Technically Speaking . . . Things you will not learn about public speaking from Sheldon Cooper

ByMark L. Mongeau, P.E.

Engineers Communicating

• Getting the answer right is critical• But it is not enough• Communicating the information to

those who can use it• Both oars in the water, pulling together• Very important with verbal

communication

The First Rule

“Nobody is as interested in what you have to say as

you are”

Public Speaking and Presentation

• Convince the audience of your point.

• Engage the audience.

• This takes PASSION

Speaking With Passion

• The story of Socrates• You have to care and convince

the audience that you care.• Break outside your comfort

zone.

Methods of Convincing

• Logos. . . using logic and facts

• Pathos. . . appealing to emotions

• Egos. . . using the character of the person

Passionate PresentationDo’s and Don’ts• Do you know where you are?• The eyes have it.• Fashion Plate• Reader Rabbit!• I Seeeeee!• That’s funny . . . Not!• Boogie Night• Tone• Practice, Practice, Practice.• The End.

Do You Know Where You Are?

• Where and how you stand is important.

• Face the audience . . . always!• Watch where you place your

hands.• Don’t be afraid to move . . .

approach the audience.

The Eyes Have It

• Eye contact is important.• Don’t stare at an individual . . . 5

seconds max.• Move your eyes around the

room, making contact with everyone.

• Acknowledge and reward attentiveness with your eyes.

Fashion Plate

Fashion Plate

• The clothes we wear is an extension of ourselves . . . and our passion.

• Dress with a purpose.• Use your appearance to help make

your point.

Reader Rabbit

• Reading a presentation script is not very . . . passionate.

• Work to be (or at least sound) spontaneous.

• Don’t just read the text on the slides . . . most of your audience knows how to read.

• Watch out for verbal crutches

I Seeeeee !• Prepare effective visual

aids.• Highlight the key issues.• Support the “word

pictures.”• A format chosen for the

audience’s comfort.• Keep the lights on.

That’s Funny . . . Not!

That’s Funny . . . Not!

• Humor has a place.• Physical reactions of the listeners.• Need to be selective and sensitive.• We are not likely the second

coming of George Carlin

Boogie Night• It’s hard to be passionate when you are frozen

stiff!• Audial, kinesthetic and visual listeners• Don’t be afraid to be animated.• Move among the audience.• Use your arms, hands and body to punctuate

your points.

Tone• How you say something is as

important as what you say.• Consider the same words said

with different tone.• Monotone, in any case, cannot

express passion.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

• Resist the urge to “wing it.”• Practice practices

• Three times seems to work,• In front of a “disinterested” group,• Watching the clock closely.• Full participation• No one is too important to skip.

The End . . . Closings• Challenge the audience to act.• Re-state your main ideas.• Ask for agreement.• Avoid weak endings.

So . . . What’s Next?

• Passion is critical to any presentation.• You are trying to convince the listeners.• Remember the Top Ten list.• Embrace opportunities to speak in public.

• Schools• Church/Service Organization• Work• These are learned skills

• Let your passion show!!!

Questions