Giving a Talk If you can establish a good rapport with your group at this stage,
 then the greater the chance that they will listen attentively to what
 you have to say and will be ready to bring out any points which, if
 not declared, may otherwise stay in their minds and prevent them
 from accepting or acting on the ideas you put across.
 Of course, there will be many times when you are not "in charge"
 of the proceedings, and you will want to fit in with the group's
 established ways of doing things. If you are speaking to a women's
 group, for example, that normally operates with formal committee
 procedures, it would be insensitive and counter-productive to try to
 break down the formalities and impose your own different proce-
 dures. However, when it comes to your turn to address the group,
 it will still be important to introduce yourself and your topic in a
 way which reduces any tension there may be and encourages their
 participation.

 APPEARANCE
 The first impression you make on your audience is often the most
 important one!

 If you are new to a group, you will be judged first on how you look.
 Therefore, it is as well to appear neat-not necessarily smart, but
 neat! How formally you dress will depend, of course, on the
 occasion. But whatever the occasion, to be wearing crumpled or
 stained clothes indicates a lack of seriousness in your approach, a
 lack of respect for your audience.

 Also, it is surprising how the way you dress can effect your own
 confidence. Even if you feel very nervous about the task you face,
 if you look the part, you have won half of the battle with your own
 nerves!
 The way you hold yourself will be important too. Not stiffly, but not
 slouching either. If you can take an upright and yet relaxed stance,
 then fine. Ideally, every movement you make should be in tune with
 what you are saying. If you walk forward, it is to emphasize a point.
 If you sit down, it is to invite contributions from the group. Try to
 avoid unnecessary movements-pacing up and down or reading
 with head bent over notes-for such things tend to distract the
 audience and serve only to block off your messages from getting
 through.


Chapter 7