Public Speaking Course: 

Make 'em Wonder

I know most of my students and readers know that when I'm speaking professionally I try to push the limits - most of the time - to make sure my audience is not going to be bored with me.

It should be no surprise then that in this article from my public speaking course I will attack another common old school snoozer style (and I know I will get letters from educational theory folks, but that is OK) . . . that is, telling the audience members what you are going to cover during your presentation.

I say let 'em figure it out as you go.

If the audience thinks they know where you are going in your speech, then it's easy for them to 'zone out' on you since they 'think' they know what you're going to say.

I  make them wonder, 'What in the heck is he going to do next?,' which forces them to stay awake and pay close attention to me.

If they are asleep it will be next to impossible for you to use what you learned in your public speaking course and paint in their mind your wonderful word picture. Make 'em wake up, and Make 'em wonder at your words!

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