Public Speaking

Many of us will likely find ourselves being called upon to speak in public, be it presenting at a meeting, lecturing in some context, facilitating group discussions, etc.

The fundamental considerations when preparing are to fully consider the audience, the message, and the context. The content and method of delivery will need to be tailored to suit these. Failing to do so can result in you not connecting with the audience, and your message thus not being received, embraced or assimilated as intended. Remember: It’s not about you! It is about what you say, how you say it, and how you deliver it, as well as what the audience expects the topic and context are.

Prepare to succeed and you will do so. Failure to prepare is often a case of preparing to fail. A dry run or two can prove to be incredibly valuable, even if it simply proves that all your aids and technology function as expected. Also, allow time to check that everything is as you require in the actual venue, as you may need to make some ‘last minute’ changes.

You will invariably struggle to engage your audience if you are reading your text in a monotone voice because you either did not memorize it or you don’t have the necessary passion for or investment in the topic nor a vested interest in the audience’s experience of it and future benefit from it. Bear in mind that not everyone relates to slideshow presentations with graphs and bullet points, and this format is also not necessarily appropriate in different contexts.

It is generally advisable to introduce what you plan to cover, as well as how you plan to do so. This sets both the tone and the audience expectations. If anyone finds themselves either disagreeing with these, or being in the wrong session, they are then welcome to depart. Don’t take this personally. Focus on why you are there, and get on with it.

An effective method of gaining audience engagement is for you to be open and vulnerable in sharing some personal experience(s) relevant to the context, as this can make you more relatable to them.

Humour also tends to enhance engagement and relaxation, and laughter has a greater lasting impression than boredom. And, you are more likely to smile when telling a joke, and this makes you more approachable and likeable.

Encourage audience participation to further elevate the experiential aspect of the session, and also to introduce variability that hopefully facilitates more lasting concentration. This can change the subject matter from an abstract concept to something the audience can better grasp and embrace.

Vary your tone and modulate your voice volume and inflections, as well as your facial expressions, body position, body language and gesticulations. Visual simuli increase concentration levels as more than one sense is involved, i.e. not just hearing, and this adds to the entertainment value.

Project your voice and enunciate clearly. People are more likely to pay attention when they can understand what you are saying.

Deliver your message with passion and energy – if you fail to display these, how can you expect the audience to be enthusiastic participants? You should be the center of their attention, so leading by example sets the tone for the experience.

Scan the room and ensure you make eye contact in various parts of the audience, not excluding any particular section. This clearly transmits the message of inclusion for all.

Be prepared for how you are to field audience questions. You will lose them if you don’t make allowance for this in some way.

Otherwise, relax, be yourself, and enjoy!