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Seven Habits of Highly Effective Speakers
By George Torok

You can consistently deliver effective presentations if you develop the habits of highly effective
speakers. Success is based more on habit than any other factor.
1 …
Start your presentation with the end in mind. The only reason to speak is to move people. So, before you
accept any invitation to speak ask this question. What do you want people to think, feel or do after you
speak? Then write your closing statement to reinforce that message. Keep that purpose top of mind as
you prepare and deliver your presentation.
2…
Don't wing your presentation or hope to think on your feet. That's a formula for disaster. Instead before
you speak think about your audience. Design your presentation. Rehearse your presentation. Arrive early
to check out the room. Be prepared to cut it short or deal with interruptions. Rehearse dealing with
difficult questions.
3…
There are three parts of your presentation - the opening, the body and the close. They are not equal in
time but each is important. Many speakers make the mistake of only focusing on the body. The opening
of your presentation is the first impression that the audience feels. You need to grab their attention,
establish rapport and set the direction in your opening. The close is the last thing you say and hence
might be the strongest thing they remember. Ensure that it reinforces your message and what you want
them to do next.
4…
Nervous and novice speakers are afraid of silence. Yet, silence is your friend. You don't persuade anyone
by speaking constantly, rapidly and louder. You persuade them by saying something poignant then
pausing while they absorb and consider your words. The more often and longer that you pause the more
confident you will appear and the more comfortable they will feel with your ideas.
5…
If you want the audience to listen to you and believe you - talk to them. Look at them when you speak.
Don't stare at your notes, the screen, the back wall, the floor or the ceiling. Look at people when you are
talking to them - especially during your opening, your close and for your key points. You might need to
glance at your notes from time to time but spend 85% of the time looking at people. Be sure to look at
every person in the room over the course of your presentation.
6…
Tell stories or anecdotes that illustrate your message. Sometimes the story is funny and that's a bonus.
Good stories add two important elements to your presentation - imagery and emotions. Edit and
rehearse your stories to make them as short as possible. Eliminate the unnecessary details. Don't start
with the phrase, "I'm going to tell you a story." Instead, just jump right into the story. A good story needs
three parts to be effective - conflict, resolution and point.
7…
The most important point is that your presentation should not feel like a pitch or a lecture. If you come
across that way people will tune you out and resent you. So, how do you make your presentation feel
more like a conversation? Do the things that you enjoy in a friendly conversation. That will include some
of the techniques above - telling stories, pausing and making friendly eye contact. Here's one more
technique to have the conversation - ask questions of the group and listen without judging. Also
punctuate your presentation with rhetorical questions to repeatedly engage their minds.
We are creatures of habit. Success is the result of following good habits. To be more successful
at public speaking select the techniques that you want to use, then make them habits in your
presentations.
Taken from: http://www.torok.com/articles/presentation/SevenHabitsOfHighlyEffectiveSpeakers.html

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