Communication Tip:
Improving Your Speeches by Using Video
If you have a camcorder, you have a powerful tool for improving your
speeches. If you do not have a camcorder, I recommend getting one.
Watching your speeches on video will help you considerably in improving
your delivery.
Have a friend videotape you from the back of the room where you are
speaking. This enables you to hear how well you project your voice to the
listeners in the back (not to mention that this is a courtesy to your audience).
When you are ready to watch the video, ask a couple of experienced
speakers or fellow members from your Toastmasters club to watch it with
you. You will appreciate the other insights, and they can lead into some
helpful discussions.
Watch the speech the first time all the way through, and then watch it
again making liberal use of the rewind, play, and pause buttons. If a
gesture seems distracting, but you are not sure why, replay that part of
the speech. You might be able to identify the problem the third or fourth
time you see it.
Some things to look for as you watch your video include:
Body Language
- Do
you maintain eye contact with audience members on all sides of the
room?
- Do
you repeat certain gestures too much?
- Are
you wearing anything that can be a distraction (large jewelry, pens in
the pocket, cell phone in holster)?
- If
you step away from the lectern, do you make use of both sides of the
speaking area?
- Do
you have good posture?
- Do
you smile?
Voice
- Can
people in the back in the room hear you clearly?
- Do
you use any ahs, ums, or filler words? More
info
- Do
you use effective and appropriate changes in volume and speed?
- Do
you pronounce words correctly and clearly?
- Do
you express enthusiasm?
Audience Response
- Was
the audience attentive? Restless? Interested? Bored?
- Did
they laugh at your jokes? If so, did you pause to let them laugh
before continuing?
- What
type of applause did you get at the end of your speech? Excited?
Polite?
Related Topics
Speeches
Communication Tips Technical
Writing Tips
Creative Writing Tips
Links
Toastmasters
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Founder's
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Tony Audrieth
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