I read an interesting blog recently entitled The Basic Elements of Public Speaking. This blog takes an interesting “50,000 foot” look at speaking.

This week and next week, I will delve into six basic elements of public speaking. This week, we will explore The Speaker, The Message, and The Audience. Next week, we will explore The Channel, The Feedback, and The Noise.

The following are my thoughts.

The Speaker

This is obvious, but there would not be public speaking without speakers like you. The roots of The Speaker date back to prehistoric times when the first speaker spoke grunts and groans and saw how they changed other people’s behavior.

This pleased the first speaker. They continued to “speak” their grunts and groans and enjoyed even more popularity.

If you as a speaker can influence your audience positively, you will be asked to come back to speak again and again. The key is to influence them to take action on an activity that will improve their personal or professional lives.

Never stop educating yourself as a speaker. There are some great books, videos, and websites on how to become a speaker. Google “public speaking books” on Amazon and you will find them.

But, having a speaker is not enough for public speaking to occur. You as the speaker must also have a message that resonates with your audience.

The Message

A speaker without a message is a speaker who will fail their audience.

People come to hear you speak to learn something that can improve their lives. Because the English language (over one million words) is so rich with meaning, you don’t have to talk on a subject that has never been talked about before. Simply take an existing subject and put your own unique twist on that subject.

In past articles, I have said you are the most credible when you are being yourself.

People come to hear YOU speak. They want to hear your opinion, your viewpoint, your unique way of expressing the topic.

The best possible circumstance is when the audience comes away from your presentation with a very distinct message.

A speaker and a speaker’s relevant message are still not enough for speaking to occur. You must also have an audience to hear you speak.

The Audience

Without an audience, you are not a speaker. The audience cannot be overemphasized for the success of your presentation.

So, what are the things you have to do to make the audience clamor for more from you?

Well, you need to know your audience’s desires, dreams, and hopes for their lives. Appeal to this and you will hear much applause.

To get to know the audience, ask the event planner. They usually know what appeals to the audience.

If your presentation is stand-alone and not part of a program, get to the presentation room at least an hour before. That gives you time to set up your presentation and greet people as they come through the door. Introduce yourself and ask audience members these three questions:

• What is your name?

• What do you do for a living?

• What do you hope to get out of the session?

  The first two questions are a great way to start a conversation. The last question is key to you learning what they want and need to hear. Even though your slides and your presentation schedule are set, with knowing what your audience wants and needs out of your presentation, you can adapt your presentation “on the fly” to give them what they want and need.

  Again, finding what your audience wants is key to your successful presentation.

  So, we now know that public speaking requires a speaker, a message from you, the speaker, and an audience to hear you speak.

  In next week’s article, we will cover The Channel, The Feedback, and The Noise.

  You won’t want to miss it!

  Call to Action

  • Never forget your responsibility as the speaker to always present to your audience a meaningful message

  • Never forget you have to have a message that resonates with your audience

  • Never forget for public speaking to happen, there must be an audience for you in which to speak

  “Make sure you have stopped speaking before your audience has stopped listening.”

  – Dorothy Sarnoff
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  Frank DiBartolomeo is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and award-winning speaker, presentation and interview skills coach, and Professional Member of the National Speakers Association. He was awarded Toastmasters International’s highest individual award, Distinguished Toastmaster because of his outstanding work in public speaking and leadership.

  Frank formed DiBartolomeo Consulting International (DCI), LLC (www.speakleadandsucceed.com) in 2007. The mission of DCI is to help technical professionals to inspire, motivate, and influence their colleagues and other technical professionals through improving their presentation skills, communication, and personal presence. Reach Frank at frank@speakleadandsucceed.com and (703) 509-4424.

  
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  Don’t miss Frank DiBartolomeo’s latest book!

  “Speak Well and Prosper: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Better Presentations”

  

  Available now at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com