Tips for public speaking:
- Be confident. You are the expert.
- Practice! Start with some long, deep breaths. Then make sure you are comfortable (sitting or standing). When practicing pretend there is an audience in front of you. The more you practice, the easier it will be and more familiar you will be with the content.
- Keep some tricks up your sleeve if you lose your place, feel overwhelmed or nervous while you present. For example, keep some water nearby, clear your throat, or be open about it. These things can happen to anyone and audiences understand!
- People are interested! What you have to say is important and people want to hear from you.
- People don’t mind hearing about it in your language. Speak how you feel most comfortable. There is no need to add in any fancy words.
- Ask a peer or researcher to provide feedback.
- Work with experienced peers or researchers to ensure your message is coming across as the way you want.
- If it helps, ask to have an experienced peer or researcher present with you.
- Dress appropriately.
- When appropriate use icebreaker games to make everyone feel comfortable. This helps focus on who people are rather than what someone does, their education or any title they may hold.
- Try to stop any fidgeting.
- Try you best to be clear when you speak.
Remember the four Ps:
- Plan
- Prepare
- Practice: Practice out loud. Do you speak too fast or too slow?
- Present