Jan 31
In my attempt to try and help level the public speaking playing field I present you with a list of 101 Presentation Hacks. I’ve tried to break them up into categories so the list is slightly easier to digest. For additional information check out my post on interesting research presentations.
Preparation
1. Finding a subject; you either pick it yourself or it’s given to you by your job
2. Find your passion in the subject. If you like it, we’ll like it. Continue reading
Jan 28
How to Learn Your Speech
Following on from my last post about memory, I thought I’d share with you a technique I learned last year (2008) for memorising a speech in 24 hours!! If you’re one of my British readers you’re probably thinking “Boll*cks, that’s not possible”. Well, it is because I’ve done it. TWICE.
Doesn’t matter whether you’re creating a funny presentation or not. This technique simply works. If you’re wondering how to learn a speech, you’re about to discover an absolutely great technique.
Continue reading
Jan 26
“The man who writes out and memorises his talks is wasting his time and energy and courting disaster” – Dale Carnegie
During my development as a public speaker I have often wrestled with whether I should memorise my speeches or not. Continue reading
Jan 23
Here’s the inaugural speech of President Obama. (Note: the full transcript is available below)
I don’t really want to say too much about it as a lot of people have given their two pence worth already. But I never want it to be said that the Pro Humorist didn’t chip in on this momentous occasion! Continue reading
Jan 21
There are occasionally times that our speaking in public we will be a reading. This may occur in a situation like a wedding or a funeral.
You could be asked to read from anything including, but not limited to, Shakespeare (his plays or sonnets), poetry, prose (novels, short stories, etc), theatre play-scripts and so on. I’ll provide you with a few sources where you can find examples of text to read out loud to a friend… you know for practise.
If you are a member of Toastmasters International one of the advanced manuals is actually an interpretive reading manual.
Reading or interpreting text out loud is easier than it sounds. I’m going to highlight some of the pitfalls that I have come across and try to provide appropriate solutions too.
