We’ve all gotten “the talk” … and I don’t mean THE TALK, I mean “the talk about not posting anything on social media you’ll regret in 10 years.” It’s been drilled into us time and time again … but let’s face it, every single time we log onto Facebook or open Instagram, we see one train wreck after another. Maybe we can control what we post about ourselves, but unfortunately, we can’t always dictate what others will post about us.
Not all of us are “TED Talk ready speech givers,” but all of us should have a general idea of what to do and what not to do when giving a speech. Did you know that public speaking always tops the list for people’s biggest fears? Some of us love being the center of attention but many of us, when placed at a podium in front of a large group of people, shrink to the size of a pea in fear. Have no fear, there are ways you can make your speech giving abilities a reboot.
Here are some simple “DOs”
1. Arrive early and get a feel for the room
2. Leave any bad emotions or baggage at home
3. Dress nicely and classily
4. Smile … no one likes a person with resting bitch face
5. Walk with confidence
6. Know your space on the stage and own it
7. Connect with your audience with a joke or engaging “hook”
8. Know your speech and make eye contact
9. Speak as if you’re telling the greatest story ever told
10. Have a drink afterwards because you totally rocked it
Here are some simple “DON’Ts”
1. Roll out of bed and not shower
2. Let your first rundown of the speech be the ACTUAL SPEECH
3. Read off your notes
4. Embarrass specific people in the crowd
5. Draw attention to the fact that your nervous or terrible at giving speeches
6. Make political or religious jokes
7. Go way over the time allotted for you to speak
8. Talk about misinformed facts … (no one likes #fakenews)
9. Use big or clunky words
10. Fidget with your hair, clothes, or anything around you
Seriously, this list could go on and on. . .
Now that you’ve got the DOs & DON’Ts, here is some inspiration. Check out this badass list of some of our favorite speakers / speeches:
Whether you’re a newbie to speech giving or a trained professional, we all need to brush up on our public speaking skills – we definitely don’t all need to be me circa 2014. Tweet us your favorite or worst public speaking moment @StarterNoise.
Photo by Denise Jans on Unsplash
Derek Rundell, is a successful business leader, operator, and serial entrepreneur. Derek has founded, managed and sold businesses in the technology, media and finance industries. He sits on several boards and serves as an advisor/investor to numerous established businesses and startups. Startups are Derek’s real passion, and in addition to building his own portfolio of technology, media and financial ventures, he invests in and mentors startups and entrepreneurs. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping other businesses succeed.