How You Can Be a Better Public Speaker

Often I get complimented about my public speaking ability. Recently people from one organisation I work with have asked me to be the permanent MC for all events we do. I'm honoured to have their respect and confidence, but I also think that anyone can do it. I know there are heaps of people out there saying that they hate public speaking. Sometimes you just have to do it though, don't you?

How you can be a better public speaker. Consider these points:

Be heard - You need to either project your voice adequately for all in the room to hear what is being said or use excellent microphone technique so that the audience hears the words and not the public address system. If you have an accent (we all have accents to someone - know your audience) you need to slow down and speak clearly. The ability for your words to be heard comes from experience and practice.

Practice your delivery - You may decide to read from notes or you may speak from the heart. Either way, this should only be done after practicing the presentation before the event. Personally, I like to read my presentations into a sound recorder and then listen back to the presentation. As I listen back to my rehearsal (painful as it is to listen to my own voice) , I listen to the words and edit my speech, making notes on what to say and what not to say (written and mental) as I listen. I repeat this a few times if I need to.

Content, content, content (Practice, practice, practice) - When writing your presentation, or deciding what to say, consider the order of the content, the message you're trying to convey, the audience you're trying to reach, and the other speakers who may preceed or follow your presentation.

However, writing a speech is not the entirity of the preparation. Practicing the speech completes that preparation. Those who practice, shine. Those who don't, it shows; it really does.

Beginning, Middle, and End - There is an incredible amount of validity in the old saying, "Tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them, and the tell them what you told them." Just do it; whether your audience is small or large.

Organisation - Keep your presentation on point, on track, and on time. While you have the floor, you are responsible for reading the audience, listening to the other speakers/presenters/entertainers, and keeping the event running smoothly.

Credibility - You need to build credibility with the audience at the very beginning of your presentation. What brought you here? Why are you involved? How should the audience relate to you? Some (including me) might call this the personal commercial. There are limits. You need not wax lyrical about yourself if the event is focused on others. A one sentence introduction might be all that is required.

Reliability - Ensure you act reliably. Show up on time. Prepare for the event.

The Intangibles

There is a je-ne-sais-quoi about a good speaker. Something you see and hear but cannot even think about how to replicate. I put it down to two things: charisma and confidence.

Charisma - Not good looks, charisma.

"Charisma is often used to describe an elusive, even undefinable personality trait that often includes the seemingly 'supernatural' or uncanny ability to lead, charm, persuade, inspire, and/or influence people." ~Wikipedia

The $100,000 question is, "Can you build your own charisma?" I sincerely believe that the answer is a resounding YES. It takes practice and preparation, but once you practice and prepare, your own personality will be freed up and you will be able to be yourself. To me, public speaking is ACTING. Put on a happy face and go out with....

Confidence - Be absolutely confident that you will deliver a good presentation. Don't confuse nerves with a lack of confidence. Confident people still get nervous. Nerves are OK. You need to temper those nerves with the knowledge that you are prepared and that you know your material.

I hope these suggestions help you. I know that I always say, "I make it all up." I'm lying. I do actually work hard to present professionally. I prepare for meetings. I focus before a candle party. I take a deep breath before going on stage. I go through the entire presentation one more time just before MCing an event. If you do that, too, you'll be a better public speaker.

Oh, and relax.