22/05/2014
This is Terence, a second year Master of Industrial and Organisational Psychology student. He’s an international student from Singapore and has been in Perth for eight years, although he thinks the time has flown! His interests are cooking and cycling, but not at the same time. He is particularly inspired by Jamie Oliver’s ability to garnish his dishes with herbs, creating an orderly result out of a seemingly chaotic process.
Terence is a member of the UWA Toastmasters Club. Accordingly, here are his top five pieces of advice on public speaking:
1. To some, public speaking might be public enemy #1. As a student, there will always be a situation where you are required to stand in front of heaps of people and talk about something. I have tried for the longest time to avoid it but it can't go on forever. Instead of engaging in avoidance tactics, let me share some of the tips that helped me improve my public speaking skills.
2. Cliché as it sounds, there is always a first step for every amazing journey (or in this case some might see it as a perilous expedition to the edge of the universe). Practise giving a speech in front of one or two people who you trust and feel comfortable with and slowly build your confidence over time.
3. You know that slab of glass which you use for texts and calls? That is also your public speaking buddy (if you can’t get a human friend). Use your smart phone to record yourself rehearsing your speech. Not only does it tell you the length of your speech, it also gives you an idea of what the audience will be experiencing. This gives you the opportunity to review your content and revise delivery styles.
4. Blank out mid-way!? Don’t worry, this happens to everyone and here’s a strategy to help you quickly get back on track. Before giving the speech, ask yourself what is that singular (in a nutshell) overall message that you are going to tell your audience? Knowing this explicitly before you engage in your public speaking endeavour helps you to be focused and it can quickly guide you back on track when you blank out.
5. Have you just given the worse speech of your life? Don't be caught up with that terrible speech that you have just given. If that was the worse speech of your life, the next one will definitely be better. Every speech is a formative experience. You will get better as you practise more! Chin up, smile, and dive in to your next public speaking experience!
6. Always and ALWAYS rehearse before you go live!
Terence and the UWA Toastmasters Club meet every Friday from 1pm to 1:55pm, at the Social Sciences South Building Second Level (Room 2.204): http://uwa.toastmastersclubs.org/.