Effective Public Speaking in a Nutshell

Effective Public Speaking in a Nutshell

Mastering public speaking can be a critical element in your ongoing career success. The principles of great public speaking are the same whether you are presenting in a classroom setting, in business meetings, for professional conferences or for public hearings.

Following some basic principles will make public speaking an asset rather than a liability. First of all, it is important to have a clear and concise message. Focus your presentation on a few key points, usually no more than five. Get organized early in the process of creating your presentation. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to start with an outline. Make a list of everything that comes to mind when you think of the topic at hand and do whatever research is necessary. The outline will help you to organize your points, data and other information in a logical format.

Once you are clear about your message, use your outline to write down your entire speech. Now you can rewrite, refine and edit. Make sure you know your material. Most importantly, check your facts and give credit to your sources. As you are writing and refining your speech, keep your audience in the forefront of your thoughts. Presentations should be tailored to your audience. For example, speaking to shareholders requires a different approach than speaking with your departmental employees.

Now it’s time to practice. If you are using slides or PowerPoint, practice your speech while advancing the slides. Try to practice in front of friends or family who are not familiar with the topic. They may be able to point out sections of your presentation that are not clear. Then practice your speech some more, even memorizing it if possible.

Finally, the time has come to actually give your speech. To grab your audience’s attention early on, start your speech with a strong opening. Channel your nervous energy into enthusiasm for your topic and your audience will become excited about the topic and you. Remember to speak as you would in front of a group of peers or friends, using words that are easily understood. If you have memorized your speech, make sure that your delivery isn’t mechanical.

Be natural. Be confident. Smile and make look around at the audience until you find one or more friendly faces and individuals to connect with. Stand in a comfortable position or move through your audience to keep their attention.

End your speech by reviewing the key points and giving your audience a call to action. Make sure to allow time for questions and answers so that your audience can participate. Think of likely questions ahead of time and prepare your answers. Finally, keeping an eye on the clock is critical: your presentation should finish within the time allotted or even a few minutes earlier.

Visualize being successful each and every time. Giving a well-received speech is exhilarating. Keep at the process until it becomes enjoyable and you will be well on your way to being an effective public speaker.

Deborah Van Huis at www.expertiseondemandconsulting.com.