Finally, try to rehearse in the actual room in which you are
going to speak, using your visual aids and with someone
listening at the back to make sure you are audible.
- Check and prepare arrangements on site
Check the visibility of your visual aids. Make sure that you know
how to use them. Test the projector. Brief your projector operator
and get them run through the slides to ensure there are no snags.
Be prepared for something to go wrong with your equipment.
You may have to do without it at short notice. That is why you
should not rely too much on visual aids.
Before you start your talk, check that your notes and visual
aids are in the right order and to hand. There is nothing worse
than a speaker who mixes up their speech and fumbles help-
lessly for the next slide.
DELIVERY
With thorough preparation you will not fail. You will not break
down. But the way you deliver the talk will affect the impact you
make. Good delivery depends on technique and manner.
Technique
Your voiceshould reach the people at the back. If you don’t know
that you can be heard, ask. It is distracting if someone shouts
‘speak up’. Vary the pace, pitch and emphasis of your delivery.
Pause before making a key point, to highlight it, and again after-
wards to allow it to sink in. Try to be conversational. Avoid a
stilted delivery. This is one reason why you should neverread
your talk. If you are your natural self the audience is more likely
to be on your side.
Light reliefis a good thing if it comes naturally. People are easily
bored if they feel they are being lectured, but you should never
tell jokes unless you are good at telling jokes. Don’t drag them in
because you feel you must. Many effective and enjoyable
speakers never use them.
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