Public Speaking

The number one fear among people is the fear of dying. The number 2 fear for many is speaking in front of a group. All of us can benefit from these tips.

Prepare well

Know your material. People who know their stuff have authority in their subject and are much more interesting to listen to than people who are unprepared.

Practice if you need to

Some people are great at speaking spontaneously while others need a lot of time to prepare their delivery. Some people find it helpful to practice in front of a mirror or to friends.

Deal with your fears

Put yourself in a good frame of mind. Be confident in who you are and what you have to say.

Dress appropriately

Generally you should dress one level above your audience. So if your audience is wearing jeans, you should wear casual business attire. If your audience is in suits, you should be too.

Arrive early

You don’t want to add to your stress by arriving late. By arriving early, you can meet your contacts, look over the space and get your thoughts together. Public speaking is stressful enough without being late!

Know your audience

Meet people before the meeting. Walk around and shake hands. Make small talk. Spend time with the meeting leader. Get comfortable with the room. Where will you stand? Are there walking/viewing constraints? Will you wear a microphone?

Organize your notes. Very important: set up and test your visuals so your materials are reachable and you are not blocking the screen or whiteboard.

Take a deep breath and relax

Know that people want you to succeed. They want to hear from you.

Be yourself.

Assume that people will like you and are interested in what you have to say.

Warm up the audience

Tell a joke (if appropriate), bringing greetings, or tell a bit about yourself.

What should the audience expect?

Give the audience a sense of what to expect. How long will you speak? What is your topic? It is very important you get the attention of your audience and hold it.

Tell stories

Stories are the main way we learn. We all love a good story that is compelling, is entertaining, and has a good point. Share examples to illustrate your main points.

Be entertaining

People like to be entertained and hate to listen to someone who is boring.

Ask questions of the audience

If the group is larger than just a few, you may not actually want a response, though sometimes you do. But asking questions challenges people to think. Your audience is more likely to remember your message if you stimulate them intellectually.

Engage people emotionally.

Stay focused on your subject. Don’t ramble or get off on topics that are not important. Your audience is also likely to remember your message if they are emotionally involved in your content.

Never read your speech.

Read speeches are BORING! Instead, use voice inflection and speak naturally; never speak in mono-tone (the same pitch).

Know your material so you don’t have to overly rely on notes.

Give your handouts at the appropriate time

People will look at your handouts as soon as they get them. So unless your handout follows your talk, the handout will distract the audience and they won’t hear a word you say. Distribute the handout after you’re done talking.

Be aware of the time

Don’t go over the time you have been given; it is rude. Rely on someone to help you keep track of time if you need it.

Make eye contact

Look audience members in the eye so you connect with them. Communication is about much more than talking!

Don’t be afraid to move around

People who move around are more engaging than statues.

Be aware of your body language

Don’t keep your hands in your pockets. Don’t sway. Don’t hide behind a barrier that will hinder communication. Relax!

Be culturally sensitive in your use of non-verbals

Remember that different gestures mean different things in different cultures. For example, showing the bottom of your foot is very offensive in some cultures. If you are sitting on a platform before or after your talk, you have to be careful not to show your foot if crossing your legs!

Use technology to serve you

PowerPoint-type presentations can be very effective to reinforce what you have to say, but use them responsibly and creatively. Use videos if they are helpful. And don’t block the screen with your body!

Review your main points

It is always good to tell an audience what you are going to tell them. Then after you tell them, review what you told them.

Make it obvious how the audience should respond. Do they understand what you are asking of them? Do they need to search their hearts? Pray? Give? Commit to some project? They must know how to implement what you have asked of them.

End well

Conclude with a brief wrap-up or prayer; don’t just walk away!