[nabs-l] Public Speaking

[Shickeytha Chandler]

Joe,

Thanks for the tips, especially the one about not just reading the
speech verbatim in most cases. I think it would be easy to fall into
the habit of doing that if I am nervous, but you are right that
reading speeches word-for-word is usually not as interesting or
engaging for the audience. I really appreciate all the great insight I
have gotten from everyone on this post. It helps me to feel a little
less panicky about my class and about overcoming fears and challenges
involved with public speaking as a blind person in general.

Shickeytha

On 6/20/14, Joe via nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 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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