Just the mention of the words –public speaking – can send shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned professionals. Whether it's a presentation in front of colleagues, a pitch to potential clients or a keynote address at a conference, the ability to communicate effectively in front of an audience is a skill that can elevate your career to new heights.
Those who see me at conferences, networking meetings or client engagements today might be surprised to hear that in grade school I was often described as shy. I would freeze, sweat, stutter and generally panic if asked to speak in front of a crowd. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to practice presenting in front of other students on a regular basis in graduate school, and I attended a professional development workshop early in my career that helped me improve my public speaking skills and calm the urge to panic. I learned that with a bit of practice, preparation and a sprinkle of confidence, anyone can become a captivating speaker.
1. Acknowledge the butterflies
It's perfectly normal to feel nervous before taking the stage. Instead of viewing the butterflies in your stomach as enemies, embrace them as your allies. Those butterflies are merely a signal that you care about delivering a great presentation. Prepare in advance (keep reading) and that will help prevent butterflies. When a few still make their presence known on the day of your presentation, take a few deep breaths, visualize success and channel that nervous energy into enthusiasm.
2. Know your audience
Before crafting your presentation, take some time to understand your audience. What are their interests, concerns and expectations? If you don't know, do your homework and find the answers to those questions. Then, tailor your message to resonate with them. Speak their language, use anecdotes they can relate to and address their pain points. Remember, the more you connect with your audience, the more engaged they'll be.
3. Structure is key
When we watch a car commercial on TV, we see an eye-catching, compelling message that hooks us and convinces us why the car is stylish, safe and affordable; it does not give us the nitty-gritty details of the manufacturing process, warranty or owner's manual. Every good presentation starts with a compelling, attention-grabbing introduction. Then, present your three to five main points in a logical order, using transitions to guide the flow of your material. Finally, conclude with a memorable closing that summarizes and reinforces your key message. Don't forget to sprinkle in some storytelling, humor or visual aids to keep your audience engaged.
4. Practice makes perfect
You wouldn't step onto a tennis court without practicing your serves, would you? The same applies to public speaking. Rehearse your speech multiple times until you feel comfortable with the material. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself or enlist the help of a trusted friend or colleague for feedback. The more familiar you are with your content, the more confident you'll appear on stage. Don't practice until you get it right, practice until you can't get it wrong.
5. Harness the power of body language
Your body language can either enhance or detract from your message. Maintain good posture, make eye contact with your audience and use gestures to emphasize key points. Be aware of your hand position (clasped gently in front of you, not dug into your pockets). Don't pace or dance, but rather move with intention closer to or farther away from the audience as needed to enhance your message. And remember to smile – it actually helps you feel more relaxed.
6. Learn from each experience
Every speaking opportunity is a learning opportunity. After each presentation, solicit feedback from your audience or peers. What worked well? What could be improved? Use this feedback to refine your skills and become an even better speaker.
In conclusion, public speaking is not a hidden gift you have to be born with. Even the most shy person can be a great presenter. It's a skill that can be honed through preparation and practice. So, the next time you find yourself standing in front of a sea of eager faces, remember these tips, take a deep breath and let your voice be heard. Your audience awaits.
