Public Speak Confidently: The PRO Approach
By Mary Boza Crimmins
5-minute reading time
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Melinda was presenting on workers’ compensation. A subject I knew a lot about after spending two years working for attorneys who specialized in it. She misspoke, and I, in all of my thoughtlessness, decided, for the sake of all who were in the meeting, to clarify for her. (This was long ago when I was younger and not as wise.)
Melinda proceeded to tell me off. Her response was deserved and a lesson in why one shouldn’t be a know-it-all. I learned another lesson a few weeks later. Melinda and I were assigned to the same table at a work retreat. (Coincidence? I think NOT.) It provided us with a chance to overcome our initial meeting and for me to learn about how public speaking frightened her. Lessons learned. It was one I could later apply to my students when I taught public speaking.
Many people are like Melinda. They cite speaking in front of others as their number one fear. Number one? Before the fear of spiders and snakes! Having worked with reluctant speakers for over 20 years, I know anyone can become a confident and skilled speaker.
To help you conquer your fears and deliver powerful presentations, use my PRO approach: Prepare, Relate, and Overcome.
P - Prepare
I’ve never been one who could wing it. Frankly, I think very few people can. The key to becoming a proficient speaker and looking as if you are a natural is to practice, practice, practice. Like any skill, public speaking requires consistent effort. Here are a few tips to help you improve:
Prepare: Identify the purpose of your presentation. Then research and organize your content. I prefer to write my speeches verbatim with the understanding that I don’t need to present them word-for-word. I then create my outline.
Prepare: Make sure your slides are effective, and even consider ditching them. Read my short blog, “Want to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills? Ditch the slides or at least . . . “
Prepare: Read my short blog “Calm Your Nerves and Fears When Public Speaking: Use Visualization to Your Advantage.” It shares about visualizing your audience and reminds you of questions to ask the event sponsor before the day of your presentation.
Practice: Practice several times with your slide deck. After you’ve run through it on your own, practice in front of someone who will give you valuable feedback. If that’s not possible, put your phone on a tripod or prop it with books and video your presentation. Watch it twice. First, pay attention to how you’re speaking, and then pay attention to your body language. Remember, it’s ok to use your hands, just don’t overdo it.
R - Relate
Your audience wants to like you, so remember to start with a smile.
Relate: Stories connect you with the audience. Make sure your stories are authentic and on-point. Knowing your audience and providing the content you promised is important.
Relate: Be innovative. Pull in your audience with activities and questions. But when you ask a question, wait for their answers.
Research: I’ve heard speakers share stories that set off my discernment alarm. When I researched them, I found the story was more of an urban legend than something that actually occurred. If you mix stories from sources other than your own experience, do your research first.
O - Overcome:
I’m always surprised at the number of people who have been advised to look over their audience's heads to help with nervousness and fear—terrible advice.
Overcome: Look at your audience before you start to speak and as you are speaking. It removes one unknown aspect. Trying to proceed through your presentation without engaging with your audience will only compound your nervousness.
Overcome: Overcome the need to be perfect. It is ok to mess up. It’s ok to stutter, use a few filler words, or to say, “Whoops, let me go back a bit.” Your audience wants you to do well, and they are more impressed with your humanity than your perfection.
While filler words are inevitable, too many detract from your message. Here’s a link to a less-than-90-second video I made to help you overcome the habit.
Public speaking is an invaluable skill that can open doors to many opportunities. You can become a confident and relatable speaker by following the PRO approach—Prepare, Relate, and Overcome. Remember, preparation is essential, relating to your audience creates connection, and overcoming fear empowers you to deliver your message effectively. So go forth and speak in public like a pro!
Your problem is you don’t have the time or skill set to complete your to-do list. Crimmins Communications specializes in helping businesses and organizations reach their goals. I provide writing, editing, research, and project management. Delegate to me!
