From Drab to Dynamic: 5 Tips for Public Speaking

There is a well-known study done by a UCLA professor about what an audience takes in when someone is speaking in public. Here is what the study revealed:

  • 55% of what an audience receives is non-verbal body language, gestures, and facial expressions.
  • 38% of what is received comes from your voice vocal tone, emphasis, pacing.
  • 7% of what is received comes from your words.

With this in mind, here are five tips to help you communicate your message effectively:

Dress for Success. A professional wardrobe is a communication tool. Know your audience and dress appropriately. If you will be speaking to a group of corporate executives, learn about the company culture so that you can dress accordingly. Wear colors and styles that are comfortable for you and your audience. If you feel uncertain about what colors and styles look best on you, consider hiring a professional image consultant (find one in your area at www.aici.org). The investment will be well worth it when you know exactly what to buy and have a closet full of clothes that reflect your authentic self you’ll feel ready for any opportunity!

Pay Attention to Details. Everything from your hair, make-up and nails to your shoes, handbag and accessories should be fresh, stylish and well maintained. Every piece of your outfit fits together like a puzzle, reflecting your personal style and essence. Keeping yourself well groomed is extremely important; it lets people know that you value your presence. Your appearance, and the importance you place on it, speaks volumes before you are able to utter a single word to a prospective client or audience. When you are comfortable with your style and appearance, you will look and feel confident and relaxed for your presentation.

Here are a few pointers:

  • Clothing should be tailored to fit you perfectly, clean and pressed.
  • Accessories should be proportionate to your body, appropriate and in good repair.
  • Hair should be styled in a flattering way that you can manage yourself and up-to-date (not the same style you wore in high school).
  • Nails should be well groomed and polished. If you don’t like to wear color, go for a great manicure and clear polish. If you do wear color, it’s a good idea to have the same color at home for last minute touch ups.
  • Shoes and handbag should be in good repair and spotless.
  • Be sure to do a last minute check in a full-length mirror on zippers, teeth and hair so you catch any stray bits of food or trailing toilet paper before your audience does!

Be Prepared. Lose a button? Hem falling down? Shoes that are pinching? Always bring along an on-the-go fashion emergency kit for any unexpected disaster. Pack a small travel bag with items that can solve these and other little problems that might pop up. Then you can relax and know you are looking your best.

Practice Makes Perfect. Practice your speech in front of a mirror or with some friends or family to get feedback. Practice until you know that you sound authentic. Be conversational and speak naturally. Be sure that you know the material well so you don’t have to read it. And if you’ll be using any props or a laptop for your presentation be sure to practice with those as well.

Connect with Your Audience. When speaking in public, come from a place of integrity and authenticity. You should feel good about the topic and speak from your heart. Make eye contact with your audience and tell a great story. The best place to start is with a personal experience. Add humor where appropriate and tasteful. The more you connect with the audience, the more successful your speech.

Whether you are making a presentation for your company, facilitating a workshop, or presenting a keynote for a major event, how you look and feel about yourself are crucial to your success. If you are just stepping up to public speaking (or thinking about it) seek the help of a professional image consultant who specializes in helping women step into the spotlight so you’ll feel confident and prepared to move authentically into that role.

For more information about tapping into your essence and finding your authentic style in preparation for speaking contact Laurie Mandato at Laurie@imagingjoy.com.