Public Speaking Tips for a Business Setting

In a comedic monologue, comedian Jerry Seinfeld once said, "According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy."

Whether or not public speaking still holds the top spot for phobias or fears, it certainly is a source of apprehension for many. Depending on your job position, there may be a good chance that at one time or another, you will be asked to stand up in front of your peers and deliver a technical presentation.

Here are some basic public speaking tips to keep in mid, tailored specifically to an office or business setting.

Making an Outline

Any good lesson plan or outline should have certain elements. An outline is not a piece of prose, it's a sketch, if you will, of what you intend to draw, or discuss with your colleagues. In other words, an outline should not be written out word for word. Main points and talking points that relate to your theme should be written using brief phrases and keynote words. This will help you to be an extemporaneous speaker, and if you are in an oversight or management position, you certainly do not want to be anchored to your notes and reading word for word.

When making your outline, determine why your subject is important to your audience, prepare an interest rousing introduction and make your motivation clear. Why is your material important to your audience, colleagues or potential clients? A good outline includes material that can be eliminated if you are running long, as well as optional material that can be added in if you need to fill time.

Decide on your media, such as a PowerPoint, a PDF or Word handout, a flip chart, overhead projector or dry erase board. Make sure you come prepared and be certain that all of your equipment is functioning.

Improving Your Conversational Skills

The most effective lessons include productive participation. There are different ways to draw individuals out and make them feel comfortable. You may be giving a seminar to individuals you do not know. Learn and address them by name, or have place cards set up with their names. Show warmth and be friendly, greet them when they arrive, offer a compliment or two or mention points of mutual interest.

Asking viewpoint questions is a way to improve a conversation and to elicit feedback in a business course you are instructing. A viewpoint question does not have a right or wrong answer; it's a chance to share information, tips and best practices. Remember to listen attentively without interrupting the replies.

Words Clearly Spoken

When you enunciate clearly, others understand the import of your message and are not distracted by mispronunciations. Hold your head up, release tension in your facial muscles, and try not to slur or run your words together. Practice your lesson aloud and have someone listen to you. Be aware of pronunciation, syllables and diacritics.

Fluent Delivery

Fluency is achieved when your words and thoughts flow together. When a speaker lacks fluency, you will find that the attention of your audience will begin to stray. Without keeping your group on task by holding their attention, they may walk away not understanding or misunderstanding your material. Make sure you are comfortable with your material and have done sufficient research. Prepare yourself with answers to possible technical questions that may arise.

Avoid the "ands, uhs, you-knows, umms" and the like. You can also improve your fluency by building your vocabulary. The more words you have at your disposal, the easier it will be to formulate your ideas into spoken words.

Suitable Volume

If a speaker lacks volume, listeners will quickly tune out, literally. If you speak too loudly, you will irritate your audience. Consider the size of your audience, any potential distracting noises around the office, and your own personal speaking level. If you will be using a stationary or remote microphone, make sure you test it out ahead of time. Be cautious as to how sharp you pronounce your b's, p's and t's. These letters tend to sound like sharp gunshots if you speak too closely to the microphone head.

Observe the reactions of your audience; they are a good barometer as to the appropriateness of your volume.

Gestures and Facial Expressions

Do your arms just hang at your sides like you are carrying invisible suitcases? Use the movements of your hands, shoulders and face to express your ideas and sentiments. Actions add emphasis to your words and enliven your voice. Depending on the room size, try not to be land-locked just to the front of the room. Slowly walk the room as you lecture but do not just pace back and forth.

Eye Contact

Eye contact is an indication of personal interest in your material and your audience. It is also viewed as evidence that you are speaking with conviction. Conversely, our colleagues may doubt the sincerity or the competence of a speaker who looks at their feet, stares at their notes or looks "over" the heads of the students.

Don't anxiously dart your eyes from one person to the next. Meet the gaze of your listener for a sentence or two, and then move on. Any longer and you may make the person to whom you are speaking uncomfortably nervous.

Poise

Stand, move and speak in a calm and dignified manner that gives evidence of composure. Make sure your personal appearance and the way you are dressed is appropriate to your setting and audience. Do not slouch or lean too much on the props in the room. If you are poised, your audience will concentrate on your message rather than on you.

Respect Shown to Others

Showing respect in any office setting is a requirement. Respect for your work peers promotes an atmosphere in which others are more likely to learn. Allow individuals to express their opinions and make sure you understand the competency of your audience. Do not talk down to your colleagues. At the same time, do not confuse them by muddling your delivery with overly technical or complicated material.