Public Speaking - 1

The sermon this morning got me thinking about speaking.  My wife teaches public speaking in a university, and I have had nearly a lifetime of public speaking experience (and had a great teacher and coach).  Here's what I noticed today.

• A good public speaker knows her/his subject.
• A better public speaker knows his/her audience and her/his subject.
• An even better public speaker doesn't need to read the talk, but can give it with only occasional reference to notes.
• A great public speaker accomplishes all the above while involving the audience.  

What do I mean by "involving the audience"?

One way is to get them laughing.  Appropriate humor provides a way for the audience to laugh, titter, smile, guffaw or otherwise participate.

Another way is to ask rhetorical questions and then wait a few moments for people to answer in their minds.

Yet another method is to ask a question and take a few answers from the audience or congregation.  Provide enough time for people to think, then to realize that they (he, she) is welcome to answer out loud.

Good communication is a two-way process.  No one really enjoys being 'talked at'.

What do you think?  Leave a comment and let us know.