Public Speaking Tips?
Discussion
Hi all,
As a teacher, I'm highly skilled in the art of engaging with young people. However, give me an adult audience and my self-confidence diminishes somewhat.
In the last two years, I have increasingly presented to adults on a range of topics and whilst I don't crumble or anything like that, I just don't have the confidence I would like. Whilst I have no problems with small groups, it's when faced with a more formal presentation-like set-up that I start to have problems.
I always prepare very well, I know what I'm talking about and receive positive feedback etc. but I'd just like to avoid the red neck and slightly trembling voice that sometimes visit me! I'd also like to develop a more positive mental attitude when it comes to speaking to such audiences.
Hence this post - to those of you who regularly engage with larger audiences, has nerves ever been an issue for you and if so, how did/do you overcome them? Any tips from those of you who are naturally gifted in this area would be well received.
Cheers,
Martin
As a teacher, I'm highly skilled in the art of engaging with young people. However, give me an adult audience and my self-confidence diminishes somewhat.
In the last two years, I have increasingly presented to adults on a range of topics and whilst I don't crumble or anything like that, I just don't have the confidence I would like. Whilst I have no problems with small groups, it's when faced with a more formal presentation-like set-up that I start to have problems.
I always prepare very well, I know what I'm talking about and receive positive feedback etc. but I'd just like to avoid the red neck and slightly trembling voice that sometimes visit me! I'd also like to develop a more positive mental attitude when it comes to speaking to such audiences.
Hence this post - to those of you who regularly engage with larger audiences, has nerves ever been an issue for you and if so, how did/do you overcome them? Any tips from those of you who are naturally gifted in this area would be well received.
Cheers,
Martin
Less those naturally gifted in the art of public speaking, us mere mortals employ a number of tactics. The primary one is experience; just keep doing it at any opportunity and you will improve. Red neck? Collar and tie will help; avoid open neck attire. Nerves? This is normal and quite healthy as long as it aids performance and doesn't detract. Film yourself so you can spot habits and idiosyncrasies around body language that may be going unnoticed or unreported to you. Reduce volume of slides and content of presentations to improve the balance between the formal and informal bits of the session; give more time to questions and discussion where you will inevitably be more relaxed than the formal presentation bit. This also recognises that you speaking less with resultant increased audience participation will be more appreciated by that audience. There's obviously more but I hope that helps for starters. Good luck!
I do a fair bit and also coach younger execs in how they might present in a better and more confident way.
One of the first things to believe is that your audience want you to be good. A bit like everyone at a wedding who knows the Best Man, wants him to deliver a great speech.
As a teacher you're 99% there already.
One of the first things to believe is that your audience want you to be good. A bit like everyone at a wedding who knows the Best Man, wants him to deliver a great speech.
As a teacher you're 99% there already.
rog007 said:
Film yourself so you can spot habits and idiosyncrasies around body language that may be going unnoticed or unreported to you.
Great advice but you can make it even more effective by playing it back at faster than normal speed. Increasing the playback speed compresses everything and really exposes body language habits. Concentrate on breathing from your diaphragm, not your chest, as this will improve your projection and reduce that trembling in the voice!
Also, take your time. If it sounds slightly slow to you it's probably about right for your audience.
Doing it a lot helps ... a lot
If you are worried about nerves there a few things that work for me
- prepare well enough that you don't need to read from your notes or the slides
- quiet breathing exercises beforehand can prevent any last minute worries
- method acting - what kind of message do you need to get across, what tone do you need to set? Decide this beforehand and get yourself into the right kind of mood by visualising a time when you remember yourself being in this frame of mind (think of someone else, or a film, if you genuinely can't). Do it well, and this can carry you right past any nerves. What works for me is getting myself into the mindset that this is so fun and interesting that I just have to share it with everyone, which turns the nervous energy into a more positive impetus. Some of the topics I cover can be a bit dry, so it can work quite well to get excited about delivering them, but ymmv!
If you are worried about nerves there a few things that work for me
- prepare well enough that you don't need to read from your notes or the slides
- quiet breathing exercises beforehand can prevent any last minute worries
- method acting - what kind of message do you need to get across, what tone do you need to set? Decide this beforehand and get yourself into the right kind of mood by visualising a time when you remember yourself being in this frame of mind (think of someone else, or a film, if you genuinely can't). Do it well, and this can carry you right past any nerves. What works for me is getting myself into the mindset that this is so fun and interesting that I just have to share it with everyone, which turns the nervous energy into a more positive impetus. Some of the topics I cover can be a bit dry, so it can work quite well to get excited about delivering them, but ymmv!
Edited by oldbanger on Sunday 8th June 23:14
I probably make 5 presentations a week. Audience can be anywhere from a single client to a auditorium of 1,000 people.
When I first started, I was nervous. Now, I rarely am unless it is an impromptu speech that is sprung on me.
Preparation is absolutely key. Know what you are going to say and when. Practice in front of a mirror or in a room. Time it. Don't read anything off the slides (if you are using them). Really, really, know your stuff. When you do, you can be thinking ahead - the words you are speaking are almost coming from the subconscious while the conscious mind is checking on the audience and their attention - if you need to change where you are leading them, you can start planning that without breaking your stride. When ou start I would try to use something like a set of powerpoint slides - it give you a natural roadmap to follow and a prop to point at to gain your audience's attention (taking it away from you - which may help that feeling of been exposed).
