Introduction
Thank you for finding my introductory public speaking lesson, designed for individuals who are not regular public speakers, who find themselves in an unfamiliar situation. Whether it’s a work presentation, toast at a wedding, or leading the monthly meeting for your club, these lessons are designed to be highly impactful for bringing you to a level of comfort to succeed. Should you discover your love for public speaking, or find yourself in a role requiring more of it, I plan on making advanced lessons, but more importantly, I offer coaching!! Reach out!
I have identified four concepts to focus on, each of which is separated below after my About Me section. I have written an explanation along with a short video so review as you prefer, though I encourage you to explore in order the first time, revisiting afterwards in any order for a refresher.
About Me
Here is a sneak peak on an advanced lesson: establish credibility, which is my plan here. While perhaps decades ago, my educational background is economics and public speaking, because why not, right? Since then, I have given countless presentations in front of small groups, large groups, work groups, public groups, clubs, discussions, panels, and others I do not recall at this very moment.
Most importantly, my opportunities and voice has flourished since my transition, when I not only love how I look, I believe telling my story adds good in this world; consequently, I have shifted my efforts to seeking out new opportunities. In fact, as I am writing this, I am in the middle of three speaking gigs within an eight day window, which doesn’t include the several individuals I am in discussion with for those next ones.
.Not only have I found my niche with public speaking, I am at the point in my life where I have time to commit to help others. Plus, if I can make money at some point, even better!
Your Objective
Before you do anything else, think about the purpose of why you are getting in front of this group. Ideally, this is more than simply your purpose, such as persuading or informing, rather it’s inspiring that audience to do something as a result of listening to you. In other words, frame this as an action you intend those individuals to undertake.
Oftentimes, I am speaking to educate people about my experience transitioning and the negative impact of the anti-trans laws. If someone leaves informed, on one hand my purpose is accomplished; however, my objective is beyond simply an education.
For example, I want them to think about me the next time they hear something negative about the trans community, because I understand having a personal connection is more likely to lead to a positive response. Another example is having my audience email elected officials to oppose anti-trans laws. Either way, I hope to inspire my audience to become beacons of positivity for the trans community, whether that’s within their own circle of friends, family, work, or wherever. Keeping me in the front of mind is my objective.
While my purpose is ‘to inform’ however that’s nebulous. I endeavor to make my story memorable and noteworthy, so each individual carries me with them on an emotional level. More on how I do that later!!
Suggestions:
Think of just one individual in your audience, and simulate what they are doing after hearing your speech. For example with a work presentation, “I want my teammate Hazel to support investment into project A rather than B.” If you convince Hazel, you will likely convince others.
See how that is a better use of focus, as opposed simply “persuasive speech about a work project”
Your Audience
After you’ve committed to what these people will do, it’s time to start thinking about who these people are! Sometimes, you will know exactly who will be there, possibly even having an established relationship with them, such as a work situation; however other times, you may have no idea who will be there until you open your mouth.
Either way, spend time thinking about your audience!
Even when you know them, spend some time considering their motivations or role within the framework of your discussion. For example, knowing someone’s family or having a regular coffee meeting with a coworker does not translate to knowing how their mind works. In these instances, consider how they operate in a work setting, when their reputation is perhaps on the line. A helpful tip is to think about how you are different in a work situation than you are when interacting on a personal level.
On the other end of the spectrum, what if you are speaking at a public event, where you may not know anyone in the audience until you see them in front of you? Nothing you can do, right? Wrong! Take into account how the event is marketed, including what media or through which groups. Consider what time or day the event is, knowing a weekday morning may bring appeal to one group, white a Saturday evening may appeal to another. Think about location, such as virtual or in person, a public setting or private.
Most of my speaking is in the middle, meaning it’s open to the public, though catered to those with similar interests or at least enough curiosity to spend time listening to me. From that information, I can expect some knowledge, but not enough to be an expert; therefore, as an example, if I talk about my experience transitioning, I will speak differently to the general public versus a group of other trans people.
Suggestions:
See if you can get the list of invitees or attendees. Many groups will use Facebook or Eventbrite, where you can see some of the people who’ve signed up! Clearly, not everyone will sign up, nor will everyone show up, but you can glean some information from this! Also, look at the marketing materials, or if it’s an established group or series, find previous events to look at. Check out websites of partners or sponsors, particularly social media! Any information is better than nothing!
