Say That Again!
Some people just seem to have a knack for commanding a crowd. While a few of these individuals may rely on a natural talent for public speaking, many more have worked hard to develop their skills.
If your own speaking abilities could use a little polishing, it’s worthwhile to cultivate them. Being able to communicate clearly and persuade a crowd is beneficial in all aspects of business, from small team meetings to large board presentations.
- Practice, practice, practice! The better you know the words you want to say, the more easily they will flow at crunch time.
- To calm your nerves before standing up in front of any size crowd, remind yourself of the goals you have for the presentation. Knowing that will help you stay focused — and give you more confidence to begin.
- Be as natural as possible. Use a bit of storytelling humor to warm the crowd up if that’s your nature; toss out a few facts related to the subject if that feels more like you. Use common speech and don’t talk down to your audience. Using the same gestures and tone inflections you use in everyday speech is an easy way to connect to your audience and add impact to your words.
- Simplify your message. You’ve been tapped for this engagement because of the breadth and depth of your knowledge, but you can’t convey all of it in one presentation. Focus on relaying a few influential ideas that will be remembered long after you leave the stage.
- Breathe. Often! Nerves can make your mouth move faster than a speeding bullet. It’s tough for an audience to understand — let alone follow — what’s happening when you’re spitting out words like a game show host. Build moments into your presentation where you can take a deep breath or two before moving on.
Let your passion show!
Regardless of how you feel about speaking, what ultimately matters is how you feel about your subject. When you believe in your message and convey your passion for it, the audience will pay more attention. Authenticity and the desire to share information on your topic will inspire similar reactions in your audience. Remember: Be yourself!