How not to fail a public speaking: 7 tips from experts

1. Don't make it difficult to speak

Long sentences, introductory constructions, a heap of participial and adverbial phrases can be understood on paper, but it is difficult to perceive them by ear. Before speaking, carefully look at the text and try to simplify it as much as possible without losing the essence. For example, you can remove the full list of your regalia and professional history from the introductory part. So that the audience is not overloaded, leave only what is relevant to the topic. If you are not speaking in front of colleagues, it is also better to simplify professional terms. Replace them with more understandable synonyms, and if this is not possible, add explanations.

To better define the tone of your speech, evaluate it as a business product: identify the target audience, that is, the audience, and formulate the value of your report for them. Then sketch out a thesis plan, and already string details on it.

2. Illustrate with pictures (and even words)

According to statistics, more than 60% of people -

visuals. Therefore, in addition to oral presentation, it is desirable to prepare a presentation. Include pictures and simple diagrams to explain what you are saying. But don't clutter your presentation with letters: speech and visuals shouldn't copy each other. Also, don't get carried away with animation. Spans, turns, scrolls of text are additional clicks on the remote control button that will slow down the speech and prevent the audience from quickly merging into the topic.

Text can also be supported with visual images: explain thoughts with life examples and add details to the narrative. For example, instead of "It was difficult," say, "The team sat in the office for hours. It seems that we even forgot about what dinner and sleep are. So you connect the imagination of the audience - accordingly, it is better to involve them in the story.

3. Structure

Presentation with bulleted lists and speech with pauses. Of course, you don’t need to make long dramatic stops, but it’s also not worth reproducing a prepared speech monotonously or too quickly - listeners may get bored or not understand anything.

To make the speech as useful as possible, enlist the support of colleagues. Invite them to a round table, voice the topic and offer to share their opinions and knowledge. You can participate in the conversation or remain a listener, but be sure to take notes. As a result, you will have a selection of current theses - a sketch of the structure of the future speech.

4. Don't be afraid to joke

Humor is an effective way to captivate an audience. A performance with cool jokes will surely be remembered: it will be discussed later, and this will benefit your personal brand. Plus, the emotional response of the audience will help you feel more confident yourself.

You can joke in different ways: add relevant memes to your presentation, include funny real-life examples in your speech, use professional humor, or combine several options at once. But always consider the context: if you have a serious speech to the authorities, it is probably better to do without pictures from Telegram channels.

5. Rehearse the performance

Turn on the presentation on the computer, put the text aside and start talking. Record yourself on video: this way you can evaluate the performance and correct moments that sag, for example, remove incomprehensible sentences or shorten pauses.

To make it easier to remember the text, try to visualize it. Make illustrations to guide you on paper, such as comic strips or diagrams. If the pictures do not fit, remember the university and create a short summary. In the process, the information will settle in the head. And before the performance, it will be easier to refresh your memory with a cheat sheet than with a long text.

During preparation, it is worth working with a microphone, for example, listening to how the voice sounds. For more confidence, you can sign up for stage speech courses or a one-time lesson with a teacher: the expert will tell you what you need to work on.

On the day of the performance, ask for a technical rehearsal on the set with all the equipment. If this is not possible, at least study the environment, including the location of the stage, screen and spotlights, and listeners' chairs.

6. Interact with your audience

Through a direct conversation with someone from the audience, illustrations with a riddle, polls. For example, offer to raise your hand to those who are at least partially familiar with the topic, or find out how many newcomers and experienced professionals are in the room. This way you will understand what kind of audience is in front of you, and determine which examples can be used and which will be incomprehensible. Another way to grab attention is to start with a rhetorical question. Let's say something like this: "What do you think is more important: this or that?" Pause after asking, and then share your thoughts.

7. Conquer the excitement

Anxiety is a normal reaction, familiar even to experienced speakers. However, in order for the audience to show interest in your story, you need to try to calm down as much as possible before going on stage. A couple of days or a week before the speech, work with negative attitudes.

To beat the impostor syndrome, try searching the internet for bad performances by successful people. So you will work out their mistakes in advance, you will see that oversights do not lead to the collapse of a career, and you will become a little less critical of yourself.

For example, breathing exercises, meditation, a quick warm-up, or a favorite playlist will help to cope with anxiety behind the scenes. Everyone is different: try different methods to find the one that works for you. And so that the excitement does not cover at the time of the speech, invite a friend or colleague to the hall: this way you can distract yourself from an unusually large audience of strangers and you will see that at least one person in the hall is completely on your side.