Public Speaking Tips

Public Speaking is the Absolute Worst. Terrifying. Nerve-wracking. Vomit-inducing, even.

In fact, in middle school, I had developed a fear of public speaking leaving me trembling and sweating at the thought of it. In English class, an assignment called for memorizing a poem and reciting in front of the class. My photographic memory made it easy memorizing Edgar Allan Poe's "To One in Paradise," but as soon as I was in front of the class... and that video camera, my mind was blank... Frozen for what felt like an eternity... with my blood boiling, sweat flowing like a river through every crevice of my skin, and my stomach churning like a propeller, the teacher got my attention to start. Rattled, I rambled off a few words, got stuck... and lost... my... lunch. Then, I found it on my shoes. I lost dessert as I ran out the door. After that I avoided public speaking throughout my academic career, leaving me with zero formal or informal training with the skill.

When I came to Aberdeen Proving Grounds as a young electrical engineer, I quickly learned that communication and leadership skills are integral to get ahead in any career, which includes having to sell ideas, designs, and results through technical presentations or non-technical briefings. My supervisor recommended on my annual review that I join Toastmasters to learn these skills, then he dragged me to meetings until I joined, committing myself to pursuing something I had always dreaded. I had to confront my petrifying fear of public speaking. Giving my first speech in front of the club, I was nervous with my hands shaking the page of notes which I read from without looking up. But, I didn’t die! And, actually felt good about what I had accomplished! Over time, I gained valuable experience speaking in front of the club, improving my skills each time while becoming more confident in myself reducing my fear to just butterflies. Eventually, I came to a point where I actually started to enjoy public speaking.

I’d like to share some of the speech tips that I’ve learned from Toastmasters:

• Rehearse until you’re confident – it’s the best way to ensure you leave your audience with a good impression.
• Organization will help the audience follow your speech — use a basic structure with an opening to establish your objective, then main points organized in a logical or chronological structure, and finally a summary and conclusion for your audience to take away.
• Use visual aids to help the audience understand and remember your points. Distinct and appealing ideas will engage your audience. Do not clutter a PowerPoint slide with too much information or irrelevant information.
• Always start with a strong opening, such as a fascinating story, amusing joke, significant quote, ponderous question, or jolting statistic.
• Speak to audience conversationally. Using an outline with bulleted notes versus writing out every word will encourage a fluid narrative.
• Invest yourself in the topic, or speak about something your invested in – a passionate speech from the heart will draw the audience’s attention.
• Know your audience. Assess how your audience will react to the points you convey, and if necessary, mold your words accordingly to prevent any disengagement from the audience.
• Know your physical setting. Plan your movement to take advantage of the stage, lighting, and props. Note tripping hazards, bad lighting, or awkward footing to avoid.
• Lastly and most importantly, take every opportunity to speak – Public speaking is a muscle that gets stronger the more it is used. Mistakes will come, especially in the beginning, but time and experience will hone your skills.

I really can’t press how important that last bullet is. Whether career, hobby, volunteer, or family event, with every speech I’ve given I’ve found my skill and confidence grow. I owe the growth to Toastmasters, as it gave me opportunity to practice in a safe, consequence-free environment with a group of people to give me positive and helpful feedback to keep working at it and improve. After delivering 50+ speeches over 5+ years of membership in Toastmasters and through its many leadership experience opportunities, I’ve earned the highest award available to a member: Distinguished Toastmaster. Even after that achievement, I know there’s plenty of room to grow, and so I continue to attend Toastmasters meetings to keep practicing and polishing my skills while trying out new techniques.

If you’re interested in more information regarding Toastmasters, you can check out www.toastmasters.org