I am a fourth-year student at Seattle University and president of the Management Advancement Club within the Albers School of Business and Economics. As a leader of this committee, I coordinate teams and plan events to benefit aspiring corporate professionals, which includes a significant amount of public speaking.
Typically, there are one of two emotions I experience when speaking: I am either nervous or confident. However, I have found that preparation aids my confidence level and the quality of my presentation. Specifically, I have learned it is helpful to do the following:
- Sharpen my message. According to a Forbes article, “12 tips for public speaking,” it’s a good idea to address your audience’s interests with the intent to move people to action. When I present, I create a message specifically for my target audience and try to anticipate their reaction to it.
- Rehearse my speech. This tip may seem the most obvious, but it’s the most effective and sure-fire method to deliver an excellent presentation. I like to rehearse by myself or with a small group of peers who provide constructive feedback. While practicing, I find it’s a good idea to consider the hand gestures or equipment I may want, and the pauses, emphases, or anecdotal stories necessary to bring my content to life.
- Gain feedback. My colleague, Lauren Beehler, wrote a helpful post, “Giving and receiving feedback: tips for success,” which I recommend reviewing before you solicit input from others on your presentation. She has some great suggestions for ways to solicit constructive feedback including asking open-ended questions.
- Practice maintaining eye contact. The Business Talent Group, a management consulting firm, published an article titled “10 tips for virtual presentations and public speaking.” This article emphasizes the importance of eye contact to demonstrate that you are serious about your topic. If your presentation is virtual, you should look at the camera to create intimacy with your listeners.
- Consider how to be energetic and authentic. According to Marjorie North, with the Harvard Division of Continuing Education, being an energetic speaker creates a more satisfying experience and impact on your audience. Allow your personality to shine through because the audience connects best to authenticity.
- Use non-verbal communication. It’s the minor details that can make your presentation more successful. Subtle actions such as a smile, a hand gesture, or a healthy pause can help you emphasize your key points.
Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, and it’s never a good idea to wing it. These tips can guide your rehearsal process before your next speaking opportunity.
One of my mentors, Givelle Lamano, principal attorney at Lamano Law Office, says, “Perfection is all in the details.” The details can mean the difference between an average speech and a stellar presentation that creates a meaningful impact for the viewers.