Twenty-five years ago, early in my business, I began public speaking. Even though I had spent earlier years working in television “on-air” and has hosted many an event, I was still terrified.
I started speaking because I was a mentee in Women in Business a program run by The Department of State and Regional Development in NSW and shared my goal to be a professional speaker. As it happens one of the mentors in the program ran a networking group and said to me, “I’d love to have you as our speaker as our next event.”
So, in August 2001, I did my first keynote presentation as a public speaker and after the initial panic, I got through it. Just like many of you would if faced with a similar situation.
Last year I did keynotes and yes, it can still be nerve-wracking however, it does get easier with time. I also spent a lot of time coaching others on their presentation skills, as most businesspeople understand it’s an important skill to master and a great way to enhance your visibility and communicate your brand.
Often in my line of work as a business educator and conference speaker, I am fortunate to meet some talented speakers from around the world, learn more about the power of a masterful presentation and pick up valuable tips on how to grow my personal brand and business.
So, what makes a great presenter?
Confidence is most likely your initial response and I agree. The number one characteristic that shines through is confidence. Acquiring this quality alone will put many ordinary presenters into the “good” category. What could you do then to go that extra step forward?
Like others in the audience I am most impressed by the presenters who not only impart relevant information but do it in an interesting, entertaining and authentic way. Here are a few tips on what I have observed:
Practise makes perfect, so they say. But practise also makes permanent. It’s important to try new things, experiment, take risks and most importantly to add variety to your presentation.
Variety can be built into your presentation through storytelling, humour, use of props, audio visuals, group exercises or audience involvement. Variety in your voice – try soft, loud, fast and slow. Try a range of techniques to keep your audience energised and interested.
Have a clear outcome in mind of what you want the audience to take away from your presentation. Remember it’s about them and how they feel. It could simply be they feel comfortable with you to provide a particular service, or you’ve convinced them your product is the best on the market. It could be to motivate them to do something or inspire or challenge them to try something new.
Organise your speech into “chunks”. Rather than try to memorise or read a 30 minute speech (or a 3 hour one!) if you have several chunks that deliver a particular message it is easier for you and your audience to remember.
Use your body wisely. It’s okay to jump up and down and be energetic if that is your style. Many of you would have been to an Anthony Robbins or other motivating style of presentation and seen how they use their bodies. At other times a speech delivered with poise and stillness from a lectern is appropriate.
Awareness of what works for you and what doesn’t and the willingness to build on those foundations. Feedback is incredibly important whether you record yourself and analyse your own performance or have someone else critique for you. But here’s the catch. Most of us only dwell on what didn’t work and try to fix those problems. By recognising what works for you and building on your strengths, that will give you the confidence to improve and become a great presenter.
If you would like to learn more about communication, sign up for my free eBook, The Secret to Your Personal Brand Revolution. Get Your Free eBook Now!
Sue Currie is an image entrepreneur who guides and empowers business leaders and entrepreneurs to have “Spotlight Confidence”. She is passionate about helping professionals elevate their personal and professional brand through her speaking, coaching and training programs on Self Brand, Style and Speaking Skills, providing a multi-faceted approach to gain high transformation for her clients.
