How to Write a Bestseller in a Weekend

How to Write a Bestseller in a Weekend

Jun 3, 2021 | Book Writing

When it comes to writing the book of your dreams, a big part of that is making sure that you have a plan. That means that the bestselling book that you have been thinking about writing needs to be planned out. 

There are specific tricks to writing bestsellers and that means that you need to know what it is that your audience wants to see and be able to produce that kind of content in a way that is very meaningful to your audience and assured that you are creating content that is important to your audience. 

How to Write a Bestseller in a Weekend

How do I Decide on Fiction vs. Non Fiction?

You need to realize that there are specific kinds of content that are going to be important to your audience. You need to know that you are making the best choice for your genre and that means that you are able to create great content that will be meaningful to your audience. You need to make sure that you know which topic you are best at and that you have written in it before. 

Here are a few things you need to think about. If you are writing fiction you need to make sure that you have a plot line and a good idea of who your characters are that will mean that you are able to have a really great idea of what to expect in terms of the way that the story will unfold. In order to craft a bestseller you need to have characters that are relatable as well as events that are very clear. 

You need to make sure that there is a defined sequence in your book as well. In addition you need to realize that what will connect your story in a way that is truly powerful are the traits of your characters, your plot and the way you tell the story. 

If You Choose to Write in Nonfiction

You need to make sure that you have a topic that many people love as well as you are able to do your homework and know what people have written about. If something happens that someone has written about the topic you may need to change your approach to be something completely unique. 

Make sure as well that you do your homework and your research on the topic. Remember that a nonfiction book does not need to be a particular category; you can mix it up and be assured of good results. You can have your book be a combination of many different styles, that means you will be assured of having a style that is uniquely your own. 

Pro Tip

Try to come up with a unique or catchy title for your book.

When You Are Selecting a Topic

Make sure that you are truly passionate about the topic. You need to know that you will not get tired of writing about this matter. If you are writing about something that is very popular, you need to make sure that you are writing in a completely new and different angle to be sure that no one has covered it in any other way.

If you have decided to write fiction, here are a few other things you need to consider. Make sure that you are writing about your characters in a way that is as if they are your best friends. That will mean that you know their addictions thoughts, their fascinations and all of those little details that make them very believable. 

Writing Your Book in a Weekend

If you have information as well that is complex as well as little problems that you can throw into their lives you will be assured to have a fascinated audience. If you are crafting a nonfiction book make sure you are writing about something that you are an expert in that means that you will be able to speak about the topic comfortably. 

Also it is better for your credentials as well if you have a degree in the topic as it will allow you to have a great sense of credibility and proof with your audience. In addition to that you want to make sure you are ready to do as much research as is required on a topic. You will not run out of enthusiasm, nor will you run out of content to love. 

Writing Your Book in a Weekend

Some authors are very prolific and depending on the passion that he or she has about the topic they can easily cover a draft in a weekend. What that means though is that you need to find something you are passionate about, have completed your character development or your research, and have an outline. When you want to create a great book you need to have an outline. 

That will mean that you are able to develop your content of your book and plan the way that your story will unfold. You may not know all of the directions and the twists and turns that your story will go, or the way that you may want to make some of the changes to your research. But you need to create an outline that will show the way that your book is going to unfold from the beginning. 

When you have an outline, you are assured to have a structure that will ensure that you are successful as well in the planning and the development of your plot or story. You also want to make sure that when you are ready to write you find a place that is quiet, free of distractions, and a place that you can really focus on the task at hand. When you have found this location, you should sit down and focus on the task at hand.

When you are good at removing all of the distractions, you will find that you are able to take down the words and craft an amazing work without the noise and issues around you. When you are writing you also want to make sure that you are able to let yourself go so that you do not have to worry about all of the process pieces. When you are being creative, do not shut yourself down and judge your work in the moment. 

By instead focusing on the task at hand, you will be assured of creating something that is meaningful and unfiltered. Many of the best authors in the world allow themselves to be completely unfiltered when they are writing so that they are able to create something truly unique. Realize that during the weekend you are trying to simply get all of your ideas down and that means that you are going to be coming back and making changes as well so that you will not have to worry about everything being perfect now. 

Your goal is simply to create a first draft that will allow you to have something that really means the world to your audience. At the end of the day, you need to understand that it is your audience that is going to bring your success or failure in your enterprise, for that reason you want to make sure that you are producing something that is tailored to your audience. 

