or your worst enemy. It's critical to design them to complement your speech, not overshadow it. The goal is to engage your audience, not to give them a transcript of your talk through slides overloaded with text. Simplicity and clarity should guide your creation process.
Additionally, the art of pacing and the strategic use of pauses cannot be overstated. They serve as powerful tools to emphasize points, allowing your audience to absorb and reflect on the information being shared. It's through these moments of silence that your words gain weight and significance.
Finally, the episode wouldn't have been complete without addressing the crucial aspect of audience engagement. Asking not "if" but "what" questions they have, shifts the atmosphere from passive listening to an interactive discussion. It encourages participation, making the session more enriching for everyone involved.
To all our listeners, your journey to becoming a more effective communicator is ongoing. Each opportunity to speak is a chance to improve, to learn something new about yourself, and to share your insights with the world. Remember, the goal isn't to eradicate nervousness but to harness it, to make those butterflies fly in formation.
For those who haven't had the chance to listen to the episode yet, I highly encourage you to do so. Whether you're aiming to become a thought leader within your organization, hoping to boost your confidence during meetings, or simply seeking to enhance your communication skills
Audible is one of the largest collections of audio books on the planet. Read anytime you can listen
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Follow me at:
https://twitter.com/TheBeBetterPod
https://www.facebook.com/TheBeBetterPod
Previous Episode
Your Feelings are not the Answer
Why Feelings Are Your Compass, Not Your Destination: Unpacking a Powerful Lesson on Emotional Intelligence
Hello, fellow travelers on the road to personal and professional growth. It's Jason Fisher here, from the "Be Better Tomorrow" podcast. Today, I want to share a significant insight that has profoundly impacted my journey—a lesson taught by a remarkable coworker, Michael. For those new to our space, welcome! Our mission is simple: to deliver bite-sized tips for your improvement journey, ensuring you’re better tomorrow than you are today.
This week, we delve into a concept that really got me thinking—a reflection on emotional intelligence and the real role of our feelings. It's about understanding that feelings are not the final answer but rather, the beginning of an important question.
You see, emotions have a way of coloring our perceptions. When we're angry, we swiftly label the source of our anger as bad. Happiness, on the other hand, is often seen as the ultimate goal. However, Michael challenged this notion, suggesting that our emotions are not final states to be achieved or obstacles to be avoided. Instead, they are invitations to a deeper understanding of ourselves.
Through my journey, I've learned that my immediate emotional responses, especially when feeling disrespected, don't necessarily reflect reality. It's a tough pill to swallow, recognizing that the disrespect I perceive isn't always intended. This revelation underscored the importance of digging deeper, asking myself why I respond the way I do and what internal narratives drive these emotions.
This insight led to a valuable mantra that I keep pinned on my desk: "respond, don’t react." It serves as a reminder that, in the heat of the moment, taking a step back to process my emotions allows me to engage more constructively. This is especially crucial in today's fast-paced, often remote work environments, where the nuances of communication are easily lost.
Another aspect of this lesson involves acknowledging the diversity in communication styles. Understanding that what feels like a heated debate to me might be perceived as a verbal attack by someone else. This realization has been pivotal in nurturing healthier relationships both personally and professionally.
Addressing the discomfort that arises from challenging conversations leads us to a crucial point: our emotional discomfort doesn't necessarily warrant shutting down dialogue. Instead, it calls for introspection and, perhaps, seeking support if needed. Embracing this approach has been liberating, allowing me to participate more meaningfully in discussions without succumbing to the urge to impose my emotional state as the conversation's endpoint.
In sharing this insight, my hope is that it resonates with you, offering a fresh perspective on navigating your emotions and enhancing your emotional intelligence. As we continue on this journey of self-improvement together, I encourage you to embrace your emotional responses not as definitive answers but as guiding questions. By doing so, you open yourself up to a deeper understanding and, ultimately, a more fulfilling path forward.
Until next time, remember, it’s not just about being better by the day; it’s about the incremental steps we take toward understanding ourselves a
Audible is one of the largest collections of audio books on the planet. Read anytime you can listen
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Follow me at:
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Next Episode
Know when to Quit
Hey everybody! 🎙️ Welcome to another episode of the Be Better Tomorrow podcast. I’m your host, Jason Fisher, and I’m thrilled you’re joining me on this journey of personal improvement. This episode is something that’s been brewing in my mind for a while, sparked by various online discussions and debates. It’s all about the concept of quitting and rethinking the stigma around it.
If you missed any previous episodes where I touched on similar topics, I strongly recommend checking them out on our website [BeBetterTomorrow.com](http://bebettertomorrow.com) or wherever you stream your podcasts.
Today’s Theme: Quitting
Quitting often gets a bad rap, seen as synonymous with giving up or failing. But is it really? Throughout this episode, I debunk this myth, exploring both voluntary and involuntary quitting, and why sometimes, it's not only okay but necessary to let go.
Misconceptions About Quitting
- We're often told that persistence is key, but what about when quitting can actually pave the way for better opportunities? Inspired by the works of Angela Duckworth and her book Grit, and insights from Chip and Dan Heath’s Decisive, we dive into why quitting shouldn’t always be seen as failure.
Quitting as a Strategic Decision
- There comes a point where we need to assess whether our endeavors are serving us or holding us back. We discuss the idea that quitting can be a sign of strength, as argued by Derek Sivers in 40 Lessons from a New Kind of Entrepreneur.
The Psychological Benefits of Quitting
- Quoting Brene Brown from Daring Greatly, we explore how quitting can lead to reduced stress and better alignment with our personal values.
Looking Ahead
Next week, we’ll delve deeper into self-assessment and goal-setting to help you make informed decisions about when to stick with something and when to let it go.
Recommended Reading and Resources
For those interested in diving deeper into today’s topic, here are a few recommended reads:
- Grit by Angela Duckworth
- Decisive by Chip and Dan Heath
- 40 Lessons from a New Kind of Entrepreneur by Derek Sivers
- Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Find these resources and more in the show notes on [BeBetterTomorrow.com](http://bebettertomorrow.com).
Final Thoughts
Remember, quitting is not synonymous with failing. It’s about making room for growth and reevaluating what truly matters. Don’t forget to subscribe to Be Better Tomorrow on Spotify, iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform, and let’s continue to invest in becoming better versions of ourselves.
🎵 The music in this episode is by Kevin McLeod, shared under a Creative Commons license.
Keep striving, and as always, my goal is to help you be better tomorrow.
Jason Fisher
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*Be Better Tomorrow is produced under a Creative Commons 3.0 Share-Alike Attribution License. Feel free to use and share this content for non-commercial purposes, but please provide attribution to our podcast.*
Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward a better tomorrow.
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Be Better Tomorrow - Public Speaking Tips
Transcript
Hey everybody, welcome back to the Be Better Tomorrow podcast. I am always, as your host Jason Fisher, so thankful that you have joined us for this personal and professional development journey. It has been a really crazy week for me, just a ton of stuff going on. That's not why you come here. You come here because we keep it short, concise, and keep you improving consistently. All right, so I've talked a lot about my experience in Toastmasters. In fact, I've joked ab
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