Public Speaking Success: Tips for Handling Question and Answer Sessions

In a prior article, we covered how to prepare for a Q&A session so in this one, we’ll cover how to handle the actual Q&A session during your speech.

Before you start your talk, decide whether you’ll take questions throughout your talk or only during a designated question and answer session. It’s better to designate a time for questions versus taking questions throughout your talk as the latter can throw you off topic and quickly consume the time that you should be using to give your speech. When I teach a course or when I give a speech to a small audience, I’ll stop for questions several times throughout my talk. I do this because I’m trying to provide a more personalized experience for the audience and in the case of classes, I’m trying to ensure that everyone understands the material.  Read more... (878 words, estimated 3:31 mins reading time)

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Job Interview Success: Multiple Interviewers: What to do when more than one person is interviewing you at the same time

Interviewing for a job is hectic, especially if you really want (or really need) that particular job. As interviewing candidates for a position requires a substantial amount of time and effort, employers are always trying to optimize the process but coming up with new ways to interview. One of the toughest interview situations out there is when you are meeting with more than one person, sometimes referred to as the Team Interview.  Read more... (839 words, estimated 3:21 mins reading time)

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Public Speaking: How to Write a Speech – Part 1: Your Speech Outline

Writing a speech can sometimes be as nerve-racking as giving the speech. Where do you begin? What format should you use? Will you need props?

The list of potential questions is endless, but getting started is a lot easier than you think. Assuming you’ve chosen your topic and done some preliminary research, you’re ready to sit down and write.

Now some folks prefer the free write approach. They simply start writing their speech out word for word and once they’ve gotten to the end, they simply make a few edits and they’re done. If that doesn’t work for you, then try creating an outline.  Read more... (482 words, estimated 1:56 mins reading time)

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Public Speaking Success: Preparing for a Question and Answer Session

Getting up in front of an audience and speaking is a challenge in itself. Having to answer questions in front of an audience makes it even tougher. The good news is that with proper preparation, you can eliminate most of the stress that comes along with answering questions in a group setting. Here are some of my favorite tips for Q&A:

Know your topic:  Read more... (890 words, estimated 3:34 mins reading time)

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How to Improve Your Memory

Whether you’re trying to memorize the main points of your speech, your to do list or the capitals of the major countries of the world, a good memory can be a powerful asset. The benefits to having an excellent memory are extraordinary: improving your memory will help you be more efficient, learn things faster and communicate better. Here is a far from complete list of skills that you’ll notice big improvements in with a better memory:  Read more... (1156 words, estimated 4:37 mins reading time)

  • Public Speaking (remembering your material, especially key points)
  • Networking (remembering names and conversations)
  • Personal Finance (remembering to pay bills and take advantage of deals)
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Dealing with Bullies

Being bullied is one of the worst things that can happen to a human being. If you or someone close to you has ever been bullied, you know how unpleasant an experience it can be. It eats away at our self-esteem, our self image and can lead to depression and even violence in cases where victims are pushed over the edge.

Unfortunately, bullying isn’t only limited to the school yard. It’s has crept into college campuses and even into the corporate world. Adults who are bullied at work for prolonged periods keep to themselves, call in sick more often and find their relationships outside of work deteriorating. The proverbial downward spiral thus begins.  Read more... (1155 words, estimated 4:37 mins reading time)

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Public Speaking Tips: Five Tips for ESL (English as a Second Language) Speakers

As if speaking in public wasn’t challenging enough, imagine having to translate your thoughts on the fly into another language while speaking in front of a group. Well this is a challenge that many speakers who emigrate from a country where English is not the primary language to an English speaking country face.

I know many people who are trying to overcome this challenge. So I’ve put together a list of tips to help (I’ll get into more detail on some of these tips and list more in future posts):

Tip 1: Record yourself.  Read more... (472 words, estimated 1:53 mins reading time)

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