Bring up the subject of public speaking, and you’ll get a variety of reactions. While some professionals may take a public speaking engagement as a welcome challenge, others break out into hives, feel sick to the stomach and run out of the room, crying in fear. Speaking in front of an audience can present a number of challenges, even for the most confident and experienced. However, the ability to represent your company in a positive manner in front of an audience is a public relations opportunity. If you find yourself in such a situation, consider the following public speaking tips: Be prepared. Being at ease in front of an audience, whether it’s a live one, or through a television camera, doesn’t come naturally for most of us. You need to have done your homework well before the event in question. This means rehearsing and practicing over and over your lines. Know your answers to such questions as, “What does your company do?” and “What is your role?” You should know your company history, your audience, the reason for your presentation, and what you hope to gain from the experience well before a public speaking event occurs. Give the audience your plan. As you introduce yourself to the audience, give them an idea why you’re there and what you’ll be discussing. It can be as simple as, “I’m excited to be here today to discuss with you …..” Share your take on the subject by saying, “I’m a believer in teamwork, and I can help you get this done …” or some other statement that shows where you’re coming from. If you show the audience where you’re headed with your speech, then they can relax and soak in the information you’re about to share. Don’t get caught up in the frills. It seems like there’s a common belief that if you just find the right amazing quote from Thomas Jefferson or Oprah, then you’ll wow your audience and bring them to their knees. Jokes, quotes and anecdotes are great if they illustrate your main points, but be careful not to get so focused on them, that you lose any real meaning in the speech. Say what it is you need and want to say as the core of your speech, and then find the embellishments to illustrate those points. Find your audience friends. To help fight a case of the nerves when you present your speech, find a friendly face in the audience. If you don’t know anyone, then find a face or two that is welcoming, supportive and reactive to what you’re saying. Don’t let yourself focus on audience members who are obviously distracted, inattentive or busy doing something else. This can get you rattled and help you lose your train of thought. Ignore fidgeting bodies or bathroom breakers, and keep your focus on the friendly audience members. End with a bang. How many times have you listened to a never-ending speech, only to hear another recap of the same information for the final ten minutes? Keep your ending succinct, and briefly summarize your presentation. End with a final thought, funny story or illustration, and conclude your thoughts. And don’t forget to thank your audience for listening. Giving a speech can be daunting. Enlist the help of family members or friends to listen to your presentation and give feedback. With practice, your speeches will represent you company well and give you personal satisfaction.
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