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”
Benjamin Franklin

You need to make sure as well that you have a firm deadline in place for the content that you are creating; the deadline will ensure that you have tough milestones for all of the content that you are creating as well as the content that you are seeking to create. When you have the ability to work on content that is meaningful, you will lose track of the time and not realize how much time you have spent writing. 

What this translates to is success in your project as well as meaningful content for your work. When you want to write a best seller your passion to the project is the key to your success as well as the work that you have put in that will ensure that you are ready to really create something that is very important to your audience. 

Quality as well as passion is the keys to the best content that you will ever create and it is in those two things that you need to focus when you are putting yourself to work to create a draft. Your work is quite simple, plan on what you want to craft, find a quiet location and write until you cannot write anymore.

You will have a first draft of a book that you may have been meaning to write your entire life very soon. That also means that you are going to be ready to create the content that will transform your life as well as the lives of all of your readers. Incredible content is something that you already have within you. 

The key to getting that book you have been working on crafted is simply sitting down and doing the work. You will be surprised at how much you can get done when you simply sit down and write.  

Contact Us

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What is Publicity Design?

What is Publicity Design?

Jun 2, 2021 | Publicity

There are many freelancers out there that are working in publicity demand and that can command a lot of money for their services. If you are interested in getting into publicity, you must be a designer. If you are looking to move into the space of publicity design here is what you need to know:

  • 1. You must familiarize yourself with all the conventions of selling promotional activities as well as:
  • 2. Have a basic and clear understanding of all the needs of the goals of your marketing.
What is Publicity Design?

These are practical pieces of advice to ensure that you are going to know what you need to know when you are making your brief. You need to think about all these moving details so that you are going to know the general goals. 

How to Create Direct Selling Promotional Material?

When you are creating promotional content, you need to realize that every part of it has to sell. That means that you need to think of every word as a piece of the process. That means that you need to look at all the material and find new ways to make it as attractive as possible to the audience. 

That must happen by making all the services look as good as they can. You are going to need to sell the product as much as the copywriter is. You need to ensure that you are working with the client to increase their sales.

 What should you be asking yourself as you are designing the content? 

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
Albert Einstein
  • 1. Who is Your Customer? You need to think about who it is that will want the product and who you will have that is reading all the publicity. The reason for this is that you are going to be able to ensure that people are aware of what it is that you have. They will be able to ensure that their ideas are correct as well as that you are on the same page.
  • 2. What Are You Sharing? It is especially important to also think about what you are sharing with the team. You need to ensure that there are noticeably clear specifics and that you have the entire team on the same page. That means that all the copies should be clear and that you have read the copy carefully.
  • 3. What Can You Do to Reinforce the Message of the Copy? You need to ensure that the design structure you have is the same with the message you are sharing in the copy. You need to know that you have the best approach as well. That means that you want to ensure that you are being clear and that you have a lot of freedom with what you are designing as well. That also means you want to know that you are not going to have too much white space and you are going to ensure that you know what it is that you need to share.
  • 4. Can You Show All the Benefits? It is important to make sure that you are also sharing all the benefits of your product as much as possible when you share the information. That means how can you show the difference that the product will make in people’s daily lives.

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What is a Publicity Campaign?

What is a Publicity Campaign?

Jun 1, 2021 | Publicity

Publicity is a key part of any marketing campaign, and it’s especially important for small businesses who may not have the budget for traditional advertising. But what is publicity, and how can you create a publicity campaign that will help your business succeed? 

Publicity is the process of getting your company or product name into the public eye. This can be done through press releases, interviews, articles, blog posts, social media posts, or any other form of media.

A good publicity campaign starts with a plan. You need to figure out who your target audience is and what you want them to know about your company or product. Once you have that figured out, you can start creating content that will reach your target audience. 

Be sure to include a call to action so that people know what you want them to do next.

What are the objectives of a publicity campaign?

Publicity campaigns are conducted by businesses and organizations to create public awareness for their products, services, or issues. The objectives of a publicity campaign can vary depending on the organization’s goals, but typically include increasing sales or generating leads, creating brand awareness, and gaining media coverage. 

In order to achieve these objectives, businesses and organizations often use advertising, public relations, and social media tactics. 

“There is no such thing as bad publicity except your own obituary.”
Brendan Behan

Who should be involved in developing a publicity campaign?

Research your target audience and analyze your competitors to develop a comprehensive publicity campaign. 

