Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Public Speaking about mosaics and creativity. .

Last week I was invited by the Ngongotaha Garden Circle to present a demonstration about mosaics.
They were a lovely group of women who have been meeting regularly, once a month for gardening related presentations  and outings.
They enjoyed my talk so much they are going to come for a tour of my mosaic garden next year.
They asked lots of questions.which is always a good sign.
Public speaking about your work is a great way to be seen and to get known.
 It is one way of spreading the message that creativity is important for all ages and backgrounds.
I was a member of Toastmasters for thirteen years so I am not at all nervous when public speaking, in fact I look forward to opportunities.

I have spoken to many groups including Rotary Clubs, Zonta, School Groups, Garden Clubs and on the radio.  
One day I would like to do some presenting on television, the Good Morning Show would be my dream.

Groups frequently visit my open mosaic garden and studio from where I  also give demonstrations.

Tips for  Creative Public Speaking
 Keep it relatively brief, twenty minutes to half an hour is ideal.
Taylor make the speech to your audience
Have lots of visual examples ,
Don't  confuse or bore people with too much technical information.
Remember to smile and have lots of eye contact,
Be enthusiastic and passionate about your subject.
 Use pauses and slow down.
Try not to um.
Breathe deeply before you start to calm down.
 Visualise yourself relaxing  and enjoying  yourself before you start.
If you are really nervous about public speaking, join a Toastmasters club; within a year you will be flying.


Creativity Quotes of the Day

"There are three things to aim at in public speaking: first, to get into your subject, then to get your subject into yourself, and lastly, to get your subject into the heart of your audience."
Alexander Gregg




"Make sure you have finished speaking before your audience has finished listening."

-- Dorothy Sarnoff




1 comment:

Jacque said...

Great suggestions. I have done a little bit of public speaking, but I could do a lot more. I am not as nervous as I was when I was younger!