Discussion on:

The right way to get into the tech public speaking circuit

I wanted to get into public speaking on various technologies and found that the BEST place to do so is in school. There, you already have a captive audience (depending on what level of education your presenting to), because they are generally required to be there. I've spoken to many college classes on various topics and to tech groups. I did it so many times I was invited to teach.

Now, I'm a high school teacher teaching Data Networks and Telecommunications to kids who are concurrently enrolled in college for credit.

I've learned what I need to focus on in my speaking skills and what to avoid. The funny thing is, I used to be a very shy person in public. Now, I have no problem standing before a large group and discussing something.

Just call your local school and ask for the technology teacher or instructor. They could be just a computer teacher or anything in the field.

I notice most of the speakers can deliver facts, interesting topics but a few can really speaks well and dynamicly repond to their audience.

I attend some conferences before and found out that a speaker with sense of humour not only entertainingbut also keeping the audience awake and high in interest.

I wonder how to acquire those tricks and skills? Any idea?

There are lots of books in the subject as you might imagine. I found this link: http://speech-anxiety.healthyplace2.com/favorite_links.htm helpful. It has some really quick tips and tricks. The first one on the list is very enlightening.

Find a local chapter of Toastmasters, and work your way thru the speech progression there. You learn best by doing, and TM provides an easy way to practice and to get supportive feedback.

Contact your local computer club or user group --we're always looking for good speakers on technology issues. Find a listing of User Groups by state at: http://cdb.apcug.org/loclist.asp
Good luck with your speaking career!