The primary function of any business is to make a profit, and the key to doing so is employee management. Organizations have to understand their target audience and develop effective strategies to communicate with them in order to get the most return on their investment.

What are the key components of a publicity campaign?

  • 1. Create a message that resonates. In order to create a message that resonates with an audience, it is important to understand what that audience wants or needs. Too often, people try to push their own agenda or beliefs onto others, without taking the time to understand what makes them tick.

    Once you know your audience, you can craft a message that appeals to their interests and concerns. Be sure to keep your language simple and easy to understand, and use examples or stories that illustrate your point. Most importantly, be authentic and genuine in your delivery – people can see right through fake sincerity.

    By creating a message that resonates with people, you can inspire them to take action or change their opinion on an issue.

Pro Tip

Lincoln had a firm objective to increase new policyholders and had allocated a budget to support the campaign.

  • 2. Craft a strong brand identity. What makes a great brand? A strong identity. Crafting a powerful and consistent brand identity is essential for any business, big or small. It not only helps customers remember you, but also communicates what your company represents.

    There are many factors to consider when creating a brand identity, such as your company name, logo, colors, and typeface. The most important thing is to be consistent with your branding across all channels, from your website to your social media pages to your marketing materials.

    By taking the time to create a well-thought-out brand identity, you'll be able to build customer loyalty and set yourself apart from the competition.
  • 3. Select the right media outlets. When it comes to promoting a business, product, or service, it’s important to select the right media outlets. Choosing the right media can make or break a campaign.

    There are a variety of factors to consider when selecting the right media outlets, including the target audience, the message, and the budget.

Action Item

Create an advertising campaign designed to improve brand awareness or to help associate a certain brand with certain emotions.

First and foremost, businesses should consider their target audience when selecting media outlets. Different audiences respond better to different types of media. 

For example, older audiences might prefer traditional print media such as newspapers and magazines, while younger audiences might be more likely to respond to online ads and social media posts.

Another important factor to consider is the message that you want to send. Each type of media outlet has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Use effective marketing techniques

Marketing is the process of creating value for a company through the creation and distribution of products or services. It is essential for all businesses, whether they are selling a product or service, to understand how to market themselves effectively. 

Marketing can be done in a variety of ways, but some methods are more effective than others. Below are some tips on how to use effective marketing techniques:

  • 1. Know your target audience. This is the first and most important step in marketing. You need to know who you are selling to, what they want, and what they are willing to pay for it. Once you know this information, you can create a marketing strategy that appeals to them.
  • 2. Use social media wisely. Social media is a great way to connect with your target audience and build relationships with them. However, social media can also be a great tool to market your business. You can use it to give people information about your company in a way that they will want to see, or you can use it to advertise your products and services.
  • 3. Have an effective website. Your website is the first place your customers will look to find out what you do and what experience they can expect. If you don't have a website, potential customers will go to a competitor's site and look at them, then go back to yours.

Pro Tip

Lincoln created a message that pushed the emotional needs of the audience–which they learned from their research.

Measure your results

In order to track your progress and stay motivated while working out, it’s important to measure your results. There are many different ways to do this, depending on your goals. 

If you’re trying to lose weight, for example, you might weigh yourself regularly and keep track of your waist size or body fat percentage. If you’re trying to build muscle, you might track your muscle mass or strength gains. Whatever your goal, there are ways to measure your progress that will help you stay on track.

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
Maya Angelou

How do you measure the success of a publicity campaign?

Publicity campaigns can be a great way to get your company or product in the public eye, but how do you know if it’s been successful? There are a few different ways to measure the success of a publicity campaign: 

One way is to look at how much attention your campaign has generated. This can be measured by looking at things like the number of media mentions, website visits, or social media shares.

Another way to measure success is by looking at how much it has influenced people’s attitudes or behaviors. For example, you can track things like email opens, click-through rates, or conversion rates.

Finally, you can also look at the cost-effectiveness of your campaign. This can be measured by calculating things like the return on investment (ROI) or the cost per lead (CPL).

Conclusion: Wrapping it up

It’s been a long road, and we’ve come a long way. But as we finish up this project, it’s important to remember where we started. We set out to change the world, and we’re doing just that. We’ve shown that ordinary people can make a difference. 

Contact Us

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What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Publicity?

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Publicity?

