Speaking to an audience.
WHAT HELPS MOST
Knowing the material Having rehearsed aloud Knowing your opening precisely
WHY THE OPENING
The first thirty seconds are where nerves are worst, and a known opening carries you past them.
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR VOICE
Speak more slowly than feels natural Pause at the end of points Vary pace and emphasis
WHY SLOWER
Nervousness accelerates speech, and the audience needs time.
WHAT PAUSES DO
Allow the audience to absorb, and make you appear composed.
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR BODY
Stand still, mostly Make eye contact across the room Keep hands free of objects to fidget with
WHAT TO DO ABOUT NERVES
Accept them. They are not visible to the extent you imagine.
WHAT TO AVOID
Apologising at the start Reading from slides Filling every silence Running over time
THAT LAST ONE
It is discourteous, and it is remembered.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE YOUR PLACE
Pause, check your notes, continue.
