All,
First, I am not a great public speaker. This answer is based on observation
not great experience. A lot of the time we are looking for the audience to
approach us with affirmation. While a phenomenal speech will often invoke
such a response, not every speech (even a good one) will get such a
response. When we are delivering a speech that is more of a report, the
audience does not get as involved. I am not sure how well you know the
people you are speaking to, but that can have an effect on your speech as
well. Knowing them well will leave them with the tendency to listen without
much response. You can often get the same response from not knowing them at
all. One thing I like to do is spend some time with the audience prior to
your speech, soften them up if you will. This helps them be more responsive
to what you are delivering and helps them feel more comfortable about asking
questions. Also, feel free to ask questions. If no-one has any questions, in
a joking fashion, addressing the audience, give yourself a compliment about
how well your speech must have been being that you answered all the
potential questions in your delivery. Of course this might not be as
applicable in an uptight professional setting. However some type of
ice-breaking technique like this usually works well at provoking some
response. As my classmates know I am a bit of a self-proclaimed comedian and
I respond this way out of habit. Like I said I am by no means a
professional, but I truly believe that connectivity is very important in
making both you and your audience feel more comfortable. The more
comfortable we are, the more open we become.
Hope this helps.
Allen Adamson | Logistics Supervisor | West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind |
Tel: 325-653-4231 |
Fax: 325-657-9367 | Email: a.adamson@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From: bmtgraduates-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:bmtgraduates-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Valverde, Loraine, M
Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2015 2:12 PM
To: bmtgraduates@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [bmtgraduates] Re: Public speaking as a person who is visually
impaired
Hi Sylvia, Thank you for this insight. I just came back from a briefing
that I do to speak about our store and generally there are approximately 20
people.
So I feel that my challenge is mostly not being able to see the faces and
understand how they react to what I am talking about. Pretty much just
quiet. Today I started my speech with how beautiful the weather is (which
has been totally awesome lately). So I thought this might spark a little
enthusiasm but I did not hear anything as such.
Should I just assume that it was a good speech? How do I determine that I
did a good speech that will grab them?
I will take any suggestions you may come up with.
Thank you!
Loraine M. Valverde
BASE SUPPLY CENTER (BSC) Luke AFB
Operated by: ARIZONA INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND
P: 623 535-8003
F: 623 535-8021
E: lvalverde@xxxxxxxxx
"Your Authorized ABILITY ONE Store"
From: bmtgraduates-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:bmtgraduates-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Sylvia Perez
Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2015 12:44 PM
To: bmtgraduates@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [bmtgraduates] Public speaking as a person who is visually impaired
Hello everyone!
I hear many B.M.T. alumni have signed up for our list. So, it is time to
start getting some discussion going.
Most of us do a lot of public speaking, and if you do not it is likely that
you will eventually have to.
What do you find the most challenging about public speaking? And, what have
you done to work on that?
I recently joined Toastmasters and have to say it has been a really
wonderful experience. I highly recommend Toastmasters.
And, from there I have learned some new tricks to overcome some of the
difficulties I have faced.
One of my major challenges is to make sure I talk to the whole audience
since I cannot see any of the audience members. Now, I have someone give me
information ahead of time by standing where I will speak from and letting me
know directionally whre the audience is. Using a 360 degree target audience,
so if I know the audience is about 120 degrees from my center I know how far
to move to address everyone.
What do you do, and what are your challenges with public speaking?
Best
Sylvia Stinson-Perez
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