Public Speaking

Public speaking is a terrifying form of art. “Knees weak, palms are sweaty” and all that. The thought of getting in front of an audience is enough to scare even the most polished of professionals. Those that love the thrill of capturing a group are a special type of adrenaline-seeker. We never know what the crowd will bring or if we ourselves will stumble, recover, and continue to present. When that ultimate connection is achieved, though? It’s a high hard to describe.

Here are 3 pieces that are crucial to be an effective speaker and ultimate communicator:

CONFIDENCE

Confidence doesn’t just appear out of thin air nor is it something we are born with as public speakers. It is a learned and practiced skill set. As a public speaker myself I have had people say, “You make it look so easy!” Or, “You were born to do this.” A seasoned public speaker make it seem that way but let me be clear: Nothing about presenting came easy. It takes rehearsal, passion, and commitment; A drive to make it look easy. However, it is anything but.

Confidence grows from repetition and knowing what you’re talking about, what you’re going to say next, and believing in yourself. If your slides went out, could you still have the push and drive to finish without them?

SPONTANEITY

Rehearsal does wonders for confidence but absolutely nothing for the unexpected reactions, comments, and emotions from an audience. Now, knowing your material does help with questions that stray from your focal content. But the gift of gab, banter, and a slight sense of humor can go a long way when your program starts in on a tangent.

Being able to slip between your rehearsed content, interjections from the audience, and make it back to your main train of thought keeps your time in the spotlight interesting.

AUTHENTICITY

Be real. Honest. Open. Come from the heart. Connect. Fortunately for our audiences, this cannot be faked. Nor should it. When we are true to our content and stories, connection with the audience will naturally flow. Passion for what you are presenting will shine here. You’ll often have people share, “I felt like you were only talking to me.”

As presenters on Child Sexual Abuse, our curriculum wouldn’t be effective without all three of these benchmark skills. What do you feel passionately about? Is there a topic you connect with and want to help others connect to as well? If you do, build your confidence, dabble in spontaneity, and be your authentic self.