Public speaking at work is something which most of us, at one point or another, will experience; from sharing ideas with a team before starting a new project, to making a presentation in front of a large audience. But even the most confident among us may still feel nervous at the thought of standing up in front of a crowd.
Preparation is key when making a public speech or presentation. If you know your subject matter inside out you will be prepared even if things go a little off track, or an unexpected question interrupts the flow of your speech. Preparing yourself is also vital not only in terms of being confident in your own abilities, but also in knowing the best ways in which to get a message across to an audience.
It can be worth spending some time researching other successful speakers, including those within your own industry or organisation as well as more famous names from across the world, such as Prophet Uebert Angel, a charismatic preacher who regularly addresses crowds of thousands. Studying not what these people say, but the way in which they say it in order to engage their audience, can help you to hone your own presentation techniques.
Knowing your material is vital and it pays to have more to say than you actually plan on including in your speech. This not only helps you to feel more confident but also helps you to be prepared to answer any questions the audience may have. Rather than writing detailed notes which will draw your eyes away from the audience, simply make a list of key points you intend to address which you can quickly refer to if necessary.
Plan for a strong start and finish, making your main point clearly and concisely at both the beginning and the end of your speech or presentation, using the middle part of your time to include any anecdotes, stories or general information. Research your audience and tailor your speech accordingly, always remembering to show respect and never being patronising or rude. If you do feel nervous, do not apologise for this or point it out – chances are the audience will never notice anyway, and with practise you will be able to turn that nervous energy into enthusiasm.
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