Loud and proud!

Hmmmm....... what would Kath know about public speaking.....enough to help, and help is what I’m here for.

I’ve had some good experiences in public speaking, a “Train the Trainer” Trainer in WA, I’m also a Marriage Celebrant registered with the Attorney General’s Department (that’s my love job!) ....plus.... I love to chat!

At the MBAV Excellence in Construction Awards last Friday, I was so happy to listen to the Award Winners. They were all great speakers! You could feel their passion in their awarded projects, you could feel their pride! Congratulations guys! It’s not easy though, Public Speaking is not a natural thing for most people, so I thought in this blog I’d share some tips and tricks: 

• Visualise yourself being FABULOUS! If you believe you will be great, you will be ! And if it’s an event that DG Global is producing, we promise you will be!!! Our Producers are there to ensure you feel comfortable.
• Know – what you want to say. If you are accepting an award, remember to thank your team! It helps too, to thank sponsors and also the organisation behind the Awards. Be conversational, use humour if appropriate.
• Know – your audience! Understand that your audience wants you to succeed! Be interesting and entertaining. No matter how large an audience seems, remember it is made up of individuals!
• Know – the venue! Arrive early, walk around the room.
• Rehearse – Rehearse with all equipment, revise your speech as necessary, time it also!   
• Look Sharp – Make sure you are looking great and feeling totally comfortable.
• Relax - Begin by addressing the audience. Pause, smile, count to three in your mind, then begin. You will be fabulous remember!!

• Don’t apologise for any nervousness.... you know what, we probably never would have noticed! Let us believe you are in control!
• Slow & Steady - pace yourself and speak at a normal pace.... or even slightly slower. Pause when you are targeting a particular point.    
• For Your Eyes Only – Yep, eye contact!!! Look into your audience, they trust you, they want you to be great. 
• Go On, Be Funny! If it’s appropriate, win your audience over with a smile and a well-timed remark.    
• Keep It Short, Please - keep your audience interested! Leave them wanting more!
• Be Yourself – Almost everyone is anxious about public speaking, particularly if it includes a stage, stairs, a podium, a microphone and bright lights. Don't overcook it, just be YOU!
• Body language - if there is a podium, try not to lean on it or over it. Make an effort to be aware of what you do with your hands.  It’s best to leave your arms comfortably by your side allowing them the freedom to gesture.
• Any of you reading this that have been to one of our gigs, will know that we work hard to ensure all speakers are rehearsed, scripted (if required) and most importantly made to feel comfortable. At some charity events for example, it’s important to set the mood for the speaker AND the audience. This can be as simple as dimming all lights, running a video reel, then simply seating the speaker on a lounge or on the edge of the stage (with just one follow spot light focused on the speaker). This helps to engage the audience even more, it helps the audience feel the story.

I hope some of these tips are useful, I’d love to hear any others you may have. Please share if you do!     

Cheers to all,

K