Public Speaking Tips
"As Jerry Seinfeld once noted, at a funeral, most people would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy, since public speaking stresses people out more than death. But giving talks doesn’t have to be such a frightening affair...There are some simple steps that should help make public speaking a better experience - for both you and your audience.
Presentation format
Before you start planning your presentation, find out from the organizers how much time you have and what format they envision for your talk...
Audience
Get information about who will be attending your presentation...
Location
If you have the opportunity, take a look at the location before the time of the talk...
The take-away message...
Start out with this summary statement in mind and build your presentation around it.
Outline
Once you have an idea of your presentation’s main message, spend some time thinking about the structure of the entire talk...
Strong start
The first couple of minutes of your talk should be the most prepared and polished. You want to get off to a good start...
Motivation
Spend a bit of time up front talking about the inspiration and importance of your message...
Timing
Wrap up your talk on time. To achieve this goal, ask someone to give you time cues by indicating when you have five minutes left, two minutes and when you have run out of time. Once you get the last notice, you should stop talking...
Flexibility
Organize your talk and know it well enough to have the flexibility to skip certain parts or expand on others depending on the circumstances...
Confidence and enthusiasm
You have been chosen as a speaker because you know your topic. Make sure that you exude confidence during your presentation...Be sure to enjoy your talk and show your enthusiasm about the content...
Question-and-answer session
If there is a Q&A segment then be sure to keep a polite demeanor throughout. Thank people for their questions and feel free to praise them for good points. If you are not sure how to respond to a query then express your appreciation for the insightful comment and note that you will look into it.
Practice makes perfect
Practice the presentation a few times: more if you have less experience, less if you are a more seasoned public speaker...Don’t write out the material word-by-word and don’t plan on reading text...Memorize the structure of the talk and the outline, but not every word.
Contact information
Finish by giving the audience some contact information, including an email address and Web site when applicable...
Read more in this excellent article by Eszter Hargittai.
