As with every skill, there are do’s and don’t’s involved in public speaking.
One of the best sources of great speakers is the TED Talks website, which contains over a thousand presentations from speakers at the very top of their field of expertise.
When they invite a new speaker to speak, they send them a list of 10 commandments that I would recommend keeping in mind if you ever have to stand up in front of a group of people to share your thoughts.
- Thou shalt not simply trot out thy usual schtick.
- Thou shalt dream a great dream, or show forth a wondrous new thing, or share something thou hast never shared before.
- Thou shalt reveal thy passion and thy curiosity.
- Thou shalt tell a story.
- Thou shalt freely comment on the utterances of other speakers for the sake of blessed connection and exquisite controversy.
- Thou shalt not flaunt thine ego. Be thou vulnerable. Speak of thy failure as well as thy success.
- Thou shalt not sell from the stage: Neither thy company, thy goods, thy writings, nor thou desperate need for funding, lest thou be cast aside into utter darkness.
- Thou shalt remember all the while, laughter is good.
- Thou shalt not read thy speech.
- Thou shalt not steal the time of them that follow thee.
It’s a great list isn’t it?
Which one do you need to remember the most when you speak?
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June 7, 2011 at 8:48 am
Broot
I love love love this!!! I mean, I loved TED before, but now I love them even more. That is a fantastic list.
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June 7, 2011 at 11:13 am
Darren Poke
Thanks Broot, I’m a big fan of TED as well. I’m glad that you like the list.
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June 10, 2011 at 11:53 am
Debbie
The list is awesome. I . . .do not speak in public at this time. ha!
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June 10, 2011 at 12:31 pm
Darren Poke
Thanks Debbie.
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