You need to have a clear structure. Start with an engaging introduction, present the main points in a logical order, and end with a powerful conclusion.
One key is to start with a captivating hook that grabs the audience's attention right away. Also, use vivid language and personal anecdotes to make the story relatable.
The most common one is probably forgetting what you're going to say. It's like your mind just goes blank. Another is technical problems, like the projector not working or the sound system failing. And then there's the fear of public judgment, where you feel like everyone is just waiting for you to make a mistake.
Practice is key. You can start by speaking in front of a mirror to observe your body language and facial expressions. Record yourself and analyze what you can improve.
One key element is a clear message. For example, in Steve Jobs' product launch presentations, he always had a simple, yet powerful message about the new Apple product. Another is confidence. A speaker like Winston Churchill exuded confidence during his wartime speeches, which inspired the nation. And of course, connection with the audience. Malcolm X was able to connect deeply with his followers through his passionate speeches about civil rights.
Sure. Once a speaker was talking about the importance of healthy eating. He was so passionate that he accidentally grabbed a microphone instead of a carrot he had on the table as a prop and started to 'eat' the microphone. The audience burst into laughter and he was so embarrassed but it really made his speech memorable.
Sure. One horror story is when a speaker's slides stopped working right in the middle of the presentation. He had to continue without visual aids and ended up forgetting some important points. Another is a person who got so nervous that they started stuttering really badly and couldn't get their words out clearly. And there was also a case where a speaker accidentally showed inappropriate content on the big screen because of a wrong click while trying to share a presentation.
Joining a debate club is a wonderful idea. In a debate club, they will have to present their arguments clearly and convincingly in front of others. They will also learn how to counter opposing views which is very important for public speaking.
One important element is the context. For example, if a speaker is talking about a serious topic and then inserts a completely out - of - place but funny incident, it creates humor. Take the time management speaker. His alarm going off during a serious speech about time was the perfect contrast. Also, the delivery of the speaker matters. If they can act out the funny moment in a comical way, like the woman with the wrong animal picture who played it off with a joke, it makes the story even funnier. And of course, the element of absurdity, like 'eating' a microphone, is always good for a laugh.