Be an Extraordinary Public Speaker

Recently I flubbed a public speaking engagement. It wasn’t all that bad, but not my best. I was in no way nervous; I had done so hundreds, if not, thousands of times before. I created a compelling presentation and knew my stuff.

As a guest speaker that day, what threw me was the Board’s robust agenda. It contained many presentations before the Board’s actual business that day. My presentation was the last one before their consent agenda and general business began. Their lack of interest and desire to “get on with it” was painted all over their faces and body language. This thrust an overwhelming feeling that I need to be quick, short, and help them move forward. Again, it wasn’t all that bad, mostly I just speed talked my way through it.

In no way did my passion for the work, positive attitude, expressions, and mannerisms come through. Even though I felt as though I was holding them up, I should have used a technique accessible to everyone… acting. Acting, rather than my rushed emotions, would have allowed my characteristics to shine through. Folks say that skillful speakers are made, not born. Speaking can improve with repetition.

While watching the other presentations at the Board meeting, I was examing the body language of the Board members. Seeing their impatience, and the knowledge my presentation was the last one keeping them from their business that day, filled my head with insecurities.

They don’t want to hear about my activities. I’ve never even met half of them. Who am I kidding?

Do these thoughts ring any bells? You may have had similar thoughts just before one of your presentations. If so, your own body language and presentation skills will display your insecurities.

That day my thoughts got the best of me. However, one topic helped me close better than the road I was headed down. I was providing justification for why specific steps were needed when I saw most of the board members perk up. This helped change my entire demeanor. My energy, posture, and voice turned strong and confident. For a short time, I got my mojo back knowing I was helping my clients due to experience.

Filling your mind with positive thoughts prior to any speaking engagement will position you in a good place, and you will radiate confidence and positivity. One presentation to the next can change significantly by filling your minds with positive thoughts. Remind yourself to stand tall, hold your head high, and smile. When doing so your gestures will be greater and you will have a stronger, more confident tone. When in doubt, act it out, as you must put a spotlight on your strengths.

Ever watch any TED Talks on YouTube? Many years ago, after receiving a promotion that would require a significant increase in public speaking, I sought out tips and examples from others. I watched hours of Ted Talk videos. Mostly on topics I was interested in, but other than the subject matter, I watched the speaker’s style and delivery. Once I started to become more confident behind a podium and microphone, my own style began to develop.

When preparing your next presentation, visualize yourself speaking with the same delivery, same confidence, and even the same gestures of speakers you look up to. Doing so will make a giant difference in your performance. After a few attempts, you too will witness your own style emerge.

Make no mistake, there is a difference between acting confident and faking it. Do not pretend to be someone you are not. Doing so leads to exaggerating skills and or credentials. Feeling like a fake will show.

Rather, act like the speaker you wish to become. You will experience a better reaction from your audience, in turn building your self-confidence.