Public Speaking Course:

Make 'em Wonder

I know that most of my students and readers know that when I'm presenting I try to push the limits - most of the time - to make sure my audience is not going to fall asleep on me.

It should be no surprise then that in this article from my public speaking course I will attack another common old school snoozer technique (and I know I will get letters from educational theory folks, but that is OK) . . . that is, telling the audience members what you are going to cover during your presentation.

I say let 'em figure it out as you go.

If they think they know where you are heading in your speech, then it's easy for them to 'zone out' on you since they 'think' they know what you're going to say.

I do this technique to make them wonder, 'What in the heck is he going to do next?,' which forces them to stay awake and pay close attention to me.

If they are asleep it will be next to impossible for you to use what you learned in your public speaking course and paint in their mind your wonderful word picture. Make 'em wake up, and Make 'em wonder at your words!