Getting up on a stage or platform and speaking in front of a crowd can be daunting. To navigate this challenging yet rewarding task successfully, it is essential to follow certain dos and don’ts that can make or break your presentation.
Whether you are addressing a room full of colleagues or presenting your well-thought-out plan to your team, effective public speaking requires confidence, preparation, and awareness.
Dos
Do breathe slowly
Always remember to inhale and exhale slowly during your speech. The information hub Medium says, “Nothing is worse than when you are short of breath and find yourself gasping for air.”
Do let your personality shine through
The tertiary institution Harvard University shares that is important to be yourself as you will establish better credibility if your personality comes to the fore. Your audience will trust you more if they see you as a relatable person.
Do have note cards or bullet points
Nerves often get the better of us and temporarily erase our thoughts and memories. This is why it is important to jot down a few points from your speech. “It is kind of like a safety blanket. Take advantage of your resources, and don’t try to memorise if you know it doesn’t work for you,” says Medium.
Do practise, practise, practise
You know what they say, “Practise makes perfect!” Medium suggests practising your speech by reading it aloud or in front of your family members. This will help ease the nerves before you get up in front of the audience.
Don’ts
Don’t read unless you have to
“Reading from a script or slide fractures the interpersonal connection,” advises Harvard University. “By maintaining eye contact with the audience, you keep the focus on yourself and your message.”
Don’t go crazy with audiovisual aids
Harvard University shares that too many audiovisual aids in your public speech can break the direct connection with the audience. Use them sparingly as they should enhance or clarify your content.
Don’t be overconfident
It is okay to be confident, but make sure you are not tiptoeing on the line of arrogance. “You want the audience to respect you and listen to what you’re saying,” shares Medium.
Don’t forget to use your voice and hands effectively
“Nonverbal communication carries most of the message,” states Harvard University. “Good delivery does not call attention to itself, but instead conveys the speaker’s ideas clearly and without distraction.”
