I'm going to be guest speaking at an event soon (I am very excited), but does anyone have any advice?
I need to create a 45 minute presentation, so it's quite a chunk of time so does anyone have any top tips? This is my first time doing this kind of thing (hopefully, first of many!)
Replies8
- Hey Ella, very exciting! Be you, and you’ll be amazing.A great tip is to record yourself on your phone as if you were speaking to the audience. By doing this you’ll see your expressions and how you come across. It’s super helpful and very eye opening ;-)
- Hi Ella,That sounds exciting! Totally agree with @Luke Spencer here: telling a story is key, think about it like you are touring people around a landscape and pointing out the most relevant features along the way.In my experience it is great having a structure and a story that you find compelling yourself, that will keep the audience engaged through your own interest in the topic.That said, think of that structure as an anchor, something you can come back to anytime, but also be ready to re-shape it along the way: read the room, connect with the audience energy and allow yourself to swift if necessary.Hope this helps and good luck!
- Hey! Sounds like an exciting opportunity!A few tips that I do before I present that may help…Read it out loud to yourself a few times, and time it too! It will help you get the timing and pacing perfect!Practise it in a way that is as similar to the feeling of the event as possible - so that might involve standing up, walking around a little, to get comfortable in presenting mode!Read through your talk notes before you go to bed - research shows the brain retains information which has been learned just before sleep a whole lot better!When presenting - think of it as more of a conversation! Though you may be at the front of the room - think of it as a two way interaction. If the event is happening IRL - take some time to look around the room, create some positive connections with your audience. And if the event is going to be hosted digitally - make use of the chat! Ask your audience questions and encourage them to get involved at points that feel comfortable for you!And finally make sure you give yourself time to rest and sleep beforehand, so you can manage your excitement, energy and adrenaline on the day!Good luck and hope it goes well!! xx
- Hey Ella - I do a fair bit of speaking, and I'm gradually getting better at it haha!My main advice would always be to tell a story - no matter what your subject matter is (even if it's presenting analystics reports!) you want to take your audience on a journey; with a beginning, middle and end.Also, top tip from someone that gets inexplicably shakey hands! Don't hold a piece of paper (or anything if you can get away with not having a handheld mic) - whilst no one in the audience will notice it shaking, you will.-Finally, don't worry too much about it - maybe I should have put that first and you can ignore the rest! You'll have fun, it's great to connect and share with a large audience that are there to hear from you.Best of luck,Luke
- @Scott Morrison and, of course, get to know your material inside and out so you can fully deliver with energy. Don’t worry about a script or notes as once you get going you won’t need them.Practice wins every time!
- Hi EllaFirst up - know your audience. Who are they? What inspires them? What are they expecting?Then, keep your keynote simple. I like to have an overarching theme/title that is controversial or provocative - it draws people in.I also like to ask a question at the start - engage and interact quickly especially if it’s virtual as you can have people respond in chat - therefore make the answer 1 word or punchy.Keep it visual - make sure each of your visuals tells a story. Avoid heavy text and massive mental models or complex messaging.I love quotes or creating ‘Instagramable’ moments - people can screen grab something you’ve written or a clever statement you’ve made.Pause lots as it helps you keep calm and avoid ‘ums’.Make sure you’re knowledgeable and passionate about your subject (obviously). I love sharing personal stories or case studies they won’t have heard that illustrate my points.Leave them with a clear takeaway that is actionable - that means they’ll remember you even more.Also, allow some time for questions. And, if there aren’t any immediately coming from the audience, offer up some yourself that help you build your message even more. Ie ‘when I’ve given this keynote before, people often ask x - let me share with you how I answer that’.Finally, enjoy it. It’s your space and time to share your knowledge and experience - there’s nothing better than being in that moment as it goes so quickly - so learn to enjoy the audience, their responses and their company.Good luck Ella and Stay Boom!S
- I think originality, clarity, precision, confidence and connection with the audience are important. All the best for your presentation !
- Congrats Ella! I start with writing an agenda for myself to help structure the talk and create the slides. As this is your first talk, write a script then practice, practice, practice. But don't rely on the script in the presentation! If you've practiced enough you'll know your material, and if you miss something out or go slightly out of order don't freak out and carry on - it's no big deal. I promise your audience will not notice, they don't know what you are going to say! Good luck and happy to chat more if you'd like.
You must sign up or log in before you
add a comment.