Formally presenting your ideas can be one of the most nerve racking experiences, especially if you have never done it before. Preparation is the key to a smooth presentation. Follow these tips to lessen the nervousness of your new experience.
Researching & Compiling
- Write down your speech topic and some keywords you might find useful.
- Jot down people you could interview or other types of resources you may use.
- Begin the interview process (or your own research).
- Choose reputable sites and/or people. Always give credit for quotes or stats you may use in your talk.
- Organize all of your notes, interviews and research.
Analyze Your Audience
- Start researching your audience, keep a file on it.
- Write down what you know about your audiences desires and how you can address that.
- Try to anticipate your audience’s reaction. This will help you prepare for any potential questions.
- As you continue to analyze your audience, be sure to write down thoughts and plans about delivering the conclusion in a way that will make them feel good when they leave.
Writing Down the Bare Bones of Your Speech
- Begin your speech with the introduction.
- After you’ve outlined the introduction, begin to list the points of the speech that you want the audience to know.
- Use anecdotes, humor and inspirational words and thoughts to keep the audience interested. Be sure to remind yourself to pause at key times in your speech.
- Write the conclusion of your speech, listing the key points you want the audience to know.
- Be prepared for a question and answer session. You’ll want to be able to verify the facts that you’ve mentioned in your speech and be able to mention names if necessary.
Editing and Practicing
- Take the time to edit and revise your speech as much as needed.
- Look for the key points (and pauses) in your speech. As you edit and revise your speech, be sure you find the key points that you wanted to make and be sure they’re in the right order for the most impact.
- Practice in front of a mirror and (if possible) a recorder. It’s the best way to perfect the delivery of your speech.
- Watch your body language. Know how it works and use it to your advantage.
- As you edit and practice your speech, pay attention to the points that might cause questions or challenges from the audience later on and be prepared.
Getting Rid of The Jitters
- Make sure your speech is fine-tuned
- Practice your method of delivery. If you’re going to read your speech verbatim, you should know that you’ll be limited in how much you can engage the audience. You may want to consider visual or audio aids to break the monotony.
- Check and double-check your help-notes and aids if you’re using them.
- Gather a friend or two and present the speech to them. Then, listen to the helpful feedback.
- Visit the location (if possible) where you’ll be presenting the speech and rehearse for timing and accuracy of the speech.