Giving A Talk

There is no substitute for knowing and being interested in one's subject.

Assistance may be gained by writing down what one may say.

A proper introduction, which includes a guide to the main points one intends to cover is helpful. An enlargement of the main points then follows naturally. A conclusion should remind the listeners of the key areas discussed in the talk.

Ideally, a speaker will have reference cards with headings, key words and phrases only written so that he or she is able to look at the audience to gauge reaction. Having a response, the speaker will be able to slow down or speed up the delivery and if necessary reiterate particular points, that are hard to grasp.

Questions may follow and one person speaking at a time is a useful prerequisite, as is a quiet audience.