CRAVEN SPEAKERS CLUB - Skipton

Improve your speaking skills

Open to all of 16 and over.

lease don't be shy - we could all do with improving our speaking skills.

Gain confidence.

Fun BBC Recording:- Even leaders of our political parties have training and guidance in giving speeches.. see the leaked memo (Oct 2010) advising Ed Miliband how to ask questions in Prime Minister's Question Time.

Here on November 15th 2010 one member (the web editor) has brought some Cool Earth Coffee for the Group to try - buying one jar of CoolEarth Coffee will save one tree in the Amazon. Read more..

A member at the back is holding the Speakers Club Guide

Top tips for giving impromptu short speeches:

1. Think of you final end "punchline" first. Then your talk can work towards that. (Chris Birch's Tip)
   
2. Tell people "What's in it for them"
   
3. If you want people to do something, give them a "because" before you give the request
e.g. "Because what I'm going to say is very important for your exams, I want you to listen carefully".


4. Look at people/the audience in the eye. Look at someone near the back (because then more people will think you are looking at them - it is to do with angles). Find someone who is looking at you with interest and sympathy - because that will give you more confidence.
   
5. Smile
   
6. Don't "Errr" and Don't rush things - better to shut your mouth and give a pause.
   
7. Finish your talk with a "punch" (- A strong comment - And stand there, wait for the applause. Don't tail off and sidle away from the table in the middle of your last sentence.)

(I have learned many more tips since then)

It really does get easier each time - so come and practise.

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Because it will improve your ability at giving talks, go and plan a two minute talk on a subject of your choice- e.g. "Trees" .. RIGHT NOW!

Have fun! ... and perhaps we'll see you at Skipton.

Useful Links: LJL Seminars- Impromptu Speaking

No matter how large your audience may be, each listener wants to feel that you are talking to him or her.-body language -