In a flurry of filing the other day, I came across some old training materials. They related to a course on presentation skills that I taught at the University of Sussex back in 2001 as part of its Staff Development programme.
I was reminded that standing up and speaking to a group is still one of the things that many people dread, and yet is as essential a skill as ever. So, here are my tips for giving great presentations, starting with your voice.
1. Can you hear me at the back?
Even if you're using a microphone, speak at an appropriate volume, articulate words clearly and speak more slowly than normal conversation pace. Adjust upwards according to the size of the room. As a general rule, the more people in the room, the harder job they will have hearing you, regardless of the size of the room.
2. It's not what you say ...
There are so many ways to adjust your voice, so consider them all: intonation, accent, resonance, pitch, pace, mood. Variation and contrast will keep people's attention. Your speaking voice needs to be 'larger than life'. Don't worry, you have to go a hell of long way before it's over the top.
3. Repeat after me
As long as they're not over-egged, rhetorical techniques such as pauses and repetition can be very effective in helping your audience remember key points. As a listener, a well-judged pause makes me prick up my ears and creates a certain tension. As a speaker, I love the sensation of carrying an audience with me through a pause.
4. Erm...
Excess clearing of the throat, regular 'erms' or 'OK?', even finishing each statement on a rising pitch - all are barriers to communication and can really distract or alienate an audience. The bad news is that vocal mannerisms are hard to identify as they are often unconscious. The good news is that they can be eliminated with practice. Get someone to video you and you'll see what the problems are.
5. Take a deep breath
The 'cotton wool mouth', shaky voice, running out of breath ... we've all been through it! If you're feeling nervous, literally taking a deep breath in and out will help settle you. Always have still water available - taking the odd sip will calm your nerves and energise you. Public speaking is a physical activity and you should take care of your voice by drinking water both before and during your talk.
What would you add here? Any voice tips for budding speakers? Have you had to work hard to eliminate vocal mannerisms?
Coming next: Tips for giving great presentations, part 2: Non-verbal communication
Photo credit: Bazaarvoice