| During my time as Chairman of Forum, the Public | | | | have lost control.Other members want to be |
| Speaking Group of the Australian Institute of | | | | funny at your expense and it is incredibly difficult |
| Management, I have often been asked about | | | | to maintain your cool and not be taken down their |
| speaking after dinner.Before I discuss this | | | | path of ridicule for you.Again with the lapse in |
| opportunity, I want you to think back to a time | | | | manners that often occurs in such situations, they |
| when you were at a dinner event and the | | | | may ignore you and carry on conversation |
| speaker came on.How did you and your party | | | | amongst themselves in such a loud and rude |
| react?Did you give him or her a chance to get | | | | manner, you could well succumb to the feelings of |
| started?Did you listen intently to the point of view | | | | inadequacy.These feelings are real.Your skill level is |
| being put across?Or did you, after you realised | | | | inadequate although you are not inadequate as a |
| that this was not an entertainer, turn your | | | | person.However, with the emotion of the |
| attention back to your own group or shout out | | | | moment you can scar yourself forever.I have |
| comments to the speaker.If you and your table | | | | seen speakers who were not frightened of |
| didn't, did others?And how did you feel?How do | | | | speaking in public before, who are now |
| you think the speaker felt?If you are a novice | | | | terrified.This makes it so much harder to |
| then making a presentation after dinner is very | | | | overcome the nerves because the fear has such |
| hazardous for your esteem and frankly, I would | | | | power!So, before you go near an after dinner |
| recommend that you decline.The reason is that | | | | speaking engagement, learn the basics.Practice the |
| the audience typically, will not be in a receptive | | | | basics and start with your first speeches in a safe |
| state to what ever message you want to put | | | | place. |
| across.Again generally, alcohol has been consumed | | | | And if you are the guest speaker, never ever |
| and what the audience is looking for is | | | | drink before your speech. |
| entertainment.They want you to make them | | | | And generally, do not eat, as a burp at the |
| laugh.To be an entertaining speaker of this nature | | | | wrong time will destroy your confidence.So, if |
| requires a great deal of skill, and | | | | possible, go and enjoy the dinner as a guest |
| self-confidence.With inhibitions reduced members | | | | patron until such time as you have gained the |
| will shout out comments, which will distract | | | | necessary skills and confidence.To your growing |
| you.Many novice speakers get involved in an | | | | confidence and success. |
| interaction with their audience and very soon they | | | | |