The Guru Nation Blog

How you say something is just as important as what you say! If you are intent on selling your ideas or branding yourself effectively, then how you deliver your message… to a boss, an employee, a colleague, or a partner…is critical for your personal success.
There are so many tips on public speaking but not all tips are easy to follow. The best tips on public speaking are the ones you can understand simply and plainly and then actually practice in the company of a mirror.

Here are three “straight talk” tips on public speaking that everyone can master:

1. Resist Your Use of Semaphore

Unless you’re sending ship-to-shore messages with your arms or with flags, please limit
your use of hand and arm gestures to get your point across. When in doubt, don’t!
Exaggerated arm and hand movements are just that – exaggerated. The more effective presenter does not signal the audience from the beach or traffic ships into the harbor.
Practice more natural movement for your arms, hands, legs and head. The more comfortable and natural you are, the more so your audience.

2. Lead With Your Eyes, Not With Your Chin

We have all done it. We want to make a point, either on the stage, on camera, or in an interview, so we unconsciously push our chin (and mouth) forward as we deliver our message. We think it gives us a better sense of control. The truth is, it diminishes our impact and weakens our delivery. What we really should be doing is leading with our eyes. When you let your eyes lead, you appear more in control, you command attention, and you grab your listener.

3. Project Your Power but Maintain Your Intimacy

When you present to an audience, your team, the Board, or even a group of friends, your power, and your “believability” come from a sense of intimacy you create with the audience. The intimacy comes from your ability to focus on them as well as on the core of your message. So many presenters believe that power equals “big-ness” in front of the listener. It doesn’t! Power comes from control, and the control creates the intimacy that your audience is seeking. Find what an athlete might call “spotting points” so your eyes have distinct places to focus. Wandering eyes do not create intimacy.

Follow these tips on public speaking and you’ll begin to feel a composure and control.
Then watch others speak publicly. Determine if they are following these tips on public speaking and see what else they are doing to “hold the audience.” Experiment with your mirror!