Your Content
Do not take for granted how well you know your content! While you may have studied something for years, worked in a field for decades, or considered an expert, that does not necessarily translate to giving the speech you have in front of you.
For example, think about something you know very well, potentially even an expert. Now think about a group of your peers versus a group of beginners, such as students at a local high school who may only have a theoretical comprehension of your subject. How do you approach these groups differently? It’s the same content, right? Kind of, or maybe it’s a “yes, but”
Establish to your best ability the baseline understanding of your audience then work up from there. While among the most mundane topics, Definitions are going to be important, particularly when talking in cross-sectional groups. Even within the same industry within the same city, there is a chance nomenclature does not resonate, so by simply providing definitions, your audience will understand that word A means the same concept when you use word B.
From your baseline, build up from, while being cognizant of the amount of time you have. Please be cognizant of the time you have! Going over time is disrespectful in some circles, as some people may have to leave, possibly making them late for their next obligation.
Along with that time element, consider whether you will have time for questions at the end, or if you plan to encourage questions throughout, understanding the implications for each. On one hand, questions throughout prompt valuable engagement; nonetheless, it can prevent you from reaching critical points you build towards at the end.
When I am giving my speech, I generally start from the basics, allowing for more or less time, once I am present in the room. Sometimes, I will pause between subjects to ask for questions, serving as mini Q&As, while for my purpose, I can gain valuable insight on my audience early on.
Suggestions:
Due diligence in your audience research will help here! Have definitions ready for easy recall, for example on a handout or slide, so it’s available, but add flexibility within your planned content to spend more or less time. Do not worry if you spend more time on the basics than planned, as long as your audience is engaged, because your audience is leaving more informed. Let them drive your content!
Your Speech
You’ve reached the day of your speech, so now what to do? If possible, get to the venue early, so you can scope out the logistics before anyone else is there, because depending on your role, you may have other obligations.
Check out the layout of the room, getting an overall sense of the layout, while also seeing the visual and auditory perspective of your audience, particularly if you have visual aids. Ask where notable people, such as organizers or leaders will be located, so you can find them at a moment’s notice. Figure out sound amplification, if present, testing if it’s working, then see how to turn on or off. In short, diagnose as many problems ahead of time as you can!
When you are giving your speech, hopefully you have practiced enough, so you are not using your full mental capacity to pull what you intend to say. Ideally, much of that is second nature, so you can focus on your delivery. Here are some tips:
Look at your audience!! Find a few friendly faces around the crowd, then rotate your focus to each of them. If you can find one of these friendly faces in each section of the room, even better!
Project your voice!! Make sure you are able to be heard!! Do not be rattled if someone asks you to speak up, or if you feel comfortable, ask the room if you can be heard.
Slow down!! Our natural tendency is to talk more quickly, so understand that, and build pace into your practice. Make it uncomfortable slow when you practice, so when you inevitably speed up,
Smile!! Your mood improves! Your voice improves! Your message improves! I actually practiced this!
I have reached the point I practice in front of the mirror, practice in front of people, and I actually record myself practicing. This is excessive for sure, but I want this to be my livelihood, so I better be good!! Additionally, I know I have qualities I need to improve upon, while recognizing we are our own worst critic. I’m often reminding myself, what’s done is done, so I can only work on the future. It’s a challenging reminder!
Suggestions:
It can be overwhelming to think about all these hints on the day of your speech, so pick one or two to apply your focus. Reflect on what you believe are your shortcomings, then improve that, as that will likely improve your confidence most. Honestly, having confidence is incredibly important, but that’s not easy to teach, hence I suggest working on those skills that will result in increased confidence.
Next Steps!
Now you are ready!! Realistically, you were ready before, but hopefully this instills confidence to produce an outstanding speech, or at a minimum, one that pleases you! I am happy to answer questions, while I have to make the plug for my coaching!
I am available for public speech coaching, whether that is for a one time event or perhaps your new role at work, requiring more leadership. If either of those apply, or you simply want to know, reach out:
Fill out this information and Hazel will reach out!!
