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Allied Health: Articles of Interest
Public speaking: becoming more comfortable in front of an audience
By Alan R. McMurray, EdD, FACMPE
One of the most common fears is public speaking. In fact, I’ve seen studies that list public speaking as the top fear of a great number of people—ranking it before “fear of death.”
The reality is, of course, that most professionals will be called upon to speak in a variety of settings, and the ability to speak effectively to audiences of various sizes can be crucial to personal and professional success. You may be called upon to make an important business presentation, help an audience of patients learn important points about disease management, or persuade your managers (or employees) to take a particular course of action. Your effectiveness in any of these situations will be diminished if you are not a good public speaker.
A common comment is, “I do fine when I’m speaking to two or three people. It’s large groups that give me trouble.” There are ways to keep the “small group” feel even in front of large audiences.
Practical Tips
If you dread getting up in front of others to speak, here are some pointers that can help you be prepared and feel more confident. If you’re looking for ways to begin public speaking or to improve your technique, the following is a list of practical tips that are relatively easy to implement.
- Practice
The more important the speech, the more practice you probably need. Ask a friend or family member to be your test audience. Or consider videotaping yourself if you’re really not used to speaking, and you want to make sure you do a good job. At any rate, the more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel, and the better you’ll sound to your audience.
- Don’t begin your talk with an apology
Don’t tell them that you’re “not a good speaker.” There’s no need to set low expectations. Most audiences are forgiving and want their speakers to succeed. Begin with confidence, not by backpedaling.
- Begin with a summary statement or overview
If there are key points, you might tell the audience how many key points you’re going to make. Doing so will help focus the audience’s attention, let them know that your message is prepared, and help ensure that you stay on point.
- Make an outline and follow it
Use note cards, slides or some means to keep yourself on target, which will allow you to speak in a conversational manner. Unless you’re extremely confident in your abilities and your knowledge of the topic, don’t attempt to “wing it.”
- Consider using visuals
Visuals can serve as your notes as well as keep you on target. However, don’t read the visuals to your audience. If the visuals are well presented, the audience can read them. Make sure your visuals are legible. Don’t ever show a visual and say, “I know you can’t read this, but…,” that’s frustrating for the audience.
- Use a microphone
Don’t try to compensate by saying, “I’ll speak up so you can hear me!” You won’t be able to use your normal tone of voice if you’re shouting. Plus, there’s a direct correlation between distance and volume of sound, and the people close to you will suffer if you’re trying to project to the back row.
- Look at the audience members
Speak directly to the person you’ve selected, and then select another person in a different location in the audience. You can do this even in large settings. By doing so, you’ll appear to be including the whole group.
- Modulate your voice
Don’t use a monotone voice, mumble or read to your audience. Use emphasis in your voice when you want to make a point. It may be useful to ask questions, in addition to making statements, to vary your speech patterns. Pausing at appropriate times can be very effective in emphasizing particular points.
- Use humor—sparingly
Unless you’re a professional comedian, the main point of your speech is not to make the audience laugh. Make sure your humor is not offensive.
- Provide some color
Use anecdotes, personal illustrations, and examples from famous people, to provide color and supporting material. Sources can include your childhood experiences, a book you’ve been reading, or a defining/humorous incident in the life of a famous person.
- Use quotations to illustrate points in your speech
The Web site for Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations or various printed materials are excellent ways to review famous sayings on a great many topics.
- Define your terms
If you have to use terms that are not familiar to your audience, be sure to explain the meanings. In general, avoid the use of jargon, unnecessarily complex or erudite terminology, or other terms that the audience won’t understand.
- Invite comments and questions from the audience
Audience responses are easier to handle when you’re comfortable with speaking and with your topic. However, you may not be the only person knowledgeable about the topic, and involving your audience members can help keep them engaged. If an audience member asks a question, especially in larger groups, remember to repeat the question so that other members of the audience can hear the point being addressed.
- Pay attention to your time
Be sure to adhere to your allocated time. If you exceed your schedule, you’re taking time from another speaker. Even if you don’t have a specified time slot, remember your audience and stay focused on how much time it takes to deliver your message.
- Other resources
If you want more structured, practical experience, consider joining a Toastmasters club or taking a speech course. These venues will require you to speak to audiences as part of the curriculum. Plus, you’ll get some impartial feedback on your skills. The Internet can also be a good source for practical tips on public speaking.
Finally, remember that theories of adult education say that adults like to be engaged, and they need to know why a subject is relevant. Your audience will be bored if the presentation goes on too long or if they can’t see the value for themselves. One of the guiding points you should consider is, “What does the audience need to know from me?” If you can answer that question, you’re well on your way to formulating your message.
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