5 lessons I learned from public speaking

As part of the 9 Clouds team, I have the opportunity to engage and teach all I know about social media. This is both an opportunity that scares me and thrills me. Over the years, I have definitely gotten a handle on pre-event nerves but I’m not sure I’ll ever be completely over having them-which is ok. You need a little fear to keep you on your toes!

Last week, I had the opportunity to share our message with a group of business people in Sioux City, IA and I learned a few things, as I do with every new experience:
1. Prepare, prepare, prepare
Always do your research. Research the venue. Research the crowd. Research the other presenters. The more you know, the more you will feel in control. Knowing how the room will be set up is key in how you might deliver your presentation. Knowing what your audience is there to hear will make sure your message is on target. But make sure that target is uniquely yours-know what your fellow presenters will have to say to ensure that your messages won’t be more of the same.

2. Dress to kill
Ok, so not literally. But do make sure you choose and outfit that makes you feel confident and ready to take on anything. On the day of a presentation, the last thing you want to worry about is: “how do I look in these pants?” Wear your best power suit and knock ’em dead.

3. Use technology wisely
In this area, I give myself a perfect score for this presentation. Perfect, because I didn’t use any. It was a short, 10 minute presentation and it seemed more of a hassle than it would have been worth. Sure, a sparkly Powerpoint never hurts, but nothing gets my heart racing and my palms sweating like waiting to see if my presentation will be there and with all of its graphics. My advice in this area is to check, double-check and triple-check the computer you’ll be using, the projector and run through your entire presentation so there are no surprises.

4. Don’t plan to practice the day of
I always have grand plans to do a last-minute run-through right before a presentation. This never, ever goes according to plan. That is, unless there is scheduled practice time and even then, you can never be sure! So practice early and practice a lot. I’m going to start assuming that the moment I arrive at the venue I will be giving my presentation. You most likely won’t encounter that situation (unless you’re late!) but being ready to go will allow you to enjoy the pre-event happenings and appear to be the most “with it” presenter there!

5. Enjoy it!
You’ve done the research, you’ve prepared and you’ve practiced it beyond perfection – now enjoy it! I always have to remind myself that most of the people listening aren’t going to know half of what you do so don’t worry. And they’re there to learn something and hear that something from you. No one likes a nervous presenter so put your crowd at ease and deliver it confidently.  Give them what they came to see-you!

Now, I’m not an expert presenter by ANY means (in fact I think I should go back to Toastmasters…) but we can all learn from each other. So, below is my presentation for all the world to see. Enjoy. Laugh. Learn what not to do. I’m always open for suggestions on improvement and hope you can learn something from me. I’ll be working on my fear or Powerpoint and not speaking at 100 miles per minute-good luck to you!

What are your top tips for being an all-star presenter?

Interested in having me or the 9 Clouds crew speak at your event? Just email us: info@9clouds.com