If you would like to learn more helpful hints, please sign up to my fortnightly blog at www.sydneybarrister.net.au where a variety of legal topics are discussed.Every day, when we speak with family and friends, we don’t speak from a word for word manuscript, so why speak from a word for word manuscript when appearing as an advocate or delivering a speech?
Public speaking or advocacy from an outline may make many people feel nervous, believing that in the event they have a “brain freeze” where the mind empties itself of all relevant considered material and the mind “goes blank” or fear that an important point will be missed and therefore a word for word manuscript is essential so as not to miss anything or it will serve as a memory aid, if and when that blank mind kicks in. People who believe a word for word manuscript will produce confidence, believing it can be read from in a “time of need” ……..need to reconsider.
There are many real advantages to advocating or public speaking from an outline instead of a word for word manuscript, 5 of these advantages include:
- Outlines help to organise thoughts and recall ideas
- Delivery will be more conversational
- Speaking from an outline will be more persuasive and motivating
- An outline allows for eye contact with the intended audience which is essential
- Preparation for delivery allows for review of ideas not memorising words
We all want to be “our best” as well all have our own unique styles when advocating or public speaking. The first step in achieving “our best” is recognising the value of an effective outline. Secondly, we need to know how to prepare an effective outline and finally how to use an outline successfully to achieve “our best” as a persuasive & motivational advocate and public speaker.
If you would like to learn more helpful hints, subscribe to my fortnightly blog on www.sydneybarrister.net.au where a variety of legal topics are addressed