[nabs-l] Public Speaking

[Joe]

Alleha made some excellent points regarding gestures and movement. I'll add
a few more:

1. If your presentation can be divided into distinct segments, use those
transitions to move to a different part of your stage area. This will be as
much of a visual cue as a good reminder to move without wandering.

2. Rehearse those hand gestures that can emphasize points, but do not
concentrate so hard on gestures that they wind up looking robotic. For the
longest time my speech and debate coaches would try to get me to use
gestures to highlight key points in my presentations, but remember hand
gestures are supposed to come naturally. The only real way to practice
gestures is to make them a part of everyday conversation.

3. I now lead several classes at church. I memorize people's names to call
on them using a Socratic method. It keeps the audience engaged, alert, and
helps establish a stronger connection. If you're presenting to a group of
strangers, assuming you're not in a competition setting, don't be afraid to
ask the person to tell you their name after they've given you a comment as a
means to try to get to know them and maybe call on them again later in your
presentation.

4. The idea that it is okay to read your speech verbatim is rarely true.
Among those speeches I hated most at NFB seminars and conventions were those
speeches that were clearly read word for word. It's almost as frustrating as
people who read every word on their PowerPoint slide. I say, "rarely,"
because there are of course exceptions, but short of banquet keynotes and
presidential reports, always use an outline or another means of leaving
enough room to generate your own commentary or impromptu thoughts. Even
annual report-type presentations I feel should be a little looser to keep
people more interested.

5. Record yourself delivering the presentation beforehand. We are our own
worse enemy, but at least you have a rough and realistic sense of how you
might come across to your audience.

Best of luck to you,

Joe

--
Twitter: @ScribblingJoe

Visit my blog:
http://joeorozco.com/blog

-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Shickeytha
Chandler via nabs-l
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2014 5:06 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: [nabs-l] Public Speaking

Happy Friday All,

I am wondering if some of you would be willing to share tips and suggestions
for effective public speaking as a blind person. One of my classes in
Graduate School this coming semester involves doing several speeches. In my
undergrad work, I had to do a few, but let it suffice to say that my public
speaking skills were less than stellar. I think part of it is because of not
feeling confident because I can't just look down and read from my notes (or
a teleprompter, lol) like a sighted person could. My Braille skills are
lacking also. I only read uncontracted Braille slowly. I have had a few
suggestions that I might try, but I want to get as many ideas as possible.
My VR counselor told me about another client who uses a Victor Reader to
record speeches in advance and then has headphones playing while he is
speaking, and he can pause the player as needed. Additionally, I took a
PowerPoint course from the Hadley School last year, and the blind instructor
told me that she uses Blue Tooth headphones to listen to her notes as she
presents. I would love to hear from any of you who have strong public
speaking skills and experience to learn your ideas that might be helpful to
me. Thanks in advance!

Shickeytha

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