Public Speaking : Really Look at the Results to Improve

By Terry Paulsen, Ph.D., CSP, CPAE

When you are speaking in public, don't be so enamored by the words coming out of your mouth that you forget to eliminate those that are not necessary. Few people are upset by speeches that end a little early. By reading your transcribed messages instead of just listening to your own voice, you will find it easier to eliminate unnecessary content, sharpen faulty grammar, and rework key phrasing. While you're at it, you may find new and spontaneous stories, humor lines, or phrases that worked!

Don't leave such successes to chance; work on perfecting the content for future talks. Write down new material in a journal or computer file. The palest pencil mark is better than your best memory. Don't script every word, just keep working and reworking your material.