When you’re working on your script, always plan for less time than you’re allocated. So if you’re given a 30-minute speaking spot, don’t create 30 minutes of content. Plan for 20, or max 25. You want to give yourself time to breathe. So much can happen in the moment you can’t plan for: agenda changes, […]
Every audience needs something different because every audience is unique and different. So your job as a speaker is to actually know who you’re speaking to. Find out as much as possible about your audience before you present. Who are they? What’s their demographic? interests? location? What’s important to them? What challenges do they face? […]
There are generally 2 types of speakers. 1. Speakers who plan and prepare every single word of their script, to the tee…. And 2. The ad-libbers. Maybe they’ll have some bullet points but generally they’ll get up and present off the cuff. Whatever comes out in the moment, comes out. Now matter where you are […]
How do you feel about the microphone when you’re presenting? You know what they say… if you’re afraid of your fear, the best thing to do is… run! No, just kidding. if the microphone makes you uncomfortable… do whatever you can to get comfortable. The more comfortable you feel using the stage equipment before you […]
An issue for presenters is: what do we do with our hands when we’re presenting? If we’re feeling nerves, it’s easy to fidget. We’ll shuffle our papers, play with our top, or wriggle with our watch band. Your audience picks up on this. you’d know as an audience member yourself, you can see nervous movements […]
Every time we present there are always things we wish we did things differently – or better. I learn from every mistakes I make. And I’m continuing to make mistakes. You’ve seen my blooper videos, right? Whatever you wish you did different, after you present – write it down. Get it out of your head […]
A crowd is often the most scary aspect for a presenter because there are living, breathing humans in front of you with all eyes on you and you only But your audience in one of the best parts of live presentations. Why? Your audience is like a live thermostat. You can instantly gauge whether you’re […]
If you care about your presentation and you’re passionate about your topic, you’re going to feel nerves. It’s a good thing. It means you care. My advice is don’t resist it. When we go ‘OMG I wish I wish I didn’t feel this way’ we actually create extra panic and anxiety. When we push against […]
In this age of digital distraction eye contact has never been more important! Our eyes are the windows to our souls after all. So, make eye contact with your audience. Don’t just scan the room – or look down at the floor –or stare at your notes – or randomly look around at the ceiling. […]
No matter how professional we are, we all make mistakes. If you do make a mistake when presenting, own it! Make it yours! If we’ve made a mistake and it destablises us, and then we mumble or are visibly nervous this radiates to our audience and they become uncomfortable. In comedy we are taught to […]