Public Speaking Tips

I recently stumbled across an article by Darren Barefoot that made the old brain cells tingle slightly with excitement. Can giving a presentation really be compared to performing as a theatrical actor? Perhaps it can. I mean, there you are stood in front of your audience; you talk, while they listen and watch. On a basic scale, that’s exactly how theatre works. The whole success of your presentation, whether it’s for a school or university project or for that top-notch job, rests on the understanding, and the response, that comes from the audience. Yep, that’s theatre too.

And, there are other similarities, when you speak, your voice should be loud without shouting and it should be clear, and definitely try not to rush. It might seem like a great idea to get it over with as quickly as possible but no one will have a chance to absorb what you are saying, and that is the whole point, isn’t it? Remember to pause at the end of sentences, catch your breath. Good deep breaths will help to keep your tone of voice at a steady level (as well as keeping you alive).

Having visual aids is a good idea, but don’t overdo it, your “stage” presence is the important bit. Be dynamic, be controlled, be confident. Visual aids play the part of the scenery, it helps on stage and it will also help your presentation, but too much will distract the audience from the actual performance. The last thing you want is them looking at the pretty colours and not listening to you. If you choose to use PowerPoint slides, make them interesting; perhaps give them a theme, a Shakespearian tragedy perhaps? If you do choose to do this, though, don’t wander too far away from your subject, your audience will get confused.

As Darren mentioned, costume is important but not in the sense that he suggests. Your slides aren’t your costume; your slides are your scenery. What you wear when you stand in front of people presents your personal image, this is your costume. I really don’t suggest that you dress up in any kind of abnormal clothing unless you feel it benefits your presentation to be dressed as a mouse, for example. Keep it normal, nothing too loud or weird.

It is a well known fact that people form judgements within the first few seconds. Make that initial impression memorable for the right reasons. Use a joke or a funny story to get the audience’s attention, and definitely make sure you don’t ramble. There is nothing worse than starting a presentation with – “this presentation is about-” They probably know already. That’s why they are there. Use the first few minutes to make them want to carry on listening, it’s much harder to get your audience back on side once they have drifted off and started doodling, or even worse, writing their shopping lists.

On a final note, if you don’t manage to fit any of the above suggestions into your presentation, you should always make sure that you have time for that all-important dress rehearsal. You can never be too prepared. And let’s face it, no Oscar winner ever won without a little bit of practice.

Sharren L. Bessant