Excellent Public Speaking Meets Environmental Activism

Excellence Public Speaking Meets Environmental ActivismI’m preparing for the 50-minute talk I need to deliver on the energy industry at the International Trade Fair. It’s on occasions like these that I wish I were a bit more bombastic as a speaker; I do a decent job of getting the audience into my presentation, but I’m certainly no Van Jones (pictured). I hope you’ll check out this masterpiece from this amazing environmental activist, inspiring a crowd re: the Dakota Access Pipeline.  

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5 comments on “Excellent Public Speaking Meets Environmental Activism
  1. Frank R. Eggers says:

    Craig,

    Have you considered joining Toastmasters? Most of us could use some help to improve our public speaking ability. I found Toastmasters helpful.

    When you give your speech, try to do it without having to stand behind a fixed microphone or holding one. A wireless microphone that attaches to the lapel is better because it does not restrict freedom of motion.

    • craigshields says:

      Actually, I was very active in Toastmasters for a number of years; it really is an excellent organization. I’m being a little self-deprecating about my prowess in public speaking; I do fine.

      Good advice on the microphone. Thanks.

    • Brian McGowan says:

      We like to recommend “countryman” style mics. They put the mic closer to the mouth and reduce the chance of feedback.

  2. Lawrence Coomber says:

    Craig my advice is to focus on maximising the impact of your talk on the audience, rather than other condiderations.

    Not everybody gets an opportunity to stand and deliver to an audience, so, make it stick.

    I guarantee a moderate; predictable; stick to the script type presentation will be forgotten immediately. An opportunity wasted.

    In framing your presentation why not ask yourself how might that young long haired student in the 70s (you posted a photo of him earlier this year) prepare himself for this moment.

    If he knew then what he knows now, I think he might go in hard on climate change and the future technologies required to reverse it permanently and conclusively and cost effectively.

    Good luck with your talk Craig.

    Lawrence Coomber

  3. I think the ocean acidification killing the plankton that make the oxygen we breathe is very scary. The ph is dropping and there is less buffering.