May 31, 2021 | Publicity

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, where information travels at the speed of light and attention spans are as fleeting as a passing breeze, the art of publicity has emerged as a strategic tool for individuals, organizations, products, and events to capture the limelight, shape perceptions, and build credibility. Yet, like any powerful tool, publicity comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll delve deep into the intricacies of promotion, exploring its potential benefits and pitfalls and understanding why strategic timing and unwavering accuracy play pivotal roles in this dynamic realm.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Publicity

Advantages of Publicity:

1. Increased Visibility:

Publicity is a powerful spotlight, illuminating entities that might otherwise remain in the shadows. Whether it’s a burgeoning startup, an artist with a unique perspective, or a social cause that demands attention, publicity amplifies visibility and introduces these entities to a broader audience. This surge in visibility can pave the way for recognition, support, and growth.

In a world where countless voices clamor for attention, gaining visibility is akin to rising above the noise. Publicity provides the platform to showcase talents, ideas, and innovations, allowing lesser-known entities to stand out and shine. 

For emerging artists, public figures, or startups, publicity serves as a stepping stone to the public’s consciousness, helping them transition from relative obscurity to a position of relevance. By harnessing the power of publicity, entities can broaden their reach and secure a place in the hearts and minds of their target audience.

2. Brand Awareness:

Establishing brand awareness is a paramount goal for any entity in a world brimming with options. Publicity acts as a megaphone, broadcasting your brand’s identity, values, and offerings to the masses. Notable brands like Apple and Coca-Cola have capitalized on publicity and advertising to transform into household names, capturing consumer loyalty and trust.

Brand awareness is more than just recognition; it’s about embedding your brand into the collective consciousness. Publicity ensures that your brand’s story is shared, enabling the audience to connect with the values and promises that your brand represents. 

Your brand gains exposure to diverse audiences through strategic placements in media outlets, fostering familiarity and trust. Positive associations formed through well-executed publicity campaigns can have a lasting impact, influencing consumers’ purchasing decisions and driving brand loyalty.

“Timing is everything in this markets.”
Daniel S. Loeb

3. Credibility and Trust:

Trust is the bedrock upon which relationships are built. Positive publicity provides a unique advantage by infusing a sense of credibility and authenticity. 

Publicity often appears in news stories or features, lending an air of objectivity that traditional advertising may struggle to replicate. This perceived impartiality can sway public opinion and foster trust.

In an era characterized by skepticism toward overt advertising, the credibility offered by publicity is invaluable. When a respected media outlet highlights your achievements, expertise, or contributions, it validates your credibility in the eyes of the audience. 

This validation from a third-party source establishes you as an authoritative figure in your field. By leveraging the credibility bestowed by positive publicity, entities can overcome skepticism and build lasting trust with their target audience.

4. Cost-Effectiveness:

In an era where advertising budgets can run into millions, publicity offers a cost-effective alternative. It taps into the power of media coverage, word-of-mouth, and organic sharing to amplify your message. The absence of direct advertising costs makes it an attractive option for entities seeking impactful exposure without straining their financial resources.

Publicity presents a unique, cost-effective avenue for entities to attain widespread recognition. Traditional advertising often demands substantial financial investments to secure placements, while publicity relies on media interest and newsworthiness. 

The ability to garner media attention without incurring significant expenses is a distinct advantage, particularly for startups, non-profit organizations, and individuals with limited budgets. This democratization of visibility ensures that entities with compelling stories and ideas can compete on a more level playing field, irrespective of financial resources.

Action Item

Search the internet for the best performing speakers and take note of their advantages and disadvantages.

5. Opportunity for Education:

Publicity isn’t solely about marketing products; it’s also a vehicle for education. Whether shedding light on critical social issues, showcasing innovative solutions, or enlightening the public about scientific advancements, publicity serves as a conduit for imparting knowledge and encouraging informed discourse.

Education is essential to societal progress, and publicity offers a powerful platform for fostering awareness and understanding. Entities tackling complex issues or introducing groundbreaking concepts can utilize publicity to convey information and spark meaningful conversations. 

By framing your message in an educational context, you position yourself as a thought leader who contributes to the betterment of society. This dual publicity purpose – to inform and inspire – has the potential to drive positive societal shifts and add to collective well-being.

6. Social Proof:

Humans are inherently social creatures who often seek validation from others before making decisions. Positive publicity provides social proof, assuring potential customers that their peers have had positive experiences. This validation can be a tipping point that converts mere interest into action.

