The 7 Techniques Utilized by Effective Public Speakers & Storytellers

Being comfortable and confident as a public speaker is only one part of the equation. The bigger part of the equation is to be competent at the task. What techniques should you utilize as you perform? Are there certain techniques you can successfully use as a performer for children and other techniques that make you equally successful as a performer for teens or adults? How do you know?

As a teacher, I often utilized Donna M. Ogle's teaching process that she called the K-W-L Model. The K-W-L Model bases all lessons on 3 key questions. The two questions you address at the beginning of the lesson are based on the K and the W. The K stands for "What do you KNOW about a given topic? The W stands for "What do you WANT TO KNOW about that topic?" After completing the lesson, you bring closure by asking the L question. The L stands for "What have you LEARNED about that topic?"

This particular Blog series is about building an increasing level of comfort, confidence, and competence as you prepare to tell a story or to give an oral presentation of any type. For the K of the K-W-L MODEL, what do you already KNOW about performing a story or giving a speech or a report in front of others? What experiences have you had? Think back to things you have heard such as imagining your audience in their underwear or pajamas so they will appear less intimidating. Think back to your favorite elementary school teacher or a parent reading to you. What techniques did he or she employ that made their presentation captivating? Using reverse reasoning, think back to public speakers you felt were not very good. What techniques did they employ such as rocking on their feet, picking at their clothes, stuttering, or using odd word choices that made you feel they were not what you would call effective public speakers? If you think about this question for a while, you will realize that you already know quite a bit about what it takes to successfully perform a story or to give a speech or report in front of others.

For the W of the K-W-L MODEL, what do you WANT TO KNOW about performing a story or giving a speech or a report in front of others? Where do you fall on the continuum of being entirely comfortable, confident, and competent performing in front of others to being one of those who would probably rather eat nails than be a public speaker? What do you WANT TO KNOW about public speaking that would help you sound and feel successful giving an oral presentation of any type?

Naturally, we will not address the L of the K-W-L MODEL; in other words, what you have learned, until the end of this entire series of Blogs.

To begin, storytellers and all public speakers need to use good storytelling techniques. There are seven key techniques that all effective public speakers need to employ:

1. Good Eye-Contact

2. No Distracting Motions

3. Good Enthusiasm & Expression

4. Good Preparation

5. Good Use of Voice & Good Volume

6. Appropriate Talking Speed

7. Good Use of Body & Hand Gestures

Links to the 7 articles plus more included in the article below:

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