Live in fear of public speaking? Consider this: The greater threat is not to be asked.
"You'll never be invited to speak unless someone thinks you have something to say," says Stephen D. Boyd, professor of speech communication, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights.
And folks with nothing to say don't advance to leadership positions.
Leadership prospects aside, if you are doing your job and producing results, at some point you will be asked or expected to present those results to a group, perhaps with a PowerPoint slide show and a box of donuts. It's like show-and-tell but with higher stakes and a tougher audience.
Signing up for Toastmasters International, the nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills, is a good way to develop over time, but it hardly helps when the boss asks you on Monday to present at a board meeting on Friday.
If that happens, start preparing right away so your presentation is ready at least a day or two in advance. Allow some time to rehearse before the big day, including a dress rehearsal with an audience of one or two people you trust to provide constructive criticism, says Dana Bristol-Smith, founder and president, Speak for Success, San Diego.
At no point in your preparations should you write a script. Start by gathering all the necessary information and visuals in an electronic file with no regard to organization. "Just get your main ideas and key points down, and then print them out to edit," Boyd advises. Mark up your printout or cut it up with scissors so you can move blocks of text around until you are satisfied with the organization.
Next, type an outline consisting of an introduction, body and conclusion.
The purpose of the intro is to capture the audience's attention and introduce your subject matter.
The body of your presentation should consist of three or four main points, along with supporting evidence for each point. Besides hard data, supporting evidence can include testimonials, anecdotes and personal observations, says Boyd: "Appeal to people's emotions as well as their reason."
An informative presentation concludes with a summary while a persuasive presentation concludes with a summary and call to action.
Your presentation notes should consist of key words and phrases, not a scripted speech. Use note cards, Boyd says, and use them conspicuously: "Don't try to hide them. Gesture with them as part of your delivery style."
Rehearse no fewer than three times. Start with seated read-throughs until you are satisfied with how you sound. Then, stand up and work on your delivery. Practice using your equipment and visual aids.
If using PowerPoint slides, use no more than six words per line, and no more than six lines per slide. Use bullet points and key words and phrases, not complete sentences, Boyd advises.
Do not rely too heavily on slides. Create just a handful to get key points across.
Rehearsing with an audiotape can help you address problems like verbal tics or a monotone delivery. "I don't recommend recording and watching yourself on video," Bristol-Smith says. "This can be a big help as part of a workshop, but I don't recommend doing it on your own. You are your own worst critic, and you'll tend to zero in on your flaws. That's not a confidence booster. It can be demoralizing."
