Recently I took the Coursera course on public speaking by Dr. Matt McGarrity of University of Washington. You can take it here!
Here are some insights I gleaned from his course and my own personal experience:
- Start strong!
- Statistics, anecdotes, graphics, etc.
- Know your audience!
- What’s their knowledge/skill level? What are their interests?
- Know your subject – the audience can easily detect your passion and knowledge on the subject matter so show off your credibility J
- Anticipate possible questions.
- Practice Practice Practice!
- If you’re following a manuscript, rehearse with a video camera and a timer. If your speech is meant to be casual, take opportunities to speak often!
- Don’t restart!
- You don’t have the luxury to restart in real life
- Replicate your mobility as much as u can.
- Moving as you would in front of a live audience
- Speak at volume
- Practice under contest condition
- Benefit the audience instead of “selling”.
- The audience don’t care about your KPIs – how can you help meet THEIR KPIs?
- The audience don’t care about your KPIs – how can you help meet THEIR KPIs?
- Humanize your story!
- Pull on your audience’s heartstrings OR tell a funny story
- Keep your visuals simple and snackable.
- Consider infographics
- Be interactive: ask questions!
- Repeat the audience’s questions.
- To confirm you’ve understood the questions
- Respect your audience’s time e.g. if you have an hour – end 5 minutes early.
- Have an action item for the audience – be specific!
- Summarize main points and if possible send it in an e-mail!
Do you have any more tips? Leave a comment below!