How to Succeed as a Public Speaker

By Alan Sivell

I speak in public - and teach public speaking - for a living. You’d never have guessed it from my childhood and young adulthood, though.

The first time I appeared in front of an audience, I turned my back to the crowd and delivered my lines to the curtain.

I was in kindergarten, but still.

(Lesson #1: Look at the audience.)

The first time I was on live TV, I froze. It was during the 5 o’clock news with Jim King . I was supposed to preview my upcoming story. When asked what it was about, I looked at Jim. I looked at the camera. I looked at the lights. This was repeated until Jim finally summarized my story and moved on.

(Lesson #2: Speak.)

The first time I was asked to address a Quad-City area club, I wore a wool sport coat. Never mind that it was a warm May day. That was just the first mistake.

I hadn’t prepared any remarks because I brought along video tapes to show.

No sweat, I had thought.

But it was a big sweat. I was dripping hot. The equipment failed. And the entire talk failed, because I hadn’t prepared.

(Lessons #3-5: Dress appropriately. Practice on the equipment. Prepare.)

It’s not as if I welcomed those failures, but I love what I learned from them.

Over the years, I’ve shared those lessons, helping many business professionals, students, political types and others find their voices and craft their messages.

Some of them have gone on to launch successful TV careers, some now stand in front of their own students, and many others have gained confidence speaking in front of colleagues and associates.

Whether you have a fear of public speaking, or simply lack the tactical tools that go into creating and delivering an effective presentation, I can help you achieve success.

Contact me to learn how you can grow your skills as a persuasive speaker, create speeches that flow, impart the message you want to share, and avoid the mistakes that we all make without the right coaching and experience.