Public Speaking

[h0llywood]

So I just confirmed my first engagement in April of next year in Houston, TX for the industry that I am in. This is for an annual conference in which there are seasoned people in the industry with more experience than me. Quite frankly, this would be my first time giving a presentation in front of a professional crowd. In the past, when speaking in front of others in college, I turned red from embarrassment and from just the sheer amount of eyes on me.

 

My main concern is that given it's my first time, I don't want to feel under-qualified to be presenting the topic. It's over 5 months away and i'm already shitting bricks.

 

Does anyone have any tips and also any stories on public speaking? 

[pstall]

I have spoken in front of large crowds too many times to count or did some acting on stage.

I would say walk thru what you want to say and get it to a good time. Say 20 mins for example. Have your notes but be able to almost talk without notes.

If what you are saying is more technical etc keep it simple and light.

What is the topic. If need be im willing to help you write something if you need help.

The key is to not over prepare but keep it flowing and interesting. I never like speakers who are TOO polished. Those guys never resonate with people.

[h0llywood]

I have spoken in front of large crowds too many times to count or did some acting on stage.

I would say walk thru what you want to say and get it to a good time. Say 20 mins for example. Have your notes but be able to almost talk without notes.

If what you are saying is more technical etc keep it simple and light.

What is the topic. If need be im willing to help you write something if you need help.

The key is to not over prepare but keep it flowing and interesting. I never like speakers who are TOO polished. Those guys never resonate with people.

 

I have to give a power point presentation and my topic is on legal discovery as it pertains to interstate (foreign) depositions. In my mind I am a subject matter expert on the topic however my lack of public experience will probably get the best of me. I figure a mixture of light jokes but i'm worried of a tough crowd

[Panthro]

Toastmasters groups and or just rehearse it

Be able to deviate if needed.

[Jackofalltrades]

I had never heard of toastmasters until last week, seems like a cool group that I may become involved with.

[pstall]

I have to give a power point presentation and my topic is on legal discovery as it pertains to interstate (foreign) depositions. In my mind I am a subject matter expert on the topic however my lack of public experience will probably get the best of me. I figure a mixture of light jokes but i'm worried of a tough crowd

Can you remotely add any form of humor to this umm, riveting topic?

[pstall]

And how long do you have?

[Anybodyhome]

I testified before Congressional subcommittees a few times and addressed audiences of military people as large as 500. Since retiring, I've spoken less frequently, but still enjoy the occasion when I'm called upon.

 

Toastmasters is an excellent way to get comfortable speaking in front of groups. I highly recommend it. Screw the subject matter- either you know it or you don't. Especially if you're using PowerPoint. The key there is to not read the PP, but use it to supplement your presentation. Anyone can read a PP and I find that more annoying than anything.

 

The group of people I always became most nervous in front of were people I knew or worked with. That's the ultimate test- stand in front of a group of people who know you...

[pstall]

Less is best. Don't go too long and keep it fun and light. Anything over 20-25 mins you start to lose people.

Be yourself and go with it.

[Brooklyn Bully]

Paxil.

 

Nerves? What are those?

[Kevin Greene]

[Jimmy]

As a former teacher and somone who has done public speaking probably a couple of hundred times, the #1 tip I always give is....know your information.  

That doesn't mean you know more than your audience, far from it.  But it does mean you know more about your going to say than anyone else.  Know it backwards and forewards.  Once that happens your confidence will be through the roof.  

 

The #1 reason people get the ass-sweats when it comes to public speaking is because they don't believe/know what they are talking about.  Meaning they aren't prepared.  By the time you get up there you should be able to give your presentation without ever really looking at your notes, PPT.  

 

Speaking of PPT's, Anybodyhome makes a good point.  Just use it as a tool not a crutch.  I used a PPT for my Master's disertation in which I only used pictures...one picture per slide...about 75 slides and I spoke for 20-25 minutes with no notes.  I was prepared, I knew my poo, and pics kept the people engaged and entertained.  

 

There are a million ways to give a speech or present something but NONE of them are worth a poo if you aren't the expert on what YOU want to say. Notice I didn't say "expert of your industry, etc." but the expert on what you want to say...it's your information. 

 

Let's face it, the grab-asses in the audience aren't speaking (probably glad they aren't) and they don't know what you are going to say so there is no reason to get nervous in front of them. You are the SME (Subject Matter Expert)!

[Happy Panther]

So I just confirmed my first engagement in April of next year in Houston, TX for the industry that I am in. This is for an annual conference in which there are seasoned people in the industry with more experience than me. Quite frankly, this would be my first time giving a presentation in front of a professional crowd. In the past, when speaking in front of others in college, I turned red from embarrassment and from just the sheer amount of eyes on me.

 

My main concern is that given it's my first time, I don't want to feel under-qualified to be presenting the topic. It's over 5 months away and i'm already shitting bricks.

 

Does anyone have any tips and also any stories on public speaking? 

There are two different issues. If you aren't qualified then bail out. If you are qualified then just be yourself.

 

Three pieces of actual advice:

 

In a big group look to the back of the room when you speak.

Practice what you will do with your hands.

Pay attention to ums and ers.

 

 

Otherwise have fun. If you are having fun nobody will really care about anything else.

[PanthersClinic]

Just know what you're talking about. If you know what you're talking about ideas will keep popping into your head to continue the presentation. Once you can't think of anything it's like quicksand and you'd best fake a spell of fainting.