Test Your Public Speaking IQ

Take the test

To test your public speaking I.Q., take this easy quiz.

When speaking before a group:	True	False
a. Try to memorize your presentation.
b. Try to fight your nerves.
c. Speaking fast is good.
d. If you take a deep breath, you could faint.
e. Always know your audience.
f. People know when you’re nervous.
g. Taking a drink beforehand will calm you.

Answers

a.	False. It’s not necessary to memorize a presentation, especially if you tend to be nervous and forgetful. Many excellent speakers use a script or notes. The trick is to learn how to use them effectively!
b.	False. Never fight your nerves. Instead, you can learn techniques that will help you harness your nervousness and energize your presentations.
c.	False. People need time to hear and absorb what you are saying. Speaking too fast doesn’t give your audience time to digest your presentation.
d.	False. When you hold your breath and your body doesn’t get enough oxygen, you can feel faint and lightheaded. Breathing deeply helps calm your nerves and also improves vocal quality.
e.	True. It’s always important to know who your audience will be so that you can alter your content and delivery to their level of knowledge. You wouldn’t want to deliver a paper full of technical terms to a lay audience, without simplying the language.
f.	False. People don’t necessarily know when you’re nervous. You could feel your heart pounding and your knees shaking but if you look and sound confident, your audience may never know.
g.	False. You may fool yourself into thinking you’re calm, but alcohol dehydrates and can slow you rather than soothe you.

How did you score?

6-7 correct: You’re a public speaking pro!
4-5 correct: There’s room for improvement.
1-3 correct: You may want to sharpen your public speaking skills.

Whether you're a pro or a novice, “ Techniques for Public Speaking” can help.