Tips for Successful Public Speaking

Martha D. SaundersMartha D. Saunders has worn many hats in her lifetime of professional achievements and work in Education, Public Speaker has certainly been one of them.

After graduating with a PhD in Communication Theory and Research, her impressive career in higher education began and would include various prestigious career titles to include, but certainly not limited to: Professor of Communications, Dean, Associate Dean, Provost, University President, Coordinator of the Public Relations Program, Director of the University Honors Program, etc. Having served in the classroom, on several university boards, and as a part of countless educational community groups; has required Saunders to be an effective fundraiser, a student-center educator, a savvy businesswoman, an effective communicator, and a polished and inspiring public speaker. To this end, Martha D. Saunders shares her two most important insights on success in public speaking.

Effective Notes

The first rule of effective public speaking, speaking so that you really drive home a message, seems like a no-brainer, but is more often overlooked than not: be prepared with notes. It is not a good idea to memorize your speech or write out your thoughts word for word. Instead, to make the presentation be as natural and powerful as possible, jot down notes of your speech’s direction-a skeleton of thoughts that you can expand upon.

Be Enthusiastic

From novice public speaker to established veteran, it is very common for speakers to forget the purpose of why they are talking to a large crowd about something. Instead, the nervousness or the appearance become the priority. To really deliver a good speech, to reach your audience and persuade them in some direction, remember why you are giving the speech and be enthusiastic about it. Whether it be a cause, a new directive, or a call for support-nothing gives a better speech than enthusiasm.

To learn more about Martha D. Saunders and her career in education, visit her LinkedIn profile:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marthadsaunders.

The Importance of Women Leadership Roles

Martha D. SaundersLike most of us growing up, Martha D. Saunders looked to various people as leaders, and whether or not it’s intentional, many of those leaders are men.  People often associate leaders and role models with those that are in power, whom until recently were most commonly men.  Unfortunately, many of the women in the media are actresses or singers, who although are not necessarily bad people, but many are not realistic or good role models for our female youth.  It is important, especially for young girls, to have strong, educated female role models that hold leadership roles.  Both women and girls need to see confidence, ambition, and drive in women they admire.

Martha Saunders is the definition of a well rounded role model; between an extremely active professional life in education as a teacher as well as a University President she also finds time for  her many hobbies including salt-water fishing and gardening.  Martha D. Saunders has also achieved success in the higher education school system as Professor of Communication, Associate Professor, Associate Dean, Director of University Honors program, Dean for College of Arts and Sciences, Interim Dean, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chancellor, University President, and Provost serving in these capacities at the University of Southern Mississippi, University of West Florida, Columbus State University, and University of Wisconsin. On top of the enormous success as an education professional, Martha D. Saunders has also served on various educational boards.

Martha D. Saunders is a prime example of a Woman in a Leadership Role.  She has breathed success into everything she does; winning many awards along the way.  The list of achievements includes the Top 50 Business Women in Mississippi, National Stevie Award for Women in Business, the National Silver Anvil Award, and the Women of Excellence Award, Diabetes Foundation of MS. It is clear that Martha D. Saunders’ passion for education and business make her a great role model for women and young girls.