The power of social proof cannot be overstated in influencing consumer behavior. Observing others embracing a brand, product, or idea generates a sense of trust and reduces the perceived risk of making a choice. Positive publicity serves as a tangible manifestation of this social proof. 

Media coverage, testimonials, and endorsements showcased through publicity validate your entity’s value proposition, signaling to the audience that others have found merit in your offer. By leveraging social proof, entities can accelerate decision-making and drive conversions.

Disadvantages of Publicity:

1. Lack of Control:

Publicity, unlike advertising, places a significant portion of control in the hands of external parties such as journalists, editors, and media outlets. The manner in which your message is interpreted and presented can deviate from your intentions, leading to potential miscommunication or misrepresentation.

Navigating the world of publicity requires relinquishing control over how your message is communicated. Journalists have the prerogative to shape the narrative based on their editorial judgment. 

While this can lead to positive outcomes when aligned with your objectives, it also carries the risk of unintended consequences. The difficulty is finding an equilibrium between conveying your message and allowing room for journalistic creativity, all while minimizing the risk of distortion or misinterpretation.

2. Negative Publicity:

While the maxim “There’s no such thing as bad publicity” may persist, negative publicity can wreak reputation havoc. A single unfavorable event or misstep can spiral into a wave of negative attention, causing long-term damage and eroding trust. Managing and mitigating negative publicity requires meticulous strategy and crisis communication.

The adage that any publicity is good publicity is only sometimes applicable in reality. Negative publicity can have far-reaching and detrimental effects on an entity’s reputation. 

Unfavorable media coverage or a public relations crisis can lead to tarnished credibility, loss of trust, and declining stakeholder confidence. The aftermath of negative publicity requires a swift and calculated response, including transparent communication, corrective actions, and efforts to rebuild trust with the affected audience.

3. Loss of Privacy:

For individuals and entities seeking publicity, the spotlight comes at a cost – the loss of privacy. Journalists and the public often delve into personal lives, seeking sensationalism or uncovering previously hidden details. This intrusion can infringe on personal boundaries and create vulnerabilities.

Embracing publicity involves an inherent trade-off between visibility and privacy. The thirst for sensationalism can lead media outlets to probe into personal matters that may be irrelevant to the intended message. Striking a balance between sharing relevant information and safeguarding personal privacy becomes crucial, especially for public figures and entities seeking to maintain discretion.

4. Limited Message Control:

While advertising empowers entities to craft messages meticulously, publicity doesn’t afford the same degree of control. Journalists may emphasize certain aspects or frame the story to align with their editorial preferences. As a result, your message might not be conveyed as precisely as you intended.

Publicity introduces an element of uncertainty regarding how your message will be presented to the audience. Journalists bring their unique perspectives and editorial choices to the table, which can influence the overall narrative. 

While media coverage allows third-party validation, it also necessitates relinquishing control over specific messaging points. Effective media relations and clear communication with journalists can help steer the narrative closer to your intended message.

Pro Tip

Getting third-party reviews about the reliability and credibility of the organization is much more effective than a review in a book, placement in popular media, or an article on service.

5. Short-Lived Impact:

Publicity, though capable of creating a burst of attention, is often short-lived in its impact. The constant influx of news and information means that today’s headline could be tomorrow’s afterthought. Entities seeking sustained visibility must continuously engage with the media and find ways to remain relevant.

The dynamic nature of news cycles and the perpetual stream of new information contribute to the transient nature of publicity’s impact. Captivating headlines today may quickly be replaced by more recent stories, causing your message to fade into the background. To tackle this impermanence, organizations should embrace a proactive strategy to remain pertinent and consistently communicate noteworthy advancements, ensuring their continued visibility among the public.

6. Media Bias:

Like any other entity, media outlets can be influenced by biases, perspectives, and agendas. How a story is presented may not align with your viewpoint, potentially leading to unintended consequences or misrepresentation.

Navigating media bias is an inherent challenge in the realm of publicity. Journalists and media outlets may approach a story from a particular angle, emphasizing certain aspects while downplaying others. This can lead to a misalignment between your intended message and how it’s conveyed. 

To address this challenge, building relationships with journalists, offering accurate information, and seeking opportunities for diverse perspectives can contribute to a more balanced portrayal of your message.

7. Time and Effort:

While publicity might be cost-effective in terms of monetary investment, it demands significant time and effort. Crafting newsworthy stories, building relationships with media professionals, and managing the entire process necessitate dedicated resources.

