Let's show them !. Review on Delivering an Effective Speech

My job is such that I have to make a presentation about my scientific results every now and then, either in my own department or in conferences, in India or abroad.

There was a time when, like most mortals I used to fear and try to avoid these public demonstrations. But as time went by, I realized that if I want to be successful, I have to learn to conquer my fears and get comfortable with public speaking. It has not been easy. Mainly because I had been very shy and an introvert all my life. But at the same time, I had this intense need to excel. That need became such a passion that ultimately this driving force made me discard my inhibitions, ignore my fears and jump into action.

So let me share my tips with you:

1. Change your personality

If you are soft spoken and shy, try to change yourself. Remember that these immensely likeable traits have no place in professional life. You have to be a go-getter. You have to get up and tell the world that you are somebody, not just a face in the crowd. You have to make people notice you. And to achieve this, get enthusiastic. Fill yourself with energy and become dynamic. Here I don?t mean that you should start walking with a swagger and talking loudly. I mean, look interested in your job and get informed. Be positive and ask questions. Be respectful but do not be afraid.

1. Do your homework

For an effective public demonstration, make sure that you have researched your topic well. You should be able to answer the questions put before you. If you have not studied your basics then you can be sure that your presentation will fall flat, however well you may speak.

1. Good Presentation

If you need presentation aids, like slide or transparencies, make sure that they are technically well made with good color codes. See that the slides keep the mood professional and are not gaudy. Remember that this is not modern art time. Make sure that the text is large and bold and each slide should not have more than six lines. Try to use figures and animations as much is possible. It?s very boring to have presenters reading text off the slides.

1. Use your imagination

Make sure that your audience remember you long after your presentation. Be different and daring. Make a signature style that only you can pull off.

1. Begin well

Well begun is half done. Your beginning lines will make the audience notice you. So make sure that you begin at an interesting note. Try to put in some good quotes or some interesting pictures right away.

1. Relax

It?s not much point preparing well and then shaking like a leaf, with your heart hammering inside you and your voice trembling with tension. Take a deep breath and smile. Feel like a winner and you will become one. Remember that the audience will not hang you if you make a mistake. Take it easy.

1. Keep a low pitch

Often, one big mistake presenters make is that the moment they are on stage, they increase the pitch of their voice so much that they are almost shouting into the mikes. It is not only irritating to the audience, it also makes the presenter?s voice break after some time. Just speak normally, with a commanding assurance.

1. Managing questions

Sometimes a great presentation falls apart when a question is put up by the audience. Most people get defensive the moment a question is asked. The trick is to grin and bear it. Welcome questions. If you know the answers, great. If you don?t, well, it?s OK. Be honest. Say that you don?t know. Suggest that you can look at this point. Be cool and remember to keep that smile on your face.

1. Be charming

If you can charm your audience, more power to you. Reach out to them and make them feel special. Remember that this is your moment. Your special moment. Make the best of it!