Public Speaking Pointers
Public speaking is a common fear. Many people shy away from the limelight when asked to make a presentation, so much so that the fear has received its own scientific terminology: glossophobia. This fear may be difficult to live with, but with several public speaking pointers, you can look --- and feel --- confident and professional.
Other People Are Reading
-
Language is Key
-
When speaking, provide any definitions for terms your audience may not be familiar with. This is especially key in instances such as giving a business seminar to newcomers or speaking on new research in a field. When structuring your speech, don't use words like "OK," "Right?" and "So." These add verbiage to a speech that's likely lengthy already and implies a sense of informality. Also, avoid sentences like "Just real quick" or "I'd like to take a minute to add the following." This implies that the information ahead is not especially relevant to the topic, but you'll spend time discussing it regardless.
Notice Your Notes
-
When giving a lengthy speech, you likely have notes to guide you. If this is the case, don't stare at your notes or provide them more attention than you do your audience. Rather, look at your notes and absorb one of the ideas the notes portray. Make eye contact with those in your audience and state your idea in full, adding any verbiage or additional ideas as necessary. Repeat this pattern throughout the speech. This gives you more time to make eye contact with your audience members.
-
Watch Your Hands
-
You might feel inclined to use your hands to emphasize words or emotions. However, when not in use, don't place your hands behind your back or in your pockets, and cease all inclinations to fidget with them. Instead, place them by your side or neutrally in front of you, such as resting on a lectern. When in use for emphasis, keep the gestures at chest level and make these gestures at times that match or enhance your message, not simply for emotional effect.
Maintain Good Posture
-
Good posture signals confidence in your abilities. Sit or stand straight while you wait to give your speech, and walk with good posture while en route to the podium or lectern. Assume the basic speaker stance, advises CypressMedia.com. To do this, keep your feet 12 to 18 inches apart, with your weight evenly distributed over the balls of your feet. Lean your body slightly toward the audience, and keep your elbows loose.
Answer the Right Way
-
For questions at the end of your speech, answer as briefly as possible. This will ward off boredom among audience members who are uninterested in the question. Also, remember that "I don't know" is a reasonable answer. Don't bother with why you don't know; simply state you don't know and what measures you're taking or may take to learn that material. You shouldn't use a question as a reason to flip through slides you otherwise didn't have time for, nor should you flip through several slides to answer a specific question until it's absolutely necessary.
Overdress
-
Never dress beneath the audience, as this sends the message that you feel smarter, richer or more powerful than your listeners and that you don't take them seriously. This can immediately break any possibility for your audience to like or connect with you. Regardless of whether they're in suits or dressing for casual Friday, wear a suit or other formal business attire, such as pencil skirts and blazers.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