Publicity is not passive; it requires active engagement, strategic planning, and consistent effort. Crafting compelling stories that capture media interest, building relationships with journalists, and nurturing media contacts all demand time and energy. 

The process involves identifying timely angles, researching, and tailoring pitches to different media outlets. As a result, entities seeking the benefits of publicity must allocate resources to manage these demands effectively.

8. Legal and Ethical Concerns:

Navigating the realm of publicity can sometimes lead to legal and ethical challenges. Sensitivity to what information can be disclosed, avoiding misinformation, and respecting personal boundaries are essential to ensure your publicity efforts don’t veer into contentious territory.

A clear understanding of legal and ethical boundaries must guide the pursuit of publicity. Oversharing sensitive or confidential information can result in legal repercussions and privacy breaches. 

Misrepresentation or manipulation of facts can damage your entity’s credibility and reputation. Striking a balance between transparency, accurate communication, and ethical considerations is essential to navigating publicity’s potential pitfalls and complexities.

In Conclusion:

The advantages and disadvantages of publicity paint a complex tapestry that demands strategic navigation. In a world where attention is a precious currency and reputation can be fragile, understanding publicity’s potential benefits and pitfalls is crucial. Entities must weigh these factors against their goals, resources, and risk tolerance.

By recognizing the power of publicity to elevate visibility, foster trust, and drive impact while simultaneously acknowledging its limitations and potential drawbacks, entities can make knowledgeable decisions following their goals. It’s a delicate balancing act that requires the synergy of strategic timing, unwavering accuracy, and a keen awareness of the ever-evolving media landscape. As the world continues to evolve, so too must our approach to harnessing the power of publicity responsibly and positively.

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What Is Public Speaking?

What Is Public Speaking?

May 25, 2021 | Public Speaking

Public speaking is the act of giving a speech or presentation to a live audience with a goal to inform, persuade, or entertain. 

Many people cite public speaking as one of their biggest fears, but with practice, you can learn to build confidence and improve your skills to enjoy public speaking for any situation.

Being a good speaker is often critical for leadership positions in the world of business, community groups, government, and other settings.

What is public speaking

Professional speakers combine critical thinking, a well-organized narrative, reasoning, research, and more to help communicate his or her ideas. Proper rehearsal techniques can help improve the flow of your presentation for your audience too. 

These ideas can be taught to help you reach new heights with the art of public speaking.

Action Item

Make a list of two to five main points that you want to present. Write out each point in one or two sentences.

Jobs in Public Speaking

According to Indeed.com, there are currently 1,224,016 open full time jobs that you can get with a communications degree. 

Whether you have a job in communications or not you may find that you are required to speak in public. In many organizations for example, you might be expected to speak during company meetings, events, or gatherings.

In other settings, such as community events, family get together, and other social events, you might need to get up in front of an audience as well. Whatever the circumstance is, public speaking is a great skill level to improve for your personal development.

Some ways to deliver great speeches and great presentations to an audience is with effective speech writing.

"You can speak well if your tongue can deliver the message of your heart."
John Ford

Public Speaking Classes

A communication degree or certificate can help advance your career. Develop your skills by taking classes in Public Speaking. 

The person in responsible positions must be good speakers as there are many occasions when they are called for addressing the audience. Being able to speak well is an asset in any profession. Speaking skill can be cultivated and developed with approximate knowledge of the formal aspects of public speaking, and with practice.

The most significant requirement for public speaking is its preparation. Even persons who have natural skill in speaking need preparation to convey a good speech.

Discover how to be a top speaker

Characteristics of Public Speaking

Some of the characteristics of good public speaking or good speech are mentioned below: 

  • Clarity
  • In the manner of an informal talk
  • Speech should be vivid and concrete
  • Makes the speech brief
  • Speech should be interesting
  • Audience-oriented

Pro Tip

Keep a positive tone and attitude.

Clarity

Clarity is the first main feature of a good speech. Your speech should be successful in conveying to the audience the ideas, emotions, facts or arguments, you want to express. 

In the manner of an informal talk. A good speech is closer to a personal and informal chat between two close friends. When delivering a speech, there should be an impeccable rapport between you and the audience.

Speech should be vivid and concrete. The speech should be vivid including concrete facts easy to perceive and visualize.

Makes the speech brief. The concentration of an average audience does not last more than twenty or 25 minutes. Hence, an ideal speech should not exceed that time, unless the audience is motivated by certain interesting facts during the speech. TED discovered and popularized shorter speeches.

