As a leader, how often do you speak in front of people?
It might be:
– Giving presentations
– Running team or company meetings
– Pitching clients
– Delivering employee trainings
– Speaking at industry or networking events
– Facilitating workshops
– Leading or contributing in meetings for volunteer organizations or groups
– And many more…
Speaking is a great way to show your leadership in your business or industry, get more clients, motivate employees and so much more.
Here is an article from Fast Company with some high quality speaking tips that will help you be seen as a more confident, effective and compelling leader.
The article lists and describes these common speaking mistakes that can decrease your credibility, many of which stem from being nervous:
1. Oversmiling
2. Too much energy
3. Winking
4. Rapid pacing
5. Fidgeting
6. Stoic delivery
7. Variable pitch
How can you overcome these?
In addition to what’s suggested in the article, here are a five strategies I use myself and coach my clients to use to come off as a polished, effective speaker and leader:
1. Know your material.
You want to be able to give your speech, presentation or meeting without notes if it were necessary. You’ll be more comfortable and ready should something unplanned happen (missing notes, technology problems, audience factors, etc.).
2. Practice your speech in front of real people.
Have them give you honest feedback including what you’re doing well, what to improve, and what emotions they are noticing in you and in themselves during the speech.
3. Prepare yourself just before you go onstage.
You can even pace while reciting your opening lines to get out any nervous energy. Then stop, smile, take a deep breath and slow down your breathing. Pause and collect yourself. Give your opening lines while standing still and at the full volume you will be using on stage. Make it as real as possible in your mind. How do you feel? Take in the energy of the room and all the people who are in attendance looking for guidance from you and wanting you to succeed in your presentation.
4. Speak from the heart.
This is the biggest piece of advice I give my clients, and the easiest to do.It’s our heads that give us the most trouble, so stay out of yours. You already know in your heart what to say if you were helping a friend with your topic. These people in the audience, training session or meeting are your friends. You want them to succeed. Connect with them from your heart.
5. Let your brilliance shine and have fun!
You are the expert in your topic. Just be real and give your audience what will help them the most.
Enjoy being the leader you are… and the leader your audience wants you to be.
