Public speaking is one of those things that everyone worries about, no matter how many times you’ve been on the stage. With no previous experience, I recently had the opportunity to talk at DTX (Digital Transformation Expo) for the first time, and it got me reflecting on what works (and what doesn’t) when giving a talk or presentation.
Here are a few things I’ve learned from my experience that I hope will help you as you step in front of your next audience.
The NeuroCyber careers panel
Know your audience
Understanding who I’d be speaking to at DTX helped me craft a suitable presentation. In this case, I was speaking as part of the NeuroCyber careers fair, so I knew that the audience was either students or those looking to elevate their careers but needed help. This helped me tailor my content accordingly and highlight my expertise.
Preparation is key – but don’t overdo it
Part of Sarah’s presentation
Over-preparing for a presentation can actually work against you by making you sound robotic or overly scripted. In my experience, I found that creating an outline for each slide on what I wanted to cover allowed me to remember key points while also giving some room for flexibility. This kept things more conversational and authentic.
Be Yourself and Show Passion
I was quite fortunate that the topic I was speaking about was top tips to create a LinkedIn profile, something I had taught to clients countless times over the years and really enjoyed doing. As someone who has been in the audience myself, it’s easy to tell when the speaker is passionate about a topic, or whether they’re just reading off a script. Remind yourself that they’re here to listen to you, the expert.
Tell a Story
Using stories, where applicable, in your presentation can make complex topics more digestible. While I have been working in the industry for three years, I remember what it was like to be a student and that terrifying time searching for my first job. I made sure to weave in personal anecdotes such as how LinkedIn helped me find my current role to humanise the content and make it more engaging.
Embrace the nerves
No matter how many times I’ve had to present to clients, I still get a bit nervous before I start. But I’ve learned that a little nervous energy can actually be a good thing. I remind myself that the nerves come from wanting to do a good job, and that’s a positive thing. Instead of trying to eliminate your nerves, use that energy to fuel your enthusiasm and engagement with the audience.
Speaking at DTX was an incredible experience and one that I wished I could do again as soon as it was over. Remember that every speaker, no matter how experienced they are, will feel the same nerves that you are.
If you’re still struggling with public speaking, PRPR offers training to individuals or organisations depending on their needs. View our brochure or contact training@prpr.co.uk to talk further.
