Public Speaking Techniques That You Could Implement During a Presentation

Turn to your audience when referring to presentation aids behind you.

Giving a presentation is public speaking with props. You may be using a whiteboard, slide show or charts, but the same principles of public speaking apply. You may be in a more intimate setting and have to adjust your voice accordingly. One important thing to remember is that if you have to frequently refer to a chart or presentation aid behind you, do not speak with your back to the audience.

Know Your Material

Go over your material many times so you know what comes next.

Go over your entire presentation several times so you can present it naturally without referring to notes. Remember the correct order of any visual aids, such as slides or charts, with as few prompts as possible, so you can speak to them fluidly without having to turn your back to the audience. Many presentations contain a question and answer session, so prepare and research possible questions in advance so you can answer them expertly and confidently.

Eye Contact

Establish eye contact with a member of your audience.

Eye contact is the best way to establish rapport and credibility with your audience in any speaking situation. If you are nervous, scan the audience for a friendly face --- someone who is being especially attentive, with a pleasant expression or smile. Whenever you start to feel nervous or need a confidence boost, allow your gaze to go back to that person, and then after a few seconds, make contact with others in the audience.

Be Conversational

Use hand gestures for emphasis.

You have to be adequately prepared, but you do not have to deliver your presentation in a boring, stilted manner. You and your audience will relax if you use your own words and deliver your points as though you are having a conversation. Use hand gestures that come naturally to make a point, without being distracting, just as you would in a personal conversation. This will also establish additional rapport with your audience, and you will come across as more likable and credible.

Practice With Others

Have your practice audience sit in different areas of the room.

You need to know your material from an intellectual standpoint, but that is not the same as practicing with others pretending to be your audience. Tell them to give you feedback on your appearance, mannerisms, rate of speech, volume and articulation. Have them ask questions that range from easy to potentially antagonistic. Use as many people as possible, asking them to sit in different areas of the room. If possible, use the same room in which you will be presenting, at the same time of day, to gauge lighting, temperature and other comfort factors that could distract your audience from you and the presentation.

References

• Participants Media Training Handbook; The Futures Group International for USAID Office of Population, Family Planning Services Division; 1994.

Resources

• Toastmasters International: Become the Speaker and Leader You Want to Be