Following up on my post about where to put your notes , here's my quick tip about using a lectern: Don't. And I'm the first to admit that I hate absolute rules about public speaking. But using a lectern is problematic for several reasons. It's too tempting to lean on Okay, that's a little harsh. It's most important to use the tools that work for you and your audience.

20 tips for better conference speaking ~ 16 February 2009 ~ View from on stage as I’m preparing to speak at An Event Apart New Orleans 2008. But if anything, I’ve done quite a bit of speaking over the past four years (see the summary on my LinkedIn public profile ), and therefore I’ve learned a few things about speaking along the way. The art of speaking I’ll be straight up with you: I don’t profess to be an expert speaker. I’ve had my share of presentations that have been total flops, along with some very successful

Here's Stephanie Benoit sharing her perspective on what a lectern might--or might not--do for her as a speaker. And the next time you have access to an empty meeting room or auditorium, practice moving around as you might during a speech--it's a great way to anticipate how it will feel, and find what you need to avoid or embrace when you use this tactic next time! ...Tags: Tags: step up your speaking contest speaker tipes speaker training lectern I've noticed that here and in earlier videos, she says she feels energized as an audience member when the speaker is dynamic and moving around.

Choosing whether you'll use or lose the lectern is a major factor in adding presence to your presentation. In this week's coaching session for Stephanie Benoit, I want to give her enough to consider so she can choose the speaking style and setting that works best for her. Stephanie's just starting as a speaker, so here are some things to consider and know about lecterns, whether you use them or avoid them: Lecterns are the slanted stands that prop up your speech Some people call this the podium, but a podium is really the platform beneath your feet. Lecterns

Specifically, with the only available microphone attached to the lectern and no lavalier mics available, the presenters were stuck in one place and were prevented from interacting with the audience.  A Lisa Braithwaite has a great post where she discusses why you should avoid the lectern if you can.  The The first of her three points is that the lectern “creates a physical Last week, I attended the Open Government & Innovations Conference in DC where thousands, it seems, of feds got together to pretend they’re out-innovating the private sector in the use of Web 2.0

I took the Amazon Kindle out for a test-drive in a real speaking engagement last month, when I moderated the annual media roundtable--a panel of three reporters--for Washington Women in Public Relations . While the moderation requires extemporaneous speaking, the panel introductions did require a text--and gave me a good test opportunity . In this case, our venue Here's what I learned about what you should expect when using this new device in a live setting, from preparatory steps to actual use: Readability was excellent. I experimented before the session with the six

it takes 22 minutes to read the top half of the New York Times aloud ). --This allows them to become engaged. --Assures that each point is covered (even if you forget something). Match your presentation to the level of The New York Times or Wall Street Journal Audiences don’t suddenly become dumber when they sit down to hear you speak—no reason to "dumb down" anything! Audiences are precious: respect them Be clear—not simpleminded. Humor—make sure it’s on point, not nasty or gratuitous It’s preferable to leave humor out if you

Readers chose the tips and treats they found on this blog in October, and I'm happy to share them with you in this monthly roundup of our most popular posts: Should you use or lose the lectern? The focus of week 7 of our Step Up Your Speaking online coaching included this popular post with 3 video examples of women speakers demonstrating best practices, with or without a lectern. You can see online trainee Stephanie Benoit's thoughts on speakers and lecterns here. Delivering her mother's eulogy was the challenge faced by one of The Eloquent Woman's fans on Facebook--and readers responded with their tips and advice. How can I work on making eye contact?

Practice composing your face and hands to appear calm, relaxed and friendly. If need be, practice some time-buying phrases to help you think while you talk, rather than react off the cuff. Posture makes perfect: The confident speaker stands tall, not hunched or too relaxed. Make sure your shoulders are rolled down and into your back, your hands are ready to gesture, and your stance is comfortable and strongly positioned. Ditch the usual props: The most confident-looking speaker can leave the In last week's workshop, one attendee asked about how to convey power and authority without being, well, too overpowering ...I'd

Take 10 to 20 deep breaths a few minutes before you're going to speak. (Step It's a physiological way to calm your body so it responds better while you're speaking. Practice your opener several times, so that you can do it without referring to your notes and make early eye contact with the audience. You For some speakers, the dangers of a speech lurk in the preparation. They over-prepare for speeches , focus on the writing, or worry about potential pitfalls.