Last Thursday night, I embarked on a new adventure – public speaking. Although this was not my first time speaking in public, it was my first time being the main speaker at an event. I am so pleased with the response that evening. Everyone in attendance was very engaged, encouraging, and gracious. What began as a slightly scary endeavor turned out to be both wonderful and humbling.
So, you might ask, what did I learn from the experience?
1) I learned the importance of good preparation. I spent many hours preparing my topic, so I felt comfortable with the material and ready to present it. I did not fumble through my notes or lose my focus; I knew what I wanted to convey to my audience and the material’s value. Because I was prepared, I was free to deviate a bit from my notes without losing my place in the presentation.
2) I discovered the value of timely detours. Sometimes, your audience needs more than what you have written in your notes. On several occasions, I added unrehearsed details to my stories and examples, which helped me better connect with the group attendees. For example, if I noticed someone was leaning in closely during a story, I would add a few details to the scene or extra aspects to the overall material. Effectively moving back-and-forth from my notes to unscripted information made the meeting less stuffy and more engaging.
3) I recognized one of my greatest speaking assets, transparency. Many speakers bring head knowledge to their presentations, but I speak best when information is combined with heartfelt experience. The world is a dark place, and people want to hear something that gives them hope. For me, hope is found in my brokenness and dependence on God. I can only give others what I myself have experienced. People are changed when we open our heart vaults and freely share our greatest weaknesses, pains, and triumphs. The audience glanced into my heart that night and walked away with more than a good speech; they left with something real that they can apply to their own lives.
4) I found out the importance of being my own type of speaker, rather than trying to emulate others. When I first stepped up to speak, I was nervous and needed a stress reliever, so I asked everyone to stand up and shake off any preconceived notions. Then, I asked the audience to get comfortable and to give me the grace to be myself. From that point on, I became more and more at ease, which helped me to be less concerned about disappointing the group, and/or myself, and more concerned with making a real audience connection. Because I was willing to express my real personality, I was able to be knowledgeable, sincere, funny, and quirky, all in the same presentation. I had fun, and I believe the meeting participants did too.
5) I realized that I have what it takes to be an effective public speaker. In the past, each time I have spoken publicly, my fear of messing up made it hard to experience the moment. I engaged the audience, but I had to concentrate to keep my words straight and force myself to not pass out. Last week’s event was completely different. I noticed that I had effective word choices and was able to transition from idea to idea, much like I do in writing. I could also listen to my own internal dialogue and speak to the audience simultaneously. Not everyone can do that. Most importantly, I was able to recall the information and avoid being stuck behind my notes.
I would categorize my first speaking engagement as a success. I do have a few things I would like to improve upon before the next time I speak, but they are more personal preferences than public embarrassments. Overall, I am very pleased with how the evening went, and I am looking forward to my next speaking opportunity.
How many of you have spoken in public? Do you have any tips you would like to share with me and/or my readers? Please leave your feedback in the comment section below. I look forward to reading your thoughts.