Little Pointers

When you speak in front of an audience...

-Dress comfortably. Be careful about your grooming. Make sure you are nicely presented

-Check that your audience is comfortable. Don't leave people standing for long periods

-Assess the age group of your audience. Speaking to children, youth, adults, seniors, or a mixed group all require different skills.

-Know your subject - prepare...prepare...prepare

-Use your microphone correctly - keep it right under your chin...even with a microphone, speak as if your voice needs to carry to the person who is the furthest away

-Find out how long you are supposed to speak and stick to it

-Use your eyes to connect with your audience. Look directly at people, but don't fixate on one or two - look at everyone 

-Use humor and personal stories to make yourself relatable 

-Try to enjoy yourself. If you are anxious...your audience will pick up on that right away

-Be authentic - don't try to copy someone else's style or mannerisms

-Use a well-timed story or climax to conclude your speech. Leave your audience happy that they heard your talk