Public speaking: how to give successful presentations

Although public speaking at work is straightforward and routine for some, for others the exact opposite is true. At the mere thought of having to express concepts in words before an audience, these people start to perspire, feel embarrassed and tremble with fear. Of course, not everyone can be an extrovert, but in many cases public speaking is a skill to be honed over the years, with effort, will and plenty of determination.

Giving presentations at work tends to be difficult at first because we may feel at the mercy of other people’s judgment; colleagues, bosses, competitors, suppliers and clients can seem like ruthless judges ready to criticise every single word we utter, especially to those of us who are rather shy.  This can cause people to freeze completely, making them even more frustrated and inclined to give up.  How can this problem be resolved?  Here are three handy tips to follow each day.

1. Maximise self-esteem

The first rule to respect if you want to learn to speak in public at work is that of maximising self-esteem.  Believing in yourself, convincing yourself that you are able to overcome any obstacle and being more aware of your own abilities are all strategies which will allow you to fight your shyness and let a stronger and more decisive character emerge: the character of an individual who is able to deal with any kind of situation.

2. Prepare well

As already mentioned, giving a presentation at work in front of a large or small audience may not be a simple thing to do, but in some cases the problem can be resolved, not only by following the advice in the previous point, but also by preparing oneself excellently on the subject in question.  It is not necessary to learn a speech off by heart, but it is essential to at least understand and practise the things you are going to say a few times, so as to be ready at the right moment.  Preparing a list of key points is also very useful.

3. Be sincere

When you decide to speak in public at work (at least the first few times) it is advisable to be as sincere as possible.  Admitting without embarrassment that you are feeling a little nervous and anxious can be a way of making your audience a little more understanding.  You can build a kind of relationship of empathy with them which enhances the interaction.

Translated by Joanne Beckwith