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Public Speaking – Delivering a
successful presentation and dealing with nerves.
This article provides tips on preparing and delivering speeches. They are
all simple but essential steps for a successful presentation.
There are a few simple truths about speaking in public and I have listed
them in point form below.
1. If you can, go to a course on public speaking at your local college. It
will be reasonably inexpensive and you will pick up some tips and build
confidence. Don’t panic if you can’t. Follow this advice and the delivery
will work.
2. To be a good public speaker you have to be prepared. Someone once said
the secret to public speaking is Preparation, Preparation and Preparation.
Do not think that you will get up on the day and deliver a good speech
without preparation. There are people who make it look spontaneous and easy
but do not be fooled it is the hard work and preparation in advance that has
made it look easy and seamless.
3. Research your subject thoroughly because it is your familiarity with the
subject that will sustain you through the most nerve wrecking of
presentations.
4. One reason to feel confident about your speech is the fact that you will
know more than your audience. The old adage applies “never underestimate the
intelligence of your audience and never over estimate their knowledge”.
5. Type and print out your presentation a few days in advance if possible as
this will give you time to fine tune and rehearse. It will also avoid the
possibility of the computer or printer breaking down or the printer ink
running out.
6. If you have been given a title then read the title at least three times
to be clear as to what is required off you. The answer is often in the
question. The biggest mistake you can make is delivering a presentation that
is not on the subject that was requested.
7. The simple formula for any speech is “tell them what you are going to
tell them, tell them and then tell them what you have told them”. In other
words the speech should have an introduction a middle and a conclusion. All
successful speeches follow this formula.
8. Write out or print the speech on small cards, less than A5 size. These
will be easier for you to manage, there will be less of a chance of getting
mixed up or lost and subsequently shuffling through mixed up papers. If you
suffer from trembling hands, smaller pages will make this easier to disguise.
9. Learn your speech. You do not need to know it by heart but you should be
able to work from prompts that you have printed off.
10. Rehearse your speech aloud. This will help you get the pitch right and
give you an idea as to how much voice projection you need. It will also help
you to remember it.
You can rehearse in front of the mirror; this will help build up your
confidence. Later you can deliver the speech in front of a friend who will
give you feedback and constructive criticism.
11. Time your speech. Speaking aloud always takes longer than reading.
12. If you speak too fast or repeat the same phrase, for example “OK” or
have some other habit that you wish to avoid then print in large different
coloured ink a reminder on the top and bottom of your printed speech. For
example write “speak slowly” and when you see it you will be reminded to
slow down.
13. If you are using a powerpoint presentation or other computer software
make sure you are familiar with the programme. Know how to open the programme and move the slides back and forward.
14. If you are using an overhead projector the same thing applies; know how
to turn it on and off; know how to focus the projector and get the right eye
levels.
This may be stating the obvious but some people have their speech prepared
for them and don’t know how to work the equipment. The day of the event is
not the time to learn.
15. Do not worry about signs of nerves such as sweating or shaking hands.
The most experienced public speakers often display these signs. They mean
nothing. Your audience will not judge you harshly because they know they
would be the same. Your audience are more likely to admire your courage.
16. Having said that do what you can to minimise the signs of nervousness.
If your hands shake try to hold on to something, the paper or a pen or join
them. If you get a blotchy neck wear a polo. If your mouth gets dry take a
drink of water.
17. If you can add humour to your speech it is good, however note - the
golden rule and never ever, ever make a joke about sex, race or religion.
Your idea of a joke could be highly offensive to someone else.
18. If there is conflict or resentment in the group possibly because of the
subject matter the best way to diffuse this is to let the participants speak
first. If possible ask them to introduce themselves and say what they hope
to get out of the event.
19. Aim to speak for no longer than twenty minutes as concentration levels
start to fail after this time.
20. If you are programmed speak for ten minutes then speak for ten and
not twenty. There is no greater crime than speaking excessively over your
time and it does not matter how interesting you think you are.
At conferences where there are a series of speakers this rule is all the
more important because if you speak too long you are eating into someone
else’s time.
The participants at such a group will be struggling to concentrate anyhow
given the heavy itinerary and will not appreciate you asking them to work
even harder than they are already. If you have not finished in the time
allotted you can ask the groups leave to continue or explain why you think
it is important to continue.
21. Thank your audience for listening to you and if appropriate offer them
the opportunity to ask question.
Finally don’t beat yourself up after delivery a speech. Note - you will be
your own harshest critic!
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