Say slightly outrageous things - an amusing phrase, an preposterous exaggeration, a jokey simile. I wouldn't tell an actual joke, as they are very difficult to pull off in a formal context - better to be playful with language. It is not a best man's speech. The audience is probably expecting to be bored - when they realise that it is going to have some humour, they start to pay attention.
The humour relaxes the audience and gets them on your side. Their reaction builds your confidence. They immediately remember you and what you are telling them. It's a positive feedback loop.
I now can sit/stand in front of a an audience of hundreds and do whatever is necessary - a presentation, a q&a session, a speech - and it won't faze me, as long as it is on my specialist subject.
When I first started, I was nervous. Now, I rarely am unless it is an impromptu speech that is sprung on me.
Preparation is absolutely key. Know what you are going to say and when. Practice in front of a mirror or in a room. Time it. Don't read anything off the slides (if you are using them). Really, really, know your stuff. When you do, you can be thinking ahead - the words you are speaking are almost coming from the subconscious while the conscious mind is checking on the audience and their attention - if you need to change where you are leading them, you can start planning that without breaking your stride. When ou start I would try to use something like a set of powerpoint slides - it give you a natural roadmap to follow and a prop to point at to gain your audience's attention (taking it away from you - which may help that feeling of been exposed).
Say slightly outrageous things - an amusing phrase, an preposterous exaggeration, a jokey simile. I wouldn't tell an actual joke, as they are very difficult to pull off in a formal context - better to be playful with language. It is not a best man's speech. The audience is probably expecting to be bored - when they realise that it is going to have some humour, they start to pay attention.
The humour relaxes the audience and gets them on your side. Their reaction builds your confidence. They immediately remember you and what you are telling them. It's a positive feedback loop.
I now can sit/stand in front of a an audience of hundreds and do whatever is necessary - a presentation, a q&a session, a speech - and it won't faze me, as long as it is on my specialist subject.
In my last business we had two employees who were ex-teachers. They were both good presenters. Ironically I don't think they made much adjustment at all to their styles. In internal all staff meetings one of them treated colleagues like kids anyway and he was really effective in keeping audience attention and getting his message across. I am convinced he thought he was still in the classroom.
All the posters have contributed some very useful pointers and tips (some of which I will use myself!) If you want to "test drive" your presentations, delivery or speaking skills then consider joining the Association of Speakers Clubs (www.the-asc.org.uk) or, if your are doing this for a living, the Professional Speaking Association (www.thepsa.co.uk). The latter organisations has helped me a great deal and I recommend it 100%.
I have done a number of large scale presentations to paying audiences. Recently I went on a training course and the chap asked me what made me nervous.
I told hi honestly " I get nervous, about being seen as nervous on stage"
When you think about it, this is utter madness, but it is often true. You don't want to be nervous, but you feel nervous, and that in turn makes you anxious about your delivery etc etc
1st and only rule for me, don't worry about feeling nervous, it is pefectly normal for 95% of the population and actually hardly anyone in the audience will ever know, or care that you a a bit nervous.
Once I accepted that I would be a bit nervous at the start my talk, I relaxed much much more
Some very good advice already posted.
The one thing that made the biggest difference to me was learning how to present without notes - even to the point of not having any on hand 'just in case'. This forces you to really, really know your subject and that in turn gives you the confidence to enhance your presentation.
And whilst this may sound vulgar, develop an ego just before you get up...imagine people have paid to come and hear you speak.
And talk mainly to the people at the back of the room.
The one thing that made the biggest difference to me was learning how to present without notes - even to the point of not having any on hand 'just in case'. This forces you to really, really know your subject and that in turn gives you the confidence to enhance your presentation.
And whilst this may sound vulgar, develop an ego just before you get up...imagine people have paid to come and hear you speak.
And talk mainly to the people at the back of the room.
Great advice abbove. Try videotaping yourself first and see what you can do better. Also,do not rush into a presentation and trip over your words. After I am introduced I allow a few seconds for the audience to settle down. Silences are your friend. If you have a question period,count to three in your head before answering so you are seen to be thinking about the answer.
The audience is not your enemy and they are there to listen, so as time goes by you will relax. I have spoken to very large groups and it gets very easy after your first attempts.
The audience is not your enemy and they are there to listen, so as time goes by you will relax. I have spoken to very large groups and it gets very easy after your first attempts.
Great advice abbove. Try videotaping yourself first and see what you can do better. Also,do not rush into a presentation and trip over your words. After I am introduced I allow a few seconds for the audience to settle down. Silences are your friend. If you have a question period,count to three in your head before answering so you are seen to be thinking about the answer.
The audience is not your enemy and they are there to listen, so as time goes by you will relax. I have spoken to very large groups and it gets very easy after your first attempts.
The audience is not your enemy and they are there to listen, so as time goes by you will relax. I have spoken to very large groups and it gets very easy after your first attempts.
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