PUBLIC SPEAKING: Some Thoughts
- A concise and direct approach to verbally communicating information - Does not come naturally to most - It did not for me - Presentation must be well thought out and well organized - Tell a story - Beginning, middle, end - A natural flow - Smooth transitions - Keep in mind the broader context
- Text should be large enough to be read by all - Including the figures (captions, labels, legends ) - Don t make slides too busy - Generally not a lot of text - Avoid complete sentences use bulleted brief descriptions - Exception may be in presenting your actual Problem Statement, Constraints, Criteria - Not too flashy (animations) - Nothing that distracts from communicating the information - Use only when it enhances the communication
- While speaking: PUBLIC SPEAKING: Some Thoughts - Speak loudly and clearly so all can hear - Image is everything - Must convey confidence - It s a sales pitch - If you don t believe it the audience won t either - Make good eye contact - Don t fidget, no hands in pockets, don t stand too still, don t move too much
- Use laser pointer to point out specific information on the slide as you discuss it - Don t read from the slide (other than specific Problem Statement, etc. that I want to see) - Smooth transitions between slides - Use the information on the slide to remind you what the key points are that need to be stated - Don t memorize - Sounds monotonous - Each time you practice say it slightly differently - You are telling a story!
- Consistency is very important. If you use a period to end bullet item sentences then use it for all. If you use capital letters to begin every word in a sentence/bullet-item then do this for all. Try to keep font sizes consistent as possible. Do keep the use of fonts consistent throughout. - Transitions. Transitions are important in keeping the "flow" of the presentation. Transition into a talk with either a hello, title of the presentation, introduction of team members, or something. Don't just jump right in. Try to continue speaking as the slides are being changed (don't pause during slide transitions). A transition to the end is needed as well (don't just stop talking and let the audience eventually figure out that you are done). A slide titled "Questions" helps if there is not a final Conclusions slide.
- Obviously, speak loudly and clearly. Try to portray *confidence* at all times. Everyone understands that someone may be nervous with public speaking. But, a lack of confidence while speaking can easily be misinterpreted for a lack of confidence in the work. - Don't read off of the slides. Don't read off of written notes (try not to need notes at all). - Use a laser pointer to bring attention quickly to a specific item of interest on a slide. - Never interrupt a questioner! Even if you (think) you know what the question is before its been completed!
- If a question is asked or if a constructive criticism is given, never try to rationalize! A simple "thank you for pointing that out" will often suffice. - Don't get flustered or pay attention to audience members (myself included) taking notes or writing. It doesn't mean that something bad is being written - could just be perfectly natural note taking. For many of us, our eyes are often drawn to the writer wondering what he/she is writing and why (am I doing something wrong?). - Do keep your focus on the audience and their facial reactions. You can tell a lot about whether or not they are "getting it" or if you're losing them by simply paying attention. When I lecture in my classes I always do this. It allows me to proceed when they are getting it or to spend more time on a topic if they're clearly not.
- Do try to have fun up there (seriously). If you're enjoying yourself and comfortable it really does help make the presentation more effective (and less monotone). I do not; however, mean that you should try to tell jokes.
-PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!! - I would practice five or six times in front of my advisor before conferences - As many times as needed to get it right! - Always practice out loud! - Time your self or your group - Essential when there are time limits - Very unprofessional to go too long or to end too soon!
- Always judge your group s presentation as if you are the audience - Slides, verbal, and written reports too - Discuss what were the strengths and weaknesses - Work on improving the weaknesses - Provide constructive, polite, criticism to your colleagues - What grade would you give yourselves?
- Public speaking does not come naturally to most of us! - You are not the first to feel uncomfortable or to have to learn the process - Experience is the key! - The more you do it the more easily it will come - You will almost certainly have to make public presentations on the job, when it counts, and under stress! - Consider this course as an opportunity to begin getting comfortable - not as a chore to simply get through! - If you don t feel comfortable, act like someone who is