Diana Wong
(On writing.) I only want to add one last point. Please find someone
to proof-read. I know it's just a short thank you note in the form of
an email but due to its nature (and it represents all of us), it would
be better if another person (maybe a fellow seminar student or a
friend) can read it over at least once.
Just like my short bio, I had a friend proof-read it for me and corrected some wrong uses of prepositions. That person doesn't have to be an English major and I'm sure things such as proper capitalization would be spotted right away.
Johnny Yeung
(On professional formality.) If unsure, it's usually a safer bet to
be "over-formal" than "under-formal". Our seminar tries to teach us
how to conduct ourselves in a professional manner in a semi-formal
environment, and our level of professionalism should be reflected in
our interaction with our guest speakers (both written and verbal). I
think that we can all, myself included, make a better effort to
conduct ourselves accordingly.
Anthony Brough
(On thank you e-mails in lower case.) While not using upper case
letters may be fine for casual e-mails with friends, I would suggest
that in a professional setting (which we are trying to convey in this
seminar) it would be best not to.
Diana Wong
While delivering the introduction, it is less scary to look at the
audience's faces than to look directly in their eyes. I chose to end
the speech with "Welcome, Hugh!" which would also signal to the
speaker that the audience is his.
Johnny Yeung
Regarding my experience in delivering the closing remarks to Gatis
Roze, I really just wanted to make sure that I remembered to say
everything. Before hand, I made mental notes about the things I must
not forget to say and do.
Things I must do:
Things to I must say:
I just tried to stay calm and pretended like I was talking to one of my friends, except in a little more formal atmosphere. Good luck and I hope this helps!
Anthony Brough
The number one tip I have: breathe!!! I learned this a few months ago and
have found it to be a big help. Take a minute before you have to speak to
think about your breathing. Make sure you are taking deep breaths, in the
nose, out the mouth. Slow down your breathing, as it is likely closer to
hyperventilation just before you speak. This will have at least two
positive effects : (i) it will help calm you down so you can think more
clearly as you are speaking (ii) it will make you easier to understand for
those listening as you will speak clearer and more slowly.
Another technique I learned contradicts Diana's advice, so this may be a personal preference. Try to make meaningful eye contact with everyone in your audience. By meaningful, I mean long enough (~2-4 seconds) for that person to feel like they have some sort of "connection" with you and that you are speaking directly to them. I have observed this in speakers that impressed me, and this seems to go a long way towards giving a "good" talk. I think this point isn't strictly for making public speaking easier, but also for making your speaking better.
Andrew Chang
I was doing the recording 2 weeks ago. Here are a few tips I would
like to pass on:
Qwentin Kok
I would like to add: Before the seminar starts, we should check what
format the speaker is planning, this will help to time the break for
closing remarks.