Elevate Public Speaking Skills
Delivering presentations can be quite a challenge, no doubt about it. For many folks out there, it’s practically at the bottom of their to-do list.
A recent study found that 75% of folks admit they start feeling those jitters when they have to talk in front of a crowd.
The good news is, you’ve got the power to really boost your game when it comes to public speaking.
Our CEO and Founder, Jessica Chen, recently hosted a Soulcast Media | LIVE event on LinkedIn, where she talked about how to elevate public speaking skills.
She shared tips and personal stories about how you can elevate your public speaking skills.
1. Presentation Mindset
Before we dive into giving a presentation, it’s actually pretty crucial for us to get ourselves in the right mindset. Like, setting the mental stage is key to nailing that presentation.
Consider the following:
- Conversation – When it comes to presentations, here’s a neat trick: picture them as friendly chats. I’m talking about talking to your audience like you would with a family member or a close pal. It’s all about that relaxed, natural vibe.
- Overthinking – It’s kind of funny how stepping in front of a crowd can suddenly make us feel like we’ve got to put on a whole new persona or use words we wouldn’t normally use. And guess what? That’s when those nerves start creeping in. But here’s the real deal: we’re totally barking up the wrong tree when we do that. It’s like we’re honing in on the wrong stuff and missing the point entirely.
- Refine – Instead of overthinking how we think we should act or should say, what we really should be focusing on is fine-tuning our speech. I mean, think about it – it’s not about the theatrics; it’s about nailing down how we communicate.
Getting into the right mindset will help us create exciting presentations.
2. Powerful Presentation Content
Once we are in the right mindset, we need to think about what we are going to say. This is where having a solid communications strategy comes into play.
ABC Checklist:
- Attention – When we’re gearing up for a presentation, one major key is to grab our audience’s attention right from the start. I’m talking about that “hook” that reels them in. If we can’t get them to tune in at the beginning, the rest of our presentation can feel like pushing a boulder uphill. So, nailing that opening? It’s kind of like our golden ticket to smooth sailing ahead.
- Be Tailored – When it comes to communicating, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. What we say and how we say it can’t be a copy-paste job across different groups. We have to be savvy enough to customize our message to suit the specific audience we’re talking to. It’s like dressing up for different occasions – you wouldn’t wear your beach gear to a formal dinner, right? So, let’s tailor that messaging and make it a perfect fit for each audience.
- Clear Structure – Having a solid, clear structure in place is like building a sturdy bridge for your ideas to walk across. It helps make sure your audience not only gets what you’re saying but also sees the path you’re walking them through. When you’ve got that roadmap of logic and thinking, it’s like handing them a treasure map to follow your presentation with ease.
The more we dive into these presentations, the more that confidence needle points north. The more you do it, the more you own it. Before you know it, that stage fright you used to feel starts fading away like a distant memory.
3. Impact
How you carry yourself up there on that stage speaks volumes. It’s like your unspoken dialogue with the audience. The way you stand, gesture, and move – it’s like your silent partner in this whole presentation gig. If you’re looking to leave a lasting impression, don’t underestimate the power of your body language.
Consider the following:
- Perception – The way we hold ourselves can totally shape how folks see us. It’s like our body language is this magical wand that paints the picture for others. So, here’s a little trick for you: picture yourself as this confident superhero, standing tall with your head up and shoulders squared. It’s like wearing an invisible badge of positivity that tells the world, “Hey, I’ve got this!” And believe me, when you walk that walk, people will start to see you in a whole new light.
- Confidence – Ever noticed how our body language can pretty much spill the beans on whether we’re feeling all confident and cool or not? It’s like a visual clue that people pick up on. Now, here’s the insider tip: when you’re talking to someone, lock eyes with them – it’s like a direct line of “I’m totally engaged in this convo.” But, if that eye-to-eye thing is a bit much, here’s a sneaky move: just look at the tops of their heads.
- Competent – When you have a confident posture and throw in a friendly smile, you showcase both competence and warmth. It tells your audience, “Hey, I’ve got the skills, and I’m approachable too.” So, remember, every little gesture can speak volumes about your presentation prowess.
People are attracted to our voices. People want authenticity. People want to listen to people who are comfortable sharing their personalities.
Being a top-notch communicator is like having this superpower to handpick exactly what you want to serve up to others. It’s like you’re curating this finely crafted message that hits all the right spots. You’re not just throwing words around; you’re orchestrating a symphony of information that lands right where it needs to. So, when you’re on that communication roll, you’re basically the master chef of information, dishing out precisely what you want others to devour.
If you want to see the full LIVE version of Jessica’s conversation, check out Jessica’s Youtube Channel.
__
Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways we can help you:
- Discover your communications style so you know where to start. Over 4,000 people have found theirs here.
- Attend our monthly communication workshop to build communications confidence (new topics: public speaking, advocating for yourself, building credibility, etc) here.
- Get your brand in front of 43k+ people by sponsoring our newsletter or Soulcast Media | LIVE LinkedIn events [contact: hello@soulcastmedia.com]
