Ah, public speaking… A divisive exercise! For some, it’s second nature; for others, it’s a real nightmare worthy of a Zoom meeting without a button. mute button 😮💨 ! Want to face the microphone without breaking a cold sweat? Do you dream of capturing the attention of your audience without stammering or blushing?
The team We Are COM comes to your aid with its DOs and DON'Ts of public speaking, a cheat sheet that will awaken the speaker hiding in you. 🎙
#1 – Being well prepared means putting all the chances on your side
OF WHICH : Don't go into full-on improvisation. You're not there to give a show, so don't risk turning your speech into an unintentional skit. We'd know if a great speech and perfect delivery fell from the sky, wouldn't we?
DO : Prepare yourself, yes! But prepare yourself with a little moderation. Indeed, it is essential to master your text, without knowing it by heart. A speech that is too recited cruelly lacks emotion, it does not arouse curiosity and does not generate confidence. So, do not forget to leave a little room for naturalness and spontaneity.
The team’s little extras: Memorize key words carefully to ensure the coherence of your speech. Practice out loud and, above all, time yourself.
#2 – A confident entrance for a captivated audience
OF WHICH : Do not start by justifying or apologizing, nothing is more effective in putting your audience to sleep. So do not ban the “I'm not really used to speaking in public...” and other annoying hooks.
DO : Think about enthusiasm: a confident posture, a confident smile, a frank look! Give the immediate desire toaudience to listen to you. A successful entrance is a smashing entrance, so don't hesitate to take inspiration from the ease of the stars at the Oscars. 😀
The little extras from the team : Prepare a catchphrase – provocative question, inspiring quote, funny anecdote… To occupy the space and grab the audience, use body language and establish eye contact and connivance as soon as you arrive.
#3 – A serene silence is better than an uncertain babble
OF WHICH : Don't try to fill the blanks at all costs. We've all been through a speech delivered at high speed... Where this "er ..." uncertain, repeated, sometimes interminable and always irritating. Let the audience breathe between two ideas.
DO : You have a memory lapse, a moment of latency… the infernal “er ...” risk of coming out? Pull yourself together, an assumed silence is much more effective. Giving the impression of mastering your words and the choice of your words is to gain attention and impact. Never forget that silences are an integral part of a speech.
The little extras from the team : To avoid being surprised, plan your silences; this will allow you to breathe deeply and resume your speech more calmly.
#4 – Alone on stage does not mean solitude…
OF WHICH : The worst of the worst in this area? The speaker who remains frozen reading his notes. You are not a robot, and neither is your audience! Not including the audience in a speech, skimping on interactivity, is a sure loss of interest.
DO : Relentlessly capture attention, raise your head between sentences, seek out glances, ask rhetorical questions, play the humor or emotion card. In short, be human, you are addressing humans.
The little extras from the team : Scan the room with your eyes, focusing on different people; this is called a “visual round.” And above all, remember that a question, even a trivial one, can re-establish interaction.
#5 – When it’s over, it’s over!
OF WHICH : A conclusion that drags on is lacking in the entirety of a speech. It is the last image you will leave of your intervention, so make it dynamic. When it's over, it's over! No need to add anything else, a thank you and that's enough. 😀
DO : A good conclusion is short, impactful and well-measured. End on a memorable element that will leave a lasting impression. A powerful quote, a call to action… even a simple thank you can be powerful. Make sure you leave your audience on a positive note.
The little extras from the team : Briefly recap the key points of your speech to anchor them in the audience's memory. Be clear about what you expect from your audience and then move on very quickly to that memorable impression that crowns any successful speech.
