Public Speaking

If you've ever made a speech or presentation in front of large audience there are probably a million other places you'd rather be. The room may be filled with people but you're all alone... alone to deliver the best performance that you can. Here are a few hints, techniques and ways to prepare for your public speaking performance that can help you make it the best it can be.

First Time Users

Relax. You'll be with a crew whose sole responsibility is to make sure you do as well as you can. If you make little mistakes, it's not the end of the world. Very, very few productions, live or recorded, go through without hiccups.

The operator scrolls words at your speed: if you slow down, the words slow down. Speed up, and the words will speed up. If you think the words are going too fast - pause! Use full-stops and commas as breath aids and pauses for you to collect your thoughts.

Writing Style

Keep in mind that your audience will hear your words, not see them. So, it's important to write in a way that, when spoken, sounds natural. For example, using contractions is a simple way to make the written word more conversational.

The Message

Professional presenters are trained so that their body language and the words they're saying are the same. New and untrained presenters are able to say the words... but their body language is either missing or betraying the message.
Just before your presentation starts, focus on WHY you're presenting this message, rather than the words.

As a presenter you're important because you represent a great business. Whether or not you are a great person, look nice or are very intelligent is beside the point. Harsh, but a fact. If you're not engaged about WHY the message needs to go out to your audience, this will reflect on how you deliver your presentation. When people look self-conscious or uncomfortable, it's because they either don't believe what they're saying, or they're thinking about what they look like, rather than the message itself.

Improving your Delivery

If time and budget allow, practicing your speech with a teleprompter can be beneficial. There’s no substitute for practice. The more you practice and internalize the text, the more you'll put meaning into the words. It’s very important to practice aloud. See how the words roll off your tongue. If needed, make changes in the text that will make it easier to deliver.

Energize Your Speech!

What seems like "over the top" to a presenter translates into a lively and interesting presentation to the audience. Media savvy individuals pump up the excitement of their performance (in intensity not volume) and instantly become more interesting and appealing to listen to.

Facial Expressions

Smiling is perhaps the simplest way to connect with your audience. The warmth of a smile is a must, at the very least, at the beginning and end of your performance. A smile can also be used throughout a delivery, almost regardless of the subject matter. As though you’re telling a funny story, a smile creates an attitude that’s captivating to watch.

Body Language

Appropriate facial expressions and hand gestures are critical to your performance. Perhaps nothing is more distracting to an audience than a "deer in the headlights," a person who's frozen except for their moving lips delivering a speech. Use your expressions and gestures to amplify your words, stress important points, and show that you’re passionate about what you're saying. Watch other public speakers to observe masters of the subtleties of facial expression and head movements.

Script Flow

Our teleprompter operator is trained to follow you. Deliver your speech with pacing that's appropriate and comfortable for you. Be confident that the words will always be there. When you pause, or even improvise off the script, your next word on the teleprompter will be there waiting for you to pick it up.

The Crew

Most likely the crew working on your production have collectively been on thousands of shows and take great pride in their work. Feel free to ask questions. We really want you to look your best!

Speech Delivery

Imagine this scenario: You've finished writing your message to the audience and believe it utterly. Then, when you go to present it, there's one section of simple words that REFUSES to be spoken properly! It's like being stymied by the world's simplest tongue-twister, one which everyone can say except you.
Spoken language and written language suit different tasks. When drafting your speech, look to incorporate contractions of phrases, like "can't" instead of "cannot", "we'll" for "we will" and "you're" for "you are".

Often the teleprompter operator can help by re-arranging words slightly, inserting 'breath-aids" like commas, blank lines and minor formatting that aids you in timing your delivery. PLEASE don't try adding your own formatting before giving the script to the operator. Common 'page' format elements don't translate well to the teleprompter.

If all else fails, slow down or use gestures. Use hand movements and slow speed to emphasize the aspect you're getting stuck on. This helps you concentrate on getting past this block.

We hope that these few tips will help you in delivering an inspiring presentation.