When you speak to an audience, you want to be memorable.
You won’t do it with a whisper and hesitation. You need to bring energy and conviction to your message and those two factors decide whether people take action and come back for more.
Fill the room with your voice, not by shouting, but by having something to say and really saying it.
I want you to approach your next presentation with confidence and tools that give you a strong presence, so here are my tips for using your voice and energy to your advantage.
The reality check
Start with the following exercise: Set up your phone to record a video and deliver the first minute of your presentation to the camera. Watch the recording and answer the following questions:
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How enthusiastic and convincing are you on camera?
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How clear is your message?
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Do you fidget?
Energy
If you’re anything like me, you feel energetic and enthusiastic, but what comes across on camera (i.e. to your audience) is more like a 5 out of 10. What’s going on here???
Think about great presenters. TV personalities, comedians, professional speakers – they all dial up the volume and the energy to ‘extra’ levels and as a result they seem great, but not over the top, right? This is what you need to practice.
Film yourself again and deliver that first minute, this time push yourself, so it feels over the top, then watch the recording. Does it look over the top? Or is it actually the level of energy and enthusiasm that you had in mind in the first place?
Clarity
Start writing a clear story that includes your main points. This can be in bullet point format. From there, you reduce the sentences to your talking points.
This approach works well, because writing forces you to engage with your thoughts and language differently compared to just thinking about it. Talking out loud is helpful, but it doesn’t create a record, so I recommend written notes to create your story first, then turning those notes into talking points you’ll use during your actual presentation.
Calmness
Most of us fidget when we’re nervous, e.g. are you swaying side to side, playing with your hair, clothes or a pen?
Once you’ve identified your nervous habit, find a way to turn it off or replace it.
I used to sway side to side on stage, which I replaced with planting my feet firmly on the ground, or, depending on the setup, standing next to a lectern with one hand resting on it. This keeps me still and focused.
Now fill the room with your voice
You’ve addressed three things that help your audience:
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You’ve raised your energy levels,
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You’ve improved the clarity of your message, and
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You’ve reduced distracting fidgeting so people can focus on you.
There is one more thing I want you to keep in mind and that is your voice.
Each of us talks at a different volume, but we all must speak so people can hear us clearly, especially when we’re on stage.
When you present, it’s because you have something to say. No matter how small it may seem to you, whether it’s a social club update in your team meeting, last month’s results, or a big keynote: YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY. So say it. The stuff you have to say – say it, don’t hide it, don’t whisper, don’t apologise for it.
It’s okay if you’re introverted or shy or afraid. That’s totally fine. Just this one thing that you have to say, make sure you say it loud and clear.
How can you make yourself heard?
The best tool is a microphone. Yes, it feels strange to hear your own voice over the speakers, but you know what’s worse? An audience that tunes out because they can’t hear you.
When you present, your voice and volume need to be UP. It’s not a conversation with the person next to you. You have to project your voice so that the person at the back can hear everything clearly.
Use a microphone, and make it easier for everyone. Microphones come in different shapes and forms. You will most likely have either a handheld mic, a lapel mic (clipped to the fabric of your top), or a headset (a mic attached to a frame over your ears).
Headsets are best because the mic stays in place, not matter where you look. Lapel mics are okay too.
With a handheld mic, make sure to keep it close to your mouth and move it with your head so it always stays close to your mouth. Think of licking ice cream in a cone. The distance between your mouth and the ice cream is ideal for a handheld mic. Keep it there.
What you’ll experience
The more you fill the room with your voice and deliver your message with conviction, the more confident you will get in your own speaking.
For example, I’ve noticed that I’m rarely lost for words and I’m much more comfortable in stressful situations that require me to speak up. Whether it’s dealing with a real estate agent or speaking up about injustice or handling a disruptor in a meeting – I’ve found my voice and I’m not afraid to use it.
I’m confident the same will happen with you. You don’t even need to do presentations, you could practice the above in everyday work and private situations. Give it a go this week and see how it feels.
Want to learn more about improving your public speaking skills? Looking for practical tips and templates? The first 50 people who buy my eBook Public Speaking for Data and Tech Professionals get 30% off with the code XMAS2022.
Have a great week!
Eva