If your mouth turns dry and your knees grow weak at the very thought of speaking before a group—large or small—this all-day program is meant for you. Public speaking coach Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger offers practical, confidence-building guidance for anyone who has to speak in front of others, whether it be formal presentations to large audiences or less formal talks to small groups. Learn to improve all areas of public speaking, including connecting with an audience, crafting a clear and interesting message; maintaining poise under pressure, and staying mindful of yourself and your presentation habits.
9:30–10:45 a.m. Start off Right
Learn the nonverbal cues that make a big difference in your presentation and communicate much about you before you even say a word. How to establish credibility and build rapport with your audience. The importance of the voice: projection, inflection, modulation, and rate of speech.
11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Craft and Deliver a Message that Matters
Effective beginning and endings; sound structure and flow; and meaningful content. Using stories and compelling questions to engage the audience and add more interest to your presentation.
12:15–1:30 p.m. Lunch (participants provide their own).
1:30–2:45 p.m. Maintaining Poise Under Pressure
How to deal with difficult people and high-pressure situations; diffusing hostility and challenging questions; thinking on your feet, responding with assurance, and maintaining a powerful presence.
3–4:15 p.m. A Public Speaker’s Toolbox
Reading your audience and making adjustments to hold their interest and involvement. Visual aids that help deliver your message. Concluding the talk on a high note.
Lloyd-Stanger has helped many individuals and organizations in the Washington metropolitan area develop better communications and public-speaking skills.
