Public Speaking Classes

The Art of Public Speaking
Our Public Speaking training classes are designed for both the inexperienced presenter or as a refresher for more experienced members of your company or organization. Our training workshops are offered in most major cities across the United States and Canada. All public speaking skills training classes are small which will give you all the face to face time you need with our training team.

Our public speaking training classes (presentation training) will eliminate your fear or inexperience in public speaking and dramatically improve your speaking skills whether you are persuading, educating, or informing. Our highly interactive workshops focus on professional business communication including preparation, structure, delivery, and strategy, use of visual aids, and handling questions & answers. Contact us today by phone at 713-627-7700 or via email: service@publicspeakingtraining.net

Public Speaking Skills Training: Public Speaking Classes - The One Minute Speaker

It happens more often than you're prepared for. A busy public speaking peer has asked you to fill in for her short talk at your meeting. She's giving you less than a day's notice because she can't find anyone else. She's depending on you.

It's supposed to be easy. Just say a few words to keep the momentum of the meeting flowing. Ideally your short one-minute talk should be upbeat, pithy and maybe tickle everyone's funny bone.

But you don't want to tell a joke. That's not your style. Besides, that would seem like you're using filler.

I have a feeling you'd want to give the audience something of value. Something with substance. Something positive they can take away when they leave.

Maybe it's a valuable lesson you've learned. Perhaps it's a tip to improve their performance. Or how about the time you solved a particular problem.

One thing you don't want is to say something canned like, "My fellow Americans." Some people would feel you're insulting their intelligence. Better stick with something original. Something you're familiar with.

Let's look at three tips for you, the one minute speaker, that will WOW your public speaking audience:

1) Begin with the end in mind. That's pretty simple. What's the one point you want to make that will leave them breathless? The one point they will think about all day. Something that will remind them of you and your story. Something they will treasure.

The point I left them with was speaking with an original voice. You'd sound natural and look comfortable when you're not copying someone else's style. This is key to becoming a powerful, sought-after speaker.

2) Create an instant connection. What can you start with that will automatically pull them in? Is it a scene or a picture you want to paint? Perhaps it's a story beginning with a happy tune, transitioning into a sad tune, and then resolving into a satisfied tune.

I began with a scene of myself channel-surfing until I found a vocalist on American Idol. The audience immediately surfed with me because this is second nature in the States. Mention American Idol and most American audiences will connect with you instantly.

3) A change of keys. In western music each composition has key changes to vary the feel of the score. These changes create more depth, variety and emotion. It's the same in speaking. The speaker changes keys to take the audience to another playing field.

This is where I switched scenes. I went from American Idol to a personal scenario. To add more flavor and spice I threw in some humor to mix it up, which led to a serious moment right before the close. Total time elapsed was 90 seconds but not one person was counting. They were along for the ride.

With these three tips I know you'll be ready for your next one minute talk. You'll be ready to wow your audience. And you'll be ready to leave them with something significant to take home.

Tommy Yan: link

Subject: Public Speaking Skills Training