What Am I Doing in
Front of all of These People?
Most of us didn't set as our primary goal
getting up in front of audiences and doing public speaking. In fact, most
of us would avoid doing public speaking if at all possible. Speaking in front
of others can feel awkward and intimidating. We take on the challenge out
of necessity and do the best we can, often without the information or knowledge
of simple techniques that can make our job easier and our message more powerful.
Bottom line, our job in presenting QPR
is to inspire others. It is this inspiration to act that may ultimately save
the life of someone contemplating suicide. Inspiration is a difficult task
however, if we are focused on simply managing our fear and just getting through
the material. What we need are some simple, concrete techniques for presenting
effectively. Once applied, our anxiety diminishes and the message we want
to convey comes shining through.
The following are adapted from a book
by Tony Jeary entitled Inspire Any Audience (© 1996, Trophy Publishing):
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The single most critical step is rehearsal.
With good practice you will not only look relaxed, comfortable and in control,
but you will feel these things as well. (This includes rehearsing with the
equipment you'll be using.)
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Be yourself! If humor isn't your style,
don't use it. If you hate dramatic readings, leave them to the Shakespearian
actors and actresses. Use your own style and allow your personality to come
through.
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Recognize that you have knowledge
about the topic of suicide prevention and believe in your ability to present
it!
-
Show respect and build rapport with
your audience. This is done through meeting as many attendees as possible
before the presentation, starting on time, showing that you are prepared,
showing empathy and compassion, using eye contact and being a good listener
when they speak.
-
Praise your audience and make them
heroes. Recognize their courage and commitment in simply coming to the presentation,
then acknowledge and empower them to take action - potentially life saving
action.
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Use quotations (or a few startling
statistics) to grab an audiences attention and reinforce the importance
of your message.
-
Recognize that research shows that
only 7 percent of a presentation's outcome is contingent on words. The rest
is based on what you are doing (55 percent on body language) and how you
are doing it (38 percent on tonality).
-
Speak with conviction: Say it like
you mean it and your audience will believe in your words.
-
Thank your audience at the end of
your presentation. s as a final call to action.
