THE PUBLIC SPEAKING SERIES. Delivery (3)

I speak to hundreds of people as though I'm speaking to one person.
I look them in the eyes, I point at them, I move in their midst.
Okay, let's start from the beginning...
I want to assume you've prepared the content of your presentation, it is an undisputed confidence booster!
Now let's go and speak...

1. When you go up (or stay down) to make your presentation and you come face-to-face with your audience, see them as your very close friends and see the process you're about starting with them as that period of chit-chat you usually have with your friend.

2. Don't show your audience superiority in knowledge by talking to them - talk with them. Engage your audience, the much you can - let them read something, say something after you or carry out a very small task. This brings you closer to them, and them, to you!

3. One of the things you should avoid as a public presenter is to appear fragile, you will never gain the confidence of your audience; if you won't look fickle before your friends, don't look so before your audience (because now they are your adopted friends)! To create the friend-to-friend bond, you can break the ice with a question, a quote, an exercise, or a joke at the start of your presentation. Above all, know your stuff!

4. Don't make the mistake of standing at a spot and reading from a prepared text to your audience. You will bore and loose them! If you need the text, refer to it from time to time but ensure you speak like you understand what is in it.
The other extreme is to make your movement mechanical and choreographical. You don't have to move all the time, let your movement be informed by the points you're trying to emphasize. In some instances, you may be rooted to a spot because of the speaking aid in use; in any case, speak like you mean it.

5. Avoid throwing your hands around like you're a choir conductor! Hand gestures (like body movements) should not be exaggerated, it should be informed by the points being emphasised.
Tune the tone of your voice to fit with your points. Raise it where necessary, whisper where necessary; apart from that, talk normally, like you do with a friend.

6. Try to be yourself when making your presentation. There were times I tried being like the people I admired on stage and it backfired! I remained uncomfortable until I learnt to be myself on stage.

It's been lovely doing this with you!

© 2017, Emeka Akpa. All rights reserved