Speaking tips

People share with us their tried and tested techniques that can make a difference to your confidence level and your effectiveness when speaking:

I often build a humorous story or analogy into my introduction, particularly at the start of long workshops.  It helps me to relax and sends the message that in my workshops it is OK to have fun, be professional and learn at the same time. In fact, it is encouraged!
André Taylor, Research Fellow, NSW, Australia

If you find yourself talking too fast (in other words, you're getting through your material too quickly for the time slot and your listeners have that glazed look of non-comprehension), take a tip from the world of DJ-ing and move your hands as you speak at the speed you want to talk at. The reason it works is that, for some reason, your voice adjusts to the speed of your hand movements.
Ken Moore; trainer & coach, UK

I bought a video of a speaker that I like. Before I give a presentation I watch a few minutes of the video, which gets me in the right frame of mind and builds my confidence.
Kim Anderson, Wales, UK

Never be afraid to negotiate content (providing this is possible) because too often people seem to be coerced into talking about something not quite appropriate.
Nick House, Careers Advisor, UK 

If things go wrong during your presentation, such as your audiovisual equipment playing up, give the group a ten minute break while you get everything sorted out again.
Joy Mariek, Nurse, UK

When taking questions from the floor, précis the question to involve the rest of the audience who may not have understood or heard - it also helps to make sure that you have understood the question yourself.
Jill Greathead; Carterton District Councillor, New Zealand

I like to set up a game to build rapport with the audience (and to make sure they are listening!). The game is to catch me using a TLA (Three-Letter Acronym) with the reward being chocolate biscuits or similar.
 

Another tip is to allow plenty of time to make sure the requested facilities are available and working, and that your presentation materials work OK. e.g. if you need PowerPoint, check that you have been given a machine with it on.
Jon Andanar; Chief Technical Officer; Wellington, New Zealand
 

When I first began presenting to groups I used the phrase "fake it till I make it".

I found it a real confidence booster and it was not long until my brain had taken on the message of "I can do this with confidence" and I used a new affirmation "these people want to hear what I have to say!"
Lynley Chapman; Facilitator, trainer, personal coach and mentor; Porirua, New Zealand

Be comfortable in your own skin.
If you are nervous & stressed the audience will pick up on it and not be able to focus on your message. If something does go wrong, either act natural (remember they don't know that wasn't supposed to happen) or have a joke with the audience, then they can laugh with you. Remember they have had unplanned events in their presentations as well, if you handle yours with composure the audience will respect you and be able to focus on your message.
Craig Chitty; Coach & Motivator; Sydney, Australia

The first thing I always do is get the audience involved. Usually I ask a question, such as “Who would like to earn an extra $2000 next month?” That way I know I’ve got their attention and have started to build a relationship.
Helen Moore; Manager; Auckland, New Zealand
 

Share a Speaking Tip

Would you like to share a tip that has worked for you? Click on the link below, telling us your Speaking Tip, name and location. Job title/position is optional. kim@successfulspeaking.co.nz