Is public speaking an art or a science?  Professional speakers can use proven scientific principles to learn their craft. After all, that's what any budding artist does. It's only when you add into the mix that which is uniquely you that your speech becomes a work of art!

The Art and Science of
Public Speaking

Yes, there is an art to public speaking - an essence that is hard to define but instantly recognizable. There's also a science to it. Certain techniques and principles that universally work.

We've already spoken about how to find a topic that you're really interested in and is something people will pay to hear you talk about. If you want to develop your speaking into anything close to art then there's a bit more work to be done.

If you want to get any decent fees at all you must be seen to be an expert on your subject. Don't recoil at the thought. You probably know far more on the subject than you think. If you're really interested in the subject you will subconsciously store information about it.

A seven year old who's mad about football will be able to repeat the weekend scores after only hearing them once. He'll be able to tell you endless details about his favourite team and its players. Yet he may not be able to even tell you what was covered that day in school! The lad is passionate about his subject. It may not be art, but just let him start speaking on football and he'll never shut up. But his energy and passion for his subject will be captivating.

That's another clue in the art of public speaking - passion.

But I digress. You may not be a world expert but the chances are you are at least 90% of the way there.

Get someone to interview you on the subject and tape the interview. Get someone who is good at drawing out information - perhaps a journalist or researcher. Once you relax you will open up and be amazed at what comes out.

Particularly you want to make note of any stories that come to mind - especially personal stories from your own experience. These stories will form a vital part of your speech when you come to craft it.

If you have a pocket Dictaphone or audio recording device carry it with you and whenever something pops into your mind, record it. Some mobile phones have a memo function to leave messages for yourself. If you wake up  in the middle of the night with an idea, record it or write it down immediately. Neglecting to do so means
that in the morning you will remember you had a great idea but you won't recall what it was.

Next you need to do ongoing research and study. Even if you don't know a lot about your subject you can become an expert on it in a year by devoting forty-five minutes a day. This can be reading or listening to tapes or CDs while driving in your car. Stop listening to the radio while driving and turn your car into a university on wheels.

One of the fastest ways of developing expertise in any subject is to read the last twelve months of trade magazines from that industry or niche.  You will quickly be able to spot the trends and the hot buttons of the industry.

Just think if you were to give a layman the last twelve months issues of EXTREME SPORTS or KNITTING MONTHLY magazines. He could go to a trade convention and be able to talk intelligently to anyone and leave the impression of being very knowledgeable. Now this layman wouldn't be great on the technical side but on all other aspects he'd be up to date and probably know more about current trends than 95% of the other delegates there.

If this layman spent just 45 minutes a day studying the subject for the next year he could hold his own with 99% of all people from that trade or profession.

You're now well on the road to the art and science of public speaking

Next we'll talk about how to turn your expertise into a speaking based profit centre.