Two Top Tips for Public Speaking

Does the thought of public speaking give you the fear? Is delivering a presentation your worst nightmare?

Then you'll think this is weird.

I LOVE PRESENTING.

Me in full flow during my session on crisis communications at the Gallagher Communications Summit. Thanks to Thomas Jackson for the photo.

I've been doing it for so long that it no longer makes me panic, or keeps me awake at night.

Here's a couple of things that I do after years of speaking when I'm coaching, and prepping professionals for the spotlight:

🎯 Know the set-up inside out

Before any session, I ask about:

• The venue layout (room size, seating style, lighting)

• The stage (podium or open? solo or panel?)

• Microphones (lapel, handheld, fixed?)

• AV support and slide format

• If there will be a moderator and if so, what's their style?

I don't like surprises and so I minimise where they might arise.

🧠 Visualise your session

Airy fairy fluff you say? I respectfully disagree. 

• Take a few minutes to picture how you want the session to go. 

• How do you want to feel, both during and after?

• What do you want to see? (usually faces of content concentration). 

• What are the two or three key messages which you want to make sure land?

This brings you back to earth when nerves hit, boosts confidence, and helps you to identify what success will look like, so that you recognise it when it happens.

Coaching for Public Speaking

These are just two of the many strategies I share with the lovely folks I coach. So if you are a marketer or communicator (at any career stage) who would benefit from support to grow your confidence and reach your professional goals, get in touch!