Top 5 Public Speaking Tips
I’m required to speak publicly on a weekly basis to audiences of 100+ and at times 1000+. Here are the top 5 tips I’d give to anyone who wishes to improve their public speaking abilities.
No1: Stay in Your lane
This phrase is gleaned from Carmine Gallo’s book “Talk Like Ted”, where he dissects the techniques applied by speakers at the yearly TED conference. The point being talk about what you know. DO NOT stray into areas that you are not qualified to speak about, areas where you are hazy on the facts or areas where your audience are far more knowledgeable than you. We have all rolled our eyes and mentally switched off when someone starts to pontificate on a subject, of which we are well informed, and they don’t have a clue. It will undermine your credibility, will not provide value for your audience and will ultimately not be a pleasant experience for you - especially if there is a Q+A session afterwards.
No2: Burn Your Notes
There is an old adage that if you can’t set your talk on fire, then burn your notes. There is nothing worse than listening (or perhaps more accurately watching) to a speaker who is glued to their notes. It’s a mental turn off. Notes should be a guideline. A few key words that trigger your thoughts, not a script to be followed verbatim. I suggest that all presenters and speakers should at least try doing one presentation without any notes. Talk from the heart. If you’re following Tip1 and staying in your lane then you’re not going to stray too far into the weeds and need a script to pull you back out. Not only will this style appeal to your listeners but talking without notes will afford you the opportunity to act on Tip3.
No3: Speak to Individuals
Especially important when addressing a larger audience but equally so if you’re giving a presentation to a few colleagues. Don’t see the crowd as an “audience”, a faceless mass. But talk directly to individuals in the crowd, for a few moments at a time perhaps or until a particular point has been made. Don’t creep anyone out by overstaying your welcome.
No4: Keep it Simple
Don’t overcomplicate it. Don’t bury a great point in a multitude of words. State your point with clarity and brevity.
No5: Be Yourself
Easier said than done I know. It’s like saying don’t think of a blue elephant. You’ve already thought of a blue elephant. When you're instructed to be yourself it becomes so hard to do what’s so natural. Remember there is only one of you in the universe. People want to hear from you. Not what you think people want you to be. Don’t change and have your “stage voice”, or your presentation patter. Talk as you do every day. Talk like you’re at the water-cooler discussing last night’s big TV moment. Don’t use words you don’t use in real life. If you’ve never used the word indubitably in your life, don’t use it. If you’d say, ‘No doubt’, then use that. People want to hear from you. Be yourself.
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