Do you feel anxious about public speaking? Are you comfortable on stage but know you could benefit from some improvements?
Whether you’re a new or experienced public speaker, knowing what looks and sounds the best on stage can increase your reach and the number of bookings you receive.
In my 20+ years as an event producer, I have organized events featuring celebrities such as Dr. Maya Angelou and Margaret Cho, as well as corporate executives from AWS (Amazon Web Service), Stripe, Shopify, Amgen, Intel, and HP.
Although no one matches Dr. Angelou’s ability to captivate an audience, there are simple adjustments even experienced public speakers can make to enhance their on-stage presence and performance.
Check out my tips and tricks below to excel at your next speaking event!
5 Tips for New Speakers:
- Focus on What You Can Control:
- You can control how you look, what you say, and what you share (content, slides, video, etc).
- When stage fright creeps up, remember to breathe. By connecting to your breath, you can relax your body and voice. [Try Box Breathing.]
- Key Take-Away.
- If your audience remembers only one thing, what would it be? Write it down or talk it through with a friend or colleague until it sounds short, sweet, and highly shareable (on social media).
- Practice.
- Practice your crucial takeaway until it rolls off your tongue, but not so much that it becomes robotic.
- Find Your Light.
- If you’re speaking on a stage with professional lighting, the lights should be aimed to highlight your face. Stand in the spotlight, not in the shadows.
- If you’re outdoors, find a covered spot and use the natural light to brighten your face. However, avoid squinting into the sun.
- If You Have Questions, Ask.
- Event producers are there to help you shine. We can offer you more tips and solutions based on your content, needs, and abilities.
5 Tips for Experienced Speakers:
- Don’t Waste Anyone’s Time.
- Turn in our content on time and in the correct aspect ratios and formats.
- Every minute of an event is scheduled. Time yourself so you don’t go over your allotted time.
- Check your Tech.
- Test your audio, video, and slide deck during rehearsal (sometimes called a “tech check”).
- Stand Out.
- Take several steps away from the back wall, video screen, or stage curtains. This way, the audience will focus on you, not the background. Bonus: It also helps you find your light.
- Dress for Success.
- Wear solid colors, smooth textures, and long sleeves.
- If you know you need to wear a wireless microphone, wear a jacket or sweater to hide the cord and a belt or waistband to attach the microphone pack.
- Power Poses.
- Planting your feet and using your hands for emphasis exudes confidence.
A Tip for Everyone: Be Polite to the Event Crew
The stress of public speaking is no excuse for being rude or abusive to anyone. I wish this went without saying, but after producing events for 20+ years, I have witnessed and experienced some very rude–and borderline abusive–behavior. Don’t be that person.
Plus, I don’t think it’s wise to disrespect the people in charge of your audio, lighting, and content. Do you?
Looking for a Public Speaking Coach?
I hope these tips help you crush your next speaking event! If you are interested in a public speaking coach, book a 30-minute Virtual Coffee with me to discuss your project.
