Public Speaking f o r Private People Tips & Tricks for Amateurs and Scaredy-Cats (like me!)

4 Ps to Avoid Pure Terror! Prepare Practice PAUSE Pamper

Its All About Building Confidence.

Prepare Research Subject Audience Organize Slides theyll see & hear Handouts and/or activities Cue cards youll work from Understand Confirm your responsibilities Length & Purpose Format Familiarize yourself with the equipment and the process Relate your requirements

Research Do Your Homework Understand your topic thoroughly Research and write the presentation as you would an important paper Know Your Audience Basic demographics (age, experience level, familiarity with your topic) Approximate number of attendees

Organize Slides and/or visual presentation Follow a logical progression Use high contrast colors Minimum 18pt text size Be consistent Handouts Additional Info Activities Delivery materials Create cue cards Double (+) spacing Large, bold, easily read font Use Reminders –Look –Breathe! Reminders are also good placeholders

Understand How much time do you have? What does your host hope youll accomplish? What equipment, software, support will be readily available? What will additional equipment will you need to be successful? Internet connection? Projector? Whiteboard? Podium Water

Practice Early Stages Read aloud as youre writing Your reflections a good test audience – so is a tape recorder Get feedback from trusted friends Mark up your cue sheet on run-through

PAUSE Evaluate your performance Tongue-twisted? Slow down. Out of breath? Add breathing marks. Knees knocking? So what, youll be behind a podium. Test audience confused? Pinpoint the problem and re-write. Focused only on the page or losing your place when you look around? Add more visual marks. Monotone? Practice accenting various parts of speech for more impact. Make changes to slides and cue sheet or cards as necessary Reorganize to clarify Eliminate awkward passages Insert reminders to yourself

Resume Practice Practice EVERYTHING Hand and facial gestures Comfortable stance Running your equipment Taking questions Recovering from mistakes Plan ahead Select comfortable, confidence building clothes at least a week in advance Wear extremely comfortable shoes Do final run through in the clothing youve chosen well in advance

Pamper The night before Gather all materials Get a good nights sleep Morning Avoid caffeine Avoid people who stress you out Be good to yourself & do things that make you feel cared for 1-2 hours prior Check set-up, final technical arrangements Do final run through, on location if possible Walk away. Spend remaining time with someone who distracts you and makes you laugh Use the restroom

Confidence You know your topic You know your material Youve done this before Other scaredy-cats will be awestruck You CAN do this, and youll be great

If Something Goes Wrong Dont panic, improvise! Pause for a drink of water to regroup Excuse yourself and adjust your equipment Spend a moment as if deep in thought, then begin again spontaneously once youve found your place Ask if there are any questions Break for an activity

Handouts Delivery Tips Writing Tips Cue card / cue sheet sample and copies of the entire presentation will be available on the KON website. Log onto and follow the links to Conclave for more info, and be sure to visit - they have a ton of great resources!

Summary 4 Ps Prepare Practice PAUSE Pamper If your foundation is solid, your presentation will be, too! Build confidence by planning ahead – eliminate potential sources of worry If something goes wrong – breathe! And then improvise.