PUBLIC SPEAKING
Powerful Presentations
A PGI Module for Optimist International
Prepared by: Ken Garner, NTX District
Introduction
 The “Book of Lists” identifies speaking
before a group as greatest human fear
 Higher than:
 Heights
 Bugs
 Snakes
 Death
Course Objectives
 Tips in preparation of presentation
 Presentation Format
 Tips to do just prior to presenting
 Things to do and not do during presentation
 Handling questions
Preparation for a Presentation
 One of the best ways to overcome the fear of
giving a speech or presentation
 Increases confidence
 Increases enthusiasm of speaker
Preparation for a Presentation
 What is the purpose of the presentation?
 To Inform

Announcement / Lecture
 To
Entertain
 To Convince

Debate Format
 To

Call to Action
Volunteers or Contributions
 Assessment of situation
Preparation for a Presentation
 Who is my Audience?
 Audience
make-up
Gender
 Age
 Economics
 Education
 Geography
 General Association

Preparation for a Presentation
 Who is my Audience? (cont.)
 Audience

Knowledge of Topic?
Basic – Advanced – Diverse
 Audience
Attitude?
Forced to attend
 Incentive related

 Build credibility
Preparation for a Presentation
 When is the presentation to be given?
 Right
after lunch
 Evening or morning
 Could dictate:
Format
 Audience involvement
 Humor

Preparation for a Presentation
 What type of room or facility to be used?
 Microphone
 Set
up of tables (rounds, etc.)
 Wait staff
 Doors
 Lights
 Windows
 Visual Aids
Preparation for a Presentation
 Visual Aids
 Handouts
 Overheads
 Flip
Charts
 PowerPoint
 Other Props
Preparation for a Presentation
 Sources for Material
 Books
 Quotes
 Emails
 Internet
 Reader’s
Digest
 Personal Experience
Presentation Format
 Part 1 – Opening
 Grab audience’s attention

Question – Story – Joke – Music – Magic
 Part 2 – Tell what you plan to tell them
 How many points?
 Part 3 – Tell your key points
 Illustrate with stories, material, or examples
 Part 4 – Tell them what you told them
 Part 5 – Closing
 Most important part

Jokes, Music, Stories - Personal
Tips Just Prior to Presenting
 No dairy products just before presenting
 Never drink alcohol before speaking
 Drink warm liquids – not cold
 Show up early

Check Microphone, projector, visuals, etc.
 BE NERVOUS!

Butterflies flight pattern
Tips Just Prior to Presenting
 Controlling Nerves
 Breathing
 Walking
 Praying
 Good thoughts
 Smiling
 Exercising/Stretching
 Visualizing Program
 Sitting with both feet on floor
You’re On!!
 4 Ups
 Wake Up!
 Stand
Up!
 Speak
Up!
 Shut
Up!
You’re On!!
 DO
 Sincere Enthusiasm
 Smile
 Natural Gestures
 Voice Variations

Speed – Volume – Pause
Involve Audience
 Good Posture
 Make Eye Contact

You’re On!!
 DO (cont)
 Use handouts if appropriate
 Dress Appropriately
 Business is Seldom Unacceptable
 Never under dress
 Don’t let appearance detract
 Be yourself
You’re On!!
 DON’T
 Inappropriate
Humor
 Pick on people without their permission
 Apologize for anything but tardiness

Fix it before you start
 Read
your presentation
 Use “UH” or “You Know”
 Play with anything
Questions and Answers Period
 Can make or ruin the whole speech
 Dumb Questions
 Don’t
Exist
 We didn’t cover material as well as
thought
 Audience wants to see your response
 Sincerity and Professionalism a must
Questions and Answers Period
 Tips
 Repeat or Restate Question
 Be factual – Speculation ruins credibility
 Avoid using yes or no first
 Watch Verbal and Nonverbal gestures
 Be confident
 Admit you don’t know
 Restate a key point from talk

Make sure point is on topic
Evaluation
 Self Evaluation
 Have a peer or instructor evaluate you
 Use videotape
 Evaluation Forms
 Speak to a mirror
 Perform for family
 Be Dr. Doolittle
 Speak
to the animals
The Unforgivables
 Being Unprepared
 Not knowing your stuff
 Being Indifferent
 Being Boring
 Good Luck!!
 Knock ‘em Dead!
 Break a Leg