The Secret of Public Speaking by Elliot Saltzman
Posted by Steve Frazier
on Feb 28, 2011
Our program on February 22nd Featured Elliot Saltzman, who spoke on the "Secret to Public Speaking". He is recently married, and told us that his wife is a former Rotary Ambassador Scholar, having studied for a year in New Zealand. Elliot has delivered his message to a number of Rotary Clubs.
Most people are afraid to speak in front of a group. To be a good speaker, you have to be "mentally tough" when under pressure, which is one of the traits of most of the top speakers. Speakers generally talk from note, a pre-printed text, or from memory. For those who use memorized talks, Elliot told of the trick with the note card in the pocket. On the note card is the full text of the memorized speech; if the speaker gets lost, he pulls out the card and refreshes his mind, then puts the card away saying, "I was going to mention something , but it's a bit off the subject, so I'll just get back to my topic".
It is important to present your best effort for each talk, and remember that when you are speaking before a group, you won't fail; if you have issues with your presentation, you'll find the ways to learn and grow from the experience. One thing to remember is to lighten up and remember that people learn better when they are smiling. Sometimes, your prepared message has to be altered a bit to fit the audience; keep your eyes open for signs that the listeners are not getting your message and tailor the presentation to the group.
Most people are afraid to speak in front of a group. To be a good speaker, you have to be "mentally tough" when under pressure, which is one of the traits of most of the top speakers. Speakers generally talk from note, a pre-printed text, or from memory. For those who use memorized talks, Elliot told of the trick with the note card in the pocket. On the note card is the full text of the memorized speech; if the speaker gets lost, he pulls out the card and refreshes his mind, then puts the card away saying, "I was going to mention something , but it's a bit off the subject, so I'll just get back to my topic".
It is important to present your best effort for each talk, and remember that when you are speaking before a group, you won't fail; if you have issues with your presentation, you'll find the ways to learn and grow from the experience. One thing to remember is to lighten up and remember that people learn better when they are smiling. Sometimes, your prepared message has to be altered a bit to fit the audience; keep your eyes open for signs that the listeners are not getting your message and tailor the presentation to the group.
(Story by Tad Shaw and photo and posting by Steve Frazier)