Public Speaking!?!?!?! AHHHHHH!

Posted by Tamisan Bencz-Knight 
on Sep 10, 2013
 
These two words normally drive the fear deep down into most people’s souls.  Is there no hope?!  Lisa Van der Kwaak is a speaking coach and she was kind enough to share some helpful tips to improve presentation and essentially communicate more efficiently.
 
 
Too often when speaking, our eyes are glued to our notes. When this happens we fail to connect with the audience. To move forward, Lisa shared the following three things to focus on when speaking. 
 
  1. The audience should know how much time to expect to be there and what they can expect to learn. Include this information in the introduction of your speech.
  2. Connection and engagement of the audience. Some helpful techniques include making eye contact to make people feel included [ensure that your eyes go past the third row in a larger room]; and using the appropriate language to speak to all attendees, for example, “Have you ever” vs. “how many of you have” …. “said something and wanted to take it back right away” [the use of plural vs. singular].  The way you say things is critical when public speaking!
  3. Adopt a growth mindset. You might be very accomplished but there are some areas that you may need to develop. 90% of public speaking is a learned skill.  So, even though speakers are most vulnerable right after they speak, remember to accept feedback whenever it is offered.  It will help you grow.  
 
Other Helpful Tips:
 
  • Death by PowerPoint: A PowerPoint presentation is only a supplemental aide and must enhance what you are saying and not repeat it
  • One slide per point that will help enhance what you are talking about.
  • For every 10 minutes of speaking make one point and explain it.
  • Don't memorize your speech but internalize it. Communicate what you have lived and grown.
  • Research not only your content but your audience as well.
  • How much preparation is needed? Create one or two signature messages. From that, adapt it to different situations.  It is not how much information you have but how you use it.