SUCCEED WITH STYLE: Ten tips to becoming a better public speaker

Monday, February 28, 2011

Margaret Batting, Image Consultant and Personal Brand Strategist

Does the thought of public speaking make you want to run and hide in a cubicle? Even some of the most seasoned business professionals go into fear-mode when asked to speak in front of a large audience. Although I can’t solve all your speaking woes, I can share the following tips to help put you at ease and make you look like a pro.

1. Develop a conversational tone with your audience. Don’t sound like a robot. Be natural. Good speakers and leaders are animated and relaxed.

2. Use a microphone if possible; otherwise increase your voice as much as possible without shouting. You want people in the back rows to hear you but you also want to come across as natural and comfortable.

3. Be aware of your body language. Turn your feet out to face different parts of your audience. Avoid swaying and pacing back and forth. Move with intention and use your hands to help animate your content, not detract from it.

4. Hold the remote or pen in your hand or put one hand in your pocket to maintain control and appear more confident.

5. Dress for your audience and location. If you are speaking to a casual crowd in the Midwest, skip the navy blue pin-striped suit. Instead wear nice trousers, a button down shirt and maybe roll up your sleeves.

6. If your environment is more formal and business-focused, wear a navy or charcoal suit, white or light blue shirt and conservative tie for men.

7. For women: Wear a suit or dress, simple jewelry and make-up. Keep it fairly conservative. The goal is to minimize any distractions. You want the audience focused on your message.

8. Practice deep breathing right before you are ready to go. Pinching your forefinger and middle finger together is an effective stress reliever.

9. Use a little humor especially if you are having technical difficulties or something unexpected happens- you want to appear real.

10. Practice makes perfect. Rehearse in front of the mirror or record yourself. It’s the only way to see yourself objectively.

Margaret Batting is the Corporate Style expert for GoLocalProv.com. Margaret is the owner and president of Elevé Image Consulting and the only certified image consultant and personal brand strategist in Rhode Island. She travels the country as the national corporate image consultant for CareerBuilder and serves as the style advisor liaison for Dress for Success Rhode Island, which will hold a fashion show fundraiser at the Biltmore on April 28. For more information, visit www.eleve-style.com