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In the last issue of Home & Country. an article explained how to go about preparing a brief. The next step is presenting that brief at a hearing, to your 10cal MP or even to your own organization. Here are some general presentation tips which apply to presenting a brief which you should find useful. Before you deliver your speech or present your brief, it is a good idea to have the following in mind: visit the scene early; be rested and ready; dress your best; be aware that nervous- ness is normal; make a good first imâ€" pression; and last but not least, smile. Now. . .You're Talking I. Take a deep breath a) breathe deeply while being introduced b) take a deep breath as you step up to speak c) then force the air out of your lungs slowly. Smile a) look at your audience b) as you exhale, smile. l-J 1. Observe and listen carefully to previous speakers. Every PA system eems to have its own peculiarities. ome microphone require that you a peak absolutely directly into them; thers will sound better from an angle hen you are, in effect, “speaking across” the microphone. . Have the microphone adjusted to e correct height and distance from on. You should never have to stand ke a bent reed talking into a - icrophone that is set too low. not 1-1 ould you stand awkwardly on tiptoe :r- reach a high microphone. If some- rne adjusts the microphone again a hile you are talking, carry right on. t st pretend that you do not see him. his will avoid losing comact with an audience. h. Breathing should be quiet as pos- I it. rEg'ular and without undue =‘t sion of muscles. Noisy breathing. ‘ or out. can be heard on the air. Tips for good presentations 3. Acknowledge your introduction a) thank the chairman b) make an impromptu remark, only IF YOU CAN 4. Mind your mannerisms a) use gestures only if they are natural b) don't assume a stiff pose c) keep your hands away from your head d) don’t fiddle clothing/jewelry e) don't frown f) just be yourself. with your How to Gain Confidence as You Go 1. Find a friend in the audience. . . a) pick out several friendly faces b) talk to these people just as you would in normal, everyday conversation. 2. Learn to use your head, . . a) let the m0vement of your head emphasize what you are saying. 3. Your eyes have it. .. a) relax your eyes b) learn to smile with your eyes H & C October, November, December 1987 21 c) blink them to avmd a ll'v.:_‘tl stare (1) let your gate wander mcr th-; audience. 4. Speak slowly â€" up and dtmrt 1hr.- scale... 21) speak a little sloucr than gmu think you should bl pause frequently C) forget your throat d) open your lungs. 5. People are listening one at a time. . . a) keep your deliwr)‘ on an Il't- timate. personal basis b) don’t press c) don‘t be too restrained â€" bu enthusiastic about what you are saying (:1) hold your head high. imagine you are talking to someone in the room seated abore you. Above all, be NATURAL. And if you have prepared your speech properly and rehearsed it so that it is yours. you will find it easier to be natural tn your presentation. How to use a microphone Watch for rustling papers; they‘ll sound like a forest fire over the mike! 4. Avoid touching or “choking” the microphone stand. The mike will make terrible noises if you cling to it or kick it. Check where all the cords are so that you don't trip on them or kick them. 5. The throat mike is convenient. Once it is adjusted our of sight as well as possible your main problem is to avoid tripping over the cord. 6. Practice whenever possible with a recording machine to check the time factor and all pronunciations, especially if you are using a script. 7. Testing the microphone: Never blow into a microphone! Tap it lightly to ensure that it is on. Say at least one or two sentences to hear how well your voice comes over. 8. Look for opportunities to practice with a microphone.