The Public Speaking Bible; a Survival Guide for Standing on Stage

1. Master the No-Mic Method for Powerful Voice Projection

The no-mic method is a technique that provides great volume without strain, can be maintained for hours and gives the speaker what every performer wants…a powerful voice.

Core engagement is key. The no-mic method relies on proper breathing technique and core muscle engagement. To project your voice effectively:

• Take deep breaths, filling both your chest and upper stomach
• Apply a gentle, constant squeeze to your abdominal muscles while speaking
• Maintain a neutral or slightly raised chin position
• Open your mouth wider than usual and enunciate clearly

Practice these techniques regularly to build the strength and endurance needed for prolonged speaking engagements. Exercises like planks and static dishes can help develop the necessary core strength.

Visualize your voice. Imagine projecting your voice as a tangible object, aiming it through a target or to the back of the room. This mental imagery can help improve your projection and reach distant audience members effectively.

2. Overcome Glossophobia Through Incremental Exposure

The only way to develop confidence is to face your fear. Hiding from it won't fix anything. Instead, step-by-step and bit-by-bit, face up to your fear in order to conquer it.

Start small and build up. Begin by speaking to one or two people, then gradually increase your audience size. Follow this progression:

1. Talk to 1-2 people
2. Speak to 3-5 people
3. Address 6-9 individuals
4. Present to 10-20 listeners
5. Tackle larger groups of 30+ and beyond

Focus on progress, not perfection. Acknowledge that mistakes are part of the learning process. After each speaking experience, reflect on what you've learned and areas for improvement. Celebrate small victories and incremental progress to build confidence over time.

Create opportunities for practice. Seek out venues and situations to hone your skills:

• Join local speaking groups or clubs
• Offer to speak at schools or community centers
• Participate in town hall meetings or debates
• Volunteer for presentations at work or in social settings

3. Utilize Body Language to Enhance Your Message

Speech, or rather human spoken language is a new concept compared to our understanding of body language.

Project confidence through posture. Maintain an open, assertive stance:

• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart
• Keep shoulders back and chest up
• Maintain a neutral or slightly raised chin
• Avoid crossing arms or adopting defensive postures

Use deliberate gestures. Enhance your spoken words with purposeful hand and arm movements:

• Open palms to convey honesty and transparency
• Use the "determined fist" (pinkie to floor, thumb to ceiling) for emphasis
• Employ broad, animated gestures to energize the audience
• Avoid pointing directly at individuals; use an open-splayed hand instead

Move with purpose. Utilize the entire stage or speaking area to engage your audience:

• Walk from stage left to right, encouraging audience focus
• Change your height occasionally (e.g., sit on the edge of the stage, crouch)
• Lean slightly forward to build rapport and show engagement

4. Develop Effective Communication and Teaching Techniques

As a public speaker, it's your job to adapt your words so that as many people as possible in your audience can digest the message that you are trying to deliver.

Employ the ESA method. Adapt the Engage, Study, Activate teaching technique for public speaking:

1. Excite: Engage the audience with a compelling story, fact, or question
2. Elaborate: Explain how the information connects to the audience
3. Take away: Encourage the audience to apply the lesson or insight

Cater to diverse learning styles. Recognize that your audience will have varied intelligences and learning preferences:

• Incorporate visual aids for spatial learners
• Use analogies and stories for linguistic learners
• Include physical demonstrations or audience participation for kinesthetic learners
• Present logical arguments and statistics for mathematical thinkers

Check for understanding. Implement strategies to ensure your message is being received:

• Use Q&A sessions to address confusion or gaps in comprehension
• Encourage audience members to paraphrase key points
• Observe body language for signs of engagement or confusion

5. Implement Crowd Control Strategies for Audience Engagement

Humans feel uncomfortable if their object of attention moves to their visual periphery. We prefer to keep our object of attention front and centre.

Use movement strategically. Leverage audience attention by:

• Walking from side to side, forcing the audience to track you
• Stepping off the stage to reduce barriers and increase intimacy
• Making sudden changes in direction to regain focus

Employ non-verbal cues. Control the audience's energy and attention through:

• Smiling genuinely to build rapport and receptiveness
• Using eye contact (or the illusion of it) to create personal connections
• Adopting a lower, crouched position to invite closer attention

Handle disruptions diplomatically. Address challenging audience members by:

• Deputizing potential troublemakers by giving them responsibility
• Using humor to deflect tension without escalating conflicts
• Employing the "polite shutdown" technique to redirect focus

6. Maintain Vocal Health and Manage Performance Stress

The unique stress of multiple performances in a single day, combined with travel, can weaken your immune system.

Prioritize vocal care. Protect your voice, your most valuable asset:

• Stay hydrated by drinking water frequently
• Use throat lozenges or honey to soothe irritation
• Avoid shouting or whispering, which can strain vocal cords
• Consider using a microphone when experiencing vocal fatigue

Combat stress and illness. Maintain your health and energy:

• Get adequate sleep, especially during busy periods
• Practice good hygiene to avoid infections
• Take regular breaks between performances
• Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation

Develop resilience. Prepare for unexpected challenges:

• Have backup plans for technical difficulties
• Practice speaking at different volumes and pitches
• Keep emergency supplies (e.g., throat spray, painkillers) on hand

7. Build a Successful Career Through Agency Partnerships and Personal Branding

Public speaking agencies can generate a long-lasting stream of revenue. Like all relationships, work is needed to maintain them.

Cultivate agency relationships. Maximize opportunities through partnerships:

• Research agencies that align with your expertise and goals
• Provide high-quality promotional materials (bio, photos, video clips)
• Maintain regular communication with your agency contacts
• Be flexible and professional in your dealings with clients

Develop a strong personal brand. Stand out in a competitive field:

• Identify your unique selling points (USPs) and areas of expertise
• Craft a compelling personal story or journey
• Maintain an active and professional online presence
• Continuously update your skills and knowledge in your field

Diversify your income streams. Build a sustainable speaking career:

• Offer workshops or training sessions in addition to keynote speeches
• Create digital products (e.g., online courses, e-books) related to your expertise
• Pursue writing opportunities (books, articles) to establish thought leadership
• Consider coaching or consulting services to supplement speaking income

Last updated: July 27, 2024