We all want to make a good impression and be liked—especially when making speeches. We want to be perceived as intelligent, confident, and be convincing. That’s a lot to drag to the podium without breaking into a sweat. As a result, most speakers make some basic mistakes. You don’t have to. Before outlining some easy ways to avoid the pitfalls of public speaking, here are some examples of things that can go wrong:
- You cram all you know on a subject into a speech because it’s easier than deciding what to leave out.
- You think it’s bad to appear nervous, so you make yourself look worse by worrying about it.
- You tell a joke, but don’t tell it well.
- You hide behind the podium and hang on to steady your knocking knees.
- You give your speech facing a screen showing your slides.
- You know the subject so well that you don’t prepare.
- You read what you’ve written.
This last one is a real killer. It is equally boring and frustrating because we write for the eye and it is virtually impossible to speak in lengthy sentences packed with parenthetical phrases and a multi-syllable vocabulary without running completely out of breath. If you disagree, just try reading that previous sentence out loud. Glancing at bullet points in giving a speech will come across as more natural than reading a word-for-word text.
Being good at giving speeches without making these basic mistakes can easily be achieved by following some simple rules.
Analyze the audience. The heart of a good speech is to determine what the listeners already know and, more importantly, what they need to know. Ask yourself what questions this group is likely to ask and answer them within your presentation.
Listen to other speakers. If you are part of a group of presenters, listen to those who come before you in case something is said that you can incorporate into your own presentation or someone preempts you on one of your points so you can avoid repeating it.
Use an opening grabber. We waste a lot of time worrying about how to start a speech. Often, the best way is to say something interesting that grabs the audience’s attention and sets the tone of the presentation. It might be an anecdote or a surprising fact you’ll refer to later on. This is a much safer opening than a bad—or badly told—joke.
Keep it simple. Short, declarative sentences are easier to say and remember than long, winding trains of thought are better expressed on paper.
Use facts and anecdotes. Statistics tell the story, but anecdotes really sell it, and a good presentation should include both. Stories gathered from your own experience validate your credibility as a speaker and telling them relaxes your face, your voice and your body language.
Tell and re-tell. Give a brief headline or summary, then support it with anecdotes or facts you’ve uncovered. Here’s an example: “There are three main reasons why helmet use is expanding among adult skiers and snowboarders. First of all, safety seems to be on everyone’s minds these days and it’s selling well in advertising. …”
Use simple slides. Audiences will read everything on the screen, so use short statements and pause to let the audience read before speaking. The less on screen, the better. If the slides are complicated, guide your listeners through the material. Above all, never depend on your visuals. Know your presentation well enough to deliver it even if the airline loses your slides.
Build bridges. Link parts of your speech with phrases like, “Now let’s look at the second reason why… .” Think of it as a trail marker.
Breathe deep. Let the audience catch up as you take deep breaths. It also helps change your cadence, inflection and volume. Rapid-fire talk will simply work to exhaust the audience because it demands too much careful attention.
Sometimes you might find the audience isn’t listening. In reality, they are, but all of us tune out a speaker occasionally to process something that was said or because of a stray thought. People listen differently. Some nod, others don’t, some close their eyes to visualize and others stare. Focus on those giving you positive visual feedback. In fact, find a friendly face in the audience before you begin and move to another face as soon as you feel grounded and secure.
By following these tips, you’ll get to the end of your presentation before realizing it. But don’t sell the end short. It’s an important point in your speech because the ending is as important as the beginning. Too many speakers swallow their last words and then run away. Don’t. Stay put until you’ve finished, smile even if you don’t feel like it and allow the audience time to reflect on and appreciate your efforts.
When you have finished, it’s up to you to either walk off the stage and sit down or remain standing and ask if anyone has questions. If you follow the latter path, it’s always a good idea to have a question and its answer ready to go if the audience needs some prodding. It will avoid awkwardness and might spur some good repartee. You can help break the ice by saying something like: “The first question most groups I’ve spoken to in the past have asked is… .” In case someone does have a question and it’s a tough one, take a sip of water. It’s good for your throat and the audience won’t ever suspect that it’s a ploy.
Finally, don’t take anything for granted. Rehearse and time your speech. It should be shorter than the allowed length so you can accommodate a question-and-answer period. Keeping to your allotted time will please the seminar planners and be appreciated by your audience.
Effective Body Language
Eye Contact: Don’t continuously sweep the room. Look at one person for a full sentence or thought, then move on, making eye contact with people in different parts of the room. Begin an answer during Q&A to the person who asked the question, then finish looking at someone else.
Hands: Gesturing is more natural than locking your hands in front or behind you and it unlocks your energy. Park them after the gesture.
Lighting: Never turn off lights, even if you use slides. Low light lets you make eye contact.
Smile: It’s good for your face and for your voice.
Relax: Easier said than done, but with experience, the easier it becomes. Remember that you are not alone. Everybody worries about giving a speech. —EK
Ski writer Evelyn Kanter is a former television news producer and reporter who also writes corporate speeches and coaches executives to deliver them effectively.
