Public Speaking: Acronyms and Abbreviations

You can use acronyms and abbreviations as a form of humor during a public speaking engagement. An acronym is basically a form of abbreviation where the letters of the abbreviation form a new word, i.e., HUD means the Department of (H)ousing and (U)rban (D)evelopment. There are many acronyms and abbreviations that are universally known such as the IRS and the CIA. There are many more that are unique to your audience. All you have to do to make them humorous for use in your public speaking engagement is to change one or more of the words that go with your well-known abbreviation or acronym.

Public Speaking: Humor Delivery Tips

Don't signal your punch line. If the humor in your punch line depends upon the words ruptured camel, don't say the following: Did you hear the one about the ruptured camel?

Public Speaking: Why Use Humor?

Why should I bother using humor in my public speaking? Can't I just deliver my information and sit down? You sure can and that's what most people do. The problem is that most people are not effective public speakers. They are nighty nite, snooze inducing, say your prayers, hit the sack, unlicensed hypnotists. They are ZZZZZs presenters. They might be experts in their field and be able to recite hours and hours of information on their topic, but is that effective?

Public Speaking: Say it with Flowers

A public speaking friend of mine had a deal with a local flower shop. When he had a program he would buy up all the fresh flowers that the flower shop could not sell. He got them for a really cheap price. The flowers were destined for the dumpster anyway so the florist was thrilled to get anything for them.

Public Speaking: Frequency Check

It is pretty common to have multiple wireless microphones going during the same public speaking engagement. The AV crew that sets everything up usually makes sure that they are all on different frequencies so that no cross over occurs. You should still double check it anyway. BUT WHAT ABOUT MICE?

Top 5 Ways To Demolish Performance Anxiety

Have you ever found yourself performing on stage and the person in the front row is tapping his feat and you wonder whether you’re maintaining the beat? As you are looking around, do you see a few people whispering and chatting away to each other? Do you get worried what they are discussing? Perhaps your image isn’t right – your hair has moved out of place, or if you’re singing, your voice is a little croaky. If you’re wearing a trouser, do they see your zip undone? Maybe they are discussing how strangely your talent is showing through? Or are they commenting on what you’ve missed out?

The Heart of Presenting: How to Unleash Your Public Speaking Genius

Have you ever given a presentation one day that moved mountains, and the next day you were so dull you even bored yourself? I remember addressing a group and suddenly finding myself in the FLOW. My linear mind faded to the background, and a wiser, wittier and charismatic voice came forth. I heard myself wax philosophical. I saw audience members captivated. I felt time stand still. The next day I spent on airplanes and taxis rushing to my next speaking engagement, worried about being on time. I began my talk hoping to feel the FLOW again. I desperately racked my brain for glimmers of genius. Nothing. I tried to repeat what I said yesterday but it felt empty this time. I trudged through my presentation like a soldier through mud. The audience seemed restless. The clock ticked loudly...

Anxiety in Public Speaking

“I can’t believe I agreed to do this speech. Look at all those people out there! My knees are shaking, and my stomach feels like I just went over the top of a roller coaster. My heart is beating so fast and hard my tie is jumping. I just want to scream and run away!”

The Path to Profitable Speaking

How to get started in your own profitable speaking business...

Public Speaking Myths: The Five Worst Pieces of Advice for Public Speakers and How to Ignore Them

There's a virtual library full of well-meaning advice about how to make sure your next public speaking engagement is a successful one. Unfortunately, a good deal of it is wrong. Here's some pointers on avoiding the common pitfalls in your quest to become a better public speaker.

How to Read Your Way to Speaking Success

How to become an expert in your field and then speak your expertise for fantastic fees.

5 Steps to Overcome Fear of Public Speaking

How to overcome the fear of public speaking.

Ten Tips to Send Your Audience to Sleep

Have you ever fallen asleep when listening to a speech or presentation? Sometimes a little nap during a presentation can boost your energy for the rest of the day. Speakers- if you want to be the one to send your audience to sleep, so they will be fully alert for other people’s presentations follow these ten tips.

How to Grab Your Audience Attention when Public Speaking

You need to grab the attention of your audience right from the start when speaking in public. This article provides some simple strategies to always gain audience attention.

Talk About Confidence

If you are new to public speaking and wondering when or if you'll ever get past your nerves, this article will inspire you to reduce your mental chaos to a simple equation.