FAQ

How can I make people in large groups think I am speaking to them?

Ans> Many of our participants say to us oh.. we find it easy to speak to a few people but difficult when we get in front of large groups. One handy technique is to divide the large group up into small groups eg focus on one group on the left side talk to them, move to a group at the back talk to them, look over to the right side talk to that group then look at the front group and talk to them. In this way you are making contact with everyone in the large group without letting the size of the group overwhelm you. Be careful to keep the order in which you speak to the groups random. It may appear difficult the first few times but as we say with all public speaking practice practice practice. The more you practice the more it becomes familiar and the more you become at ease.

How can I control my nerves just before speaking?

Ans> Take a few deep breaths just before you get up to speak. This will allow oxygen to flow through your body and give energy to your opening remarks. The slow breathing technique allows you to clear your mind and focus on your presentation and what your opening words will be. The act of focusing on those breaths will slow down the panic attack of the nerves and will allow you to resume control.

Whats the value of gestures?

Ans> Gestures enhance your speech / presentation. They add a visual impact to the spoken word. Without gestures the audience will listen for about 2 minutes then they will start to get distracted. If you watch a newsreader on TV you will see that they know the value of adding images to words. Behind the TV presenter you will see an image which may or may not be directly related to what they are saying. What the image is doing is keeping your attention so that the words will have a receptive audience. By using gestures such as descriptive ones the concept of the big fish that got away takes on greater impact when you add the gesture of speading your hands wide to indicate the size of the fish (or conversely close together to indicate a small size rather leaving the audience with just the words.

Are you a part of Toastmasters?

Ans> No we are not a part of Toastmasters Brisbane, although we have developed programs and have trained people within the Toastmasters organisation.