Speech should be interesting. Quotations, anecdotes and humorous touches often make a speech very interesting. The quotations should be familiar and accepted by experts. Anecdotes should be novel, brief and in good taste. Humor should be typical, spontaneous and gentle.

Audience-oriented. A good speech is always audience-oriented. For delivering an audience-oriented speech, one should study:

  • Whether the audience is the general public or specialized?
  • How large is the audience?
  • What is the age group of listeners?
  • What are their social, religious, political and economic views as well as prejudices of the listeners?
  • What would be the response of the expected audience?

Public Speaking Techniques

Speeches are hard for most of us. The public speaking techniques can be adopted to improve the public speaking. 

  • Selection of the topic for speech
  • Preparation of the speech
  • Guidelines for the introduction of the speech
  • Guidelines for organizing the body of the speech
  • Conclusion remarks of the speech
“There are two types of speakers: Those who get nervous and those who are liars.”
Mark Twain

Selection of the topic for speech

Your first step in formal speechmaking is to decide the topic of your presentation. 

In some cases, you will be allotted a topic, normally one within your area of specialization. In fact, when you are asked to make a speech on a specified topic, it is probably to be because of your knowledge of the topic.

In your search for a suitable topic, you should be guided by three basic factors.

  • The first is your background and knowledge.
  • The second basic factor is the interests of your audience.
  • The third basic factor is the occasion of the speech. Your selection should be justified by all three factors.

Preparation of the speech

After you have decided what to talk about, you collect the information you need for your speech. 

This step may require searching through your mind for experiences or ideas, final research in a library or in company files, collecting information online, or consulting people in your own company or other companies.

Although variations are sometimes appropriate, you should commonly follow the time-honored order of a speech: introduction, body and conclusion.

Pro Tip

Finish with a strong and motivating appeal for action. Inspire your audience!

Guidelines for the introduction of the speech

The introduction of a speech has much the same goal as the introduction of a written report, to gear up the listeners (or readers) to pick up the message. But it usually has the additional goal of arousing interest. 

Unless you can arouse interest at the beginning, your presentation is probable to fail. The techniques of arousing interest are limited only by the imagination.

One possibility is a human-interest story, for storytelling has a strong appeal. Humor, another possibility, is probably the most widely used technique. In addition to arousing interest, your opening should lead to the theme of your speech.

Guidelines for organizing the body of the speech

Organizing the body of your speech is much like organizing the body of a report. You take all and divide it into comparable parts. Then you take those parts and divide them. You continue to divide as far as it is practical to do so. 

In speeches, nevertheless, you are more likely to use factors rather than time, place, or quantity as the basis of division as in most speeches; your presentation is likely to build around issues and questions that are subtopics of the subject. Even so, time, place, and quantity subdivisions are possibilities.

You need to stress the transitions between the divisions because, unlike the reader who can see them, the listeners may miss them if they are not emphasized adequately. Without clear transitions, you may be talking about one point and your listener may be relating those ideas to your former point.

“There are certain things in which mediocrity is not to be endured, such as poetry, music, painting, public speaking.”
Jean de la Bruyere

Conclusion remarks of the speech

Like most reports, the speech normally ends by drawing a conclusion. Here you bring all that you have presented to a head and accomplish whatever goal the speech has. You should consider together with these three elements in your close: 

  • a restatement of the subject,
  • a summary of the key points developed in the presentation, and
  • a statement of the conclusion.

Adding the speech to a climactic close—that is, making the conclusion the high point of the speech—is usually effective. Present the concluding message in strong language—in words that gain attention and will be remembered. 

In addition to concluding with a summary, you can give a suitable quote, use humor, and call to action.

Importance of Public Speaking

  • Individual
  • Organization
  • Society

Individual

When you apply for a job, the employer evaluates you based on certain characteristics. Your capability to communicate is one such characteristic, and it comes across clearly in an interview. 

Your ability to communicate not only influences whether you are employed but it determines your progress in the job.

Employers realize that it is the ability to communicate that often separates an exceptional employee from the ordinary ones. Being able to organize your thoughts and give a public speech is another substantial determinant of your personal and professional success.

Being able to give an efficacious public speech enhances your self-esteem; you feel good about yourself.

Organization

It has been said that an organization is only as good as the individuals who constitute make it. It could also be said that an organization communicates only as effectively as do its individual members. 

