The Ten Pillars of
Effective Public Speaking and Presentation
By Caroline Nderitu, Public Speaking Trainer and Executive Coach
At some point in our careers, education or social life, we all have to get up and speak or make a presentation of one kind or another. So, the next time you are called upon to speak or present, will you gladly rise to the challenge?
Here are some building blocks to keep you from crumbling:
1. Understanding the basics
Drawing that fine line between talking and communicating.
2. Exuding the right qualities
Given your unique communication style, what is working for you and what is working against you?
3. Managing nerves and oozing confidence
This is the big one. Fear. Approaching the microphone with confidence begins with understanding what is going on in your mind and body, and how you can intervene.
4. Proper preparation and planning
Preparation is more about you, and less about the presentation. People buy people first.
5. Audience engagement and management
Establishing a rapport, a connection, and sustaining it.
6. Structure, flow and adding punch
Just like a well oiled machine, you need to move in a manner that makes it easy for your audience to follow. Keep the presentation alive and lively.
7. Appropriate image and body language
Your body has a voice of its own; and so does your wardrobe.
8. Apt application of PowerPoint presentation and audio-visuals
Are you utilizing your slides as a visual aid or as a teleprompter from which you read word for word? No one came to see you read!
9. Vocal variety and quality
The tone and volume of your voice can either captivate or alienate.
10. Dynamic delivery skills
It's not just what you say, it's how you say it!
Public speaking can be daunting, but the good news is, these skills can be acquired and polished to perfection. How? I am glad you asked. It is all covered in our Public Speaking and Business Presentation Skills course. This course is also available as one-on-one coaching, in-house training as well as for children/teens.
"Public speaking is not a talent
– it is a skill."
George Torok
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