Build Skills and Confidence: Learn to Love Public Speaking Lisa Braithwaite, M.A.

Everyone makes presentations at one time or another

Entrepreneurs have unique needs as presenters

Fear and anxiety often inhibit us from speaking with confidence

We can all learn how to speak confidently in any situation

To succeed at public speaking, learn skills but also be yourself

Organizing your content and preparing yourself is the first step

Know your objective and organize your thoughts

Your content should be in your head, not in your notes

Your notes are placeholders to trigger what’s in your head

Learn about your audience and venue in advance

How big is the room and what equipment is available?

How many people will attend?

What do they already know?

If using technology, be sure to test it and have a backup plan

Technology can be a crutch

Learn to use visuals effectively

Learn to use visuals effectively

Learn to use visuals effectively

Learn to use visuals effectively

Learn to use visuals effectively

Bring flip charts or overheads as backup

Your physical presence impacts the audience’s receptiveness

Your physical presence impacts the audience’s receptiveness

Your physical presence impacts the audience’s receptiveness

Eye contact is important

Why is it important to make eye contact with individuals?

Does “scanning” the wall work?

Make a friend in the room

How you use your voice is key in expressing yourself

Try breathing and relaxation before and during the session

Vary your pitch, tone, volume and pace for interest

Don’t worry about “um” and “uh”

Move efficiently and naturally

Use natural hand gestures like the ones you use every day

Come out from behind the lectern

Silence and pauses are okay

Fear and anxiety can be harnessed and used to motivate

What is the purpose of fear, and is it a “bad” thing?

What is the purpose of fear, and is it a “bad” thing?

What is the purpose of fear, and is it a “bad” thing?

What is the purpose of fear, and is it a “bad” thing?

What is the purpose of fear, and is it a “bad” thing?

What is the purpose of fear, and is it a “bad” thing?

Athletes use adrenaline to propel them to achieve

“ Fight or flight?” - you aren’t in danger

Channel the fear into positive energy and enthusiasm

Relaxation techniques can reduce anxiety

Visualize an engaging and successful presentation

Do warm-ups and relaxation exercises beforehand

Reframe assumptions: the audience wants you to succeed

Interact with the audience

Include opportunities for audience participation

Make the audience part of the “team”

Break the audience into small groups or dyads

How do you incorporate all of this into your public speaking?

People fear public speaking enough to hinder their careers

Practice your skills and be authentic to succeed at public speaking

You can be a confident and accomplished speaker

Find your voice!

Lisa Braithwaite, M.A. 805.207.7647 [email_address] www.coachlisab.com