Captivate Your Listeners with these Speaking Tips (Rita J. King)

Captivate Your Listeners with these Speaking Tips

Does the thought of getting up in front of a room of people to speak make you want to run screaming for the hills? You're not alone.

Science House prepared speaking tips for an upcoming client event and I thought an abridged version of the list might be helpful for those of you who find yourselves faced with the challenge of speaking live. It doesn't matter if you're delivering a keynote or explaining your job to a room full of second graders. The method is the same.

Think about the goal of your speech - what will the audience get out of it? Why do they care about the topic? What is the hook?

Come up with a small number of key elements that you want to deliver. Trying to cover too many points will often result in an audience forgetting the whole thing.

Write down the key points that you want to communicate and then figure out a natural order for the talk.

Don’t write out your speech word for word - bullet points are fine.

Trying to memorize your speech word for word is wrong for two reasons. Memorizing is difficult and in trying to recall your memorized information you will likely be very stressed during the speech for fear that you will forget something. Second, it sounds less natural to the audience. Memorize the main points and then trust your brain to fill in the gaps with a natural flow of words.

Practice your speech several times, preferably out loud (if you just go through it in your head you will likely underestimate how long it will take to deliver).

If you can, visit the venue ahead of time. It will make you feel more comfortable when it comes time to give the speech.

This is your moment to shine. Remember that the spotlight should be on you and not on slides, handwritten notes, or distracting mannerisms. To make a real and meaningful connection with your audience takes a lot of energy and hard work.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Do not use acronyms or buzzwords. Speak in plain English.

Image: James Jorasch (who compiled these tips) and Rita J. King by Photography by Alexander