There is a need in business for people who can effectively present the organizational viewpoint to the public. The average business organization does a poor job of acquainting the public with its contributions to society.

From a communication viewpoint, it does not matter how clean the motives of the organization are. What matters are, what the public knows about such things and how the public responds to this knowledge of a company’s activities.

Unless the public is made aware of what the business is doing and why, the purposes on the part of business will be of no use. Only through effective external communications can business present the information that is most likely to result in a desirable image.

One of the most crucial and effective formats in which to present that information is public speech.

Society

We live in a society in which the free expression of ideas is not merely tolerated but encouraged. Issues are analyzed and viewpoints are presented in many different formats. 

Newspaper editorials, town hall meetings, and discussions (or arguments) are a few settings in which opinions are aired on those subjects about which the participants feel strongly.
It is often through public speaking that ideas are presented for public evaluation.

This was as true in the prelude to the Declaration of Independence as it is today in election campaigns at all levels. It is as evident at an annual meeting of stockholders’ as at a monthly union local meeting.

For lack of an effective speaker, a good idea may fail to get consideration. A lack of articulate opponents may allow the passage of legislation of little merit. Free society requires willing and articulate people of different viewpoints.

Pro Tip

Practice your speech at least three times, and practice in front of a friend for feedback.

Modes of Delivery in Public Speaking

There are four main modes of delivery used in public speaking:

  • Impromptu
  • Extemporaneous
  • Memorized
  • Manuscript

Impromptu

The impromptu speech is delivered with little opportunity to prepare. Its main virtue is that it is spontaneous; its main shortcoming is that it is usually not well planned. 

When you are urged “say a few words” without any advance warning, what leads is an impromptu speech. This often leads to the most authentic talks.

Extemporaneous

Extemporaneous speaking is somewhat more formal than impromptu speaking. You have an opportunity to plan, and the resulting speech is better organized than an impromptu speech. 

You will normally rely somewhat on notes, but you will not read to the listeners. Most public speeches are delivered extemporaneously.

Memorized

A memorized speech allows for a well-planned expression of ideas. When presenting a speech from memory, how, speakers have tendency to lose a certain amount of naturalness and sometimes sound and look quite wooden. 

The possibility of forgetting the speech is another negative aspect of the memorized speech.

Manuscript

Manuscript speaking is relied on for more formal occasions. Speaking from a manuscript, you can be very precise, and you can carefully control the exact message the listeners receive. 

Naturally, it in general takes longer to develop a manuscript speech, and often the manuscript becomes a barrier between you and the listeners.

Public Speaking Checklist

The ability to speak effectively depends on some trades and qualities. It is also dependent upon communication situation. 

The following is a checklist of features that are often associated with effective public speaking skills.

  • Self-confidence
  • Knowledge of the topic
  • Understanding of the audience
  • Proper articulation
  • Pleasing voice quality
  • Sincerity
  • Emotional control
  • Fluency
  • Friendliness
  • Reasoning
  • Sympathy
  • Open-mindedness
  • Humility
  • Responsiveness
  • Awareness
  • Humor
  • Forcefulness
  • Spontaneity
  • Tactfulness
  • Intelligence

Need of Public Speaking

The best presenters and speakers speak in a usual way that invites you to make some modifications in your life, no matter how small. 

Thus, there are three vital purposes of public speaking which are explained below:

  • Informative Speaking
  • Persuasive Speaking
  • Entertaining Speaking

Informative Speaking

Informative speaking is regarded as one of the most common types of public speaking. The main purpose of informative presentations is to share one’s knowledge of a subject with an audience. Reasons for making an informative speech differ broadly. 

Example: Let’s say, you might be asked to teach a group of co-workers on how to use new computer software or to report to a group of managers how your latest project is coming along. It is incorporated into various different works.

Therefore, learning how to speak efficiently has become an important skill in today’s scenario.

Action Item

Tell your audience what you’re going to tell them, tell them it, and then summarize what you’ve told them.

Persuasive Speaking

Another reason for speaking to an audience is to persuade others. In our everyday lives, we are often called on to motivate, convince, or otherwise persuade others to take an action, change their beliefs, or reconsider a decision. 

Persuading customers to purchase your firm’s products, advocating for music education in your local school district, or inspiring high school students to attend college all involve affecting other people through public speaking.

Whether public speaking is something you do every day or just a few times a year, convincing others is a challenging job. If you develop the skill to convince successfully, it can be professional as well as personally rewarding.

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