So You Want to be a Speaker – Pt. 2

So last time we went over a few things that will aid you in overcoming the fear of speaking to an audience.  This post will add to that previous blog by adding a few other things that might help you prepare.

As noted, practice is important.  But before you practice you need to lay out the contents of your discussion, by creating a logically organized script.  That’s not to say you want to have every word written down and actually read the entire presentation.  No, you should prepare a basic outline of what you plan to cover.  The outline will help provide structure, let you organize your thoughts into a cohesive flow.  It should serve to refresh your memory of what you’re talking about.

It’s very difficult to read a prepared statement or speech that’s been entirely written out and not make it sound like you’re simply reading it.  It can be done, but it takes a lot of preparation and experience; honestly, often by the time you’re prepared enough to use a fully-written-out presentation, you could be working from an outline anyway.  One of the other disadvantages to writing everything out is if and when you’re interrupted, for example, by a senior executive, it can throw you off script.

You can use presentation tools like PowerPoint or Keynote to help, but the last thing you should do is read from slides.  Your audience can usually read, so having the speaker read it to them is redundant and frankly a waste of time.  Using bullet points and then expanding those points is much more effective.  I’ve known some speakers to just use pictures and illustrations on their slides, and they’ve been some of the better sessions I’ve attended.

Now it’s time to step in front of the audience.  Recognize that you’re going to be nervous.  Everyone is nervous, even seasoned speakers are always initially nervous when stepping in front of people.  But focus on your material, not on the people.  If you’re prepared and comfortable with what you’re presenting, you may be surprised at how quickly you lose your fear once you start getting into the material.

Depending on the size of the room, pick two or three friendly faces in different areas of the room and focus your attention on them and try to talk directly to them.  This helps take your focus away from the size of the crowd.

Finally, have water available.  There’s nothing wrong with taking a sip when your throat begins to dry out.  I’ve read some speakers and even some professional singers actually take a spoon of olive oil before going on stage to help keep their voice lubricated.  I’ve never done that, so I have no idea if it actually works.

So, I hope the last couple blogs have encouraged you and helped you get ready to try public speaking.  Next, we’ll start looking at the things you can do to improve how you speak.