Although Simon is now a great lecturer and best-selling author, he used to be very shy and didn't like to talk in public. He always hides in the corner.
And this great reversal is not only luck, or the right place at the right time, but the result of bravely facing and eliminating fears, constantly trying and making mistakes, and repeatedly practicing on the stage for countless times.
Simon generously shared seven skills on how to make a confident, charming and meaningful speech:
1. Don't start your speech at once.
Many people start talking as soon as they take the stage, which makes them feel nervous and gives the audience a sense of insecurity and fear.
The correct approach should be the opposite.
Walk quietly to the podium, then take a deep breath, stand still, and wait for a few seconds before you start speaking.
This may sound like a waste of time, and I feel particularly embarrassed on stage; But it will tell the audience that you are very confident and you control the podium.
2. Be a giver, not a taker
There are often speakers whose purpose is to sell products or ideas so that people can follow their social media accounts, buy their books and even like them.
These are all "takers", and the audience can see through their purpose at a glance. When the speaker's purpose is to take away, it will keep the audience away from them.
Man is a highly socialized animal. Even at a certain distance from the podium, people can see whether you are a giver or a receiver.
What is more trustworthy is the giver, that is, the person who can bring them value, teach them new knowledge and inspire their hearts.
3. Make eye contact with the audience one by one
It's not good to watch the audience swing back and forth. It seems that you have seen everyone, but in fact you have not established contact with the audience at all.
To feel that you are communicating with the audience, you are not talking to them, but talking to them.
This technique can not only establish a deeper connection with the audience one by one, but also make the audience feel the atmosphere of communication.
4. Speak very slowly
When people are nervous, not only their heart beats faster, but also their speech speed will accelerate. But fortunately, the audience is more patient and tolerant than we thought.
Although they want you to speak fluently and quickly on the stage, the more anxious you are, the more you will disappoint the audience. If you stop, stay quietly for a while and take a deep breath, they will wait for you, which is amazing.
Simon said that when you speak on the podium, if the speech speed is slow and there is a few seconds between each word, then the audience will … pay attention … listen … listen … to … your … every … word. It's incredible, but it works.
5. Ignore the audience who don't support you.
Ignore those who frown, hug each other or shake their heads and say no.
Instead, your attention should only be focused on the supporters. They are obviously participants who like your speech and nod their heads in agreement.
Finding an audience who actively interacts with you will be more confident and easier than persuading people who don't support you.
Turn nervousness into excitement
Simon learned this skill while watching the Olympic Games.
A few years ago, he noticed that when reporters interviewed Olympic athletes, they always asked the same question before and after the game: "Are you nervous?" And all the athletes gave the same answer: "I'm not nervous, I'm excited."
They all reinterpret the body's nervous reactions-sweaty palms, rapid heartbeat and nervous tension-as expressions of excitement and excitement.
When the speaker stands on the stage, he can do the same thing. You can say to yourself loudly, "I'm not nervous, I'm excited!" "
Doing so will really miraculously help you change your mind during your speech.
7. Remember to say thank you after the speech.
The applause from the audience is a gift for you. When you accept this gift, you should show how grateful you are.
This is why Simon ends every speech with a simple but powerful word "thank you".
Simon said that the audience dedicated their time to you and gave you applause. This is a gift, and you need to thank it.
This is a superficial experience on paper, and you have to practice after learning it. Let's learn Simon's live demonstration together and review his speech video with the mentality of learning speech skills:
(This article was compiled from Entrepreneur. Click "Read the original" to jump to the English original. )