TJ Walker
CEO
Media Training Worldwide
More tips on how to speak with confidence:
- Think about questions you might get ahead of time. You’ll be more prepared to face whatever comes your way.
- Make eye contact with those you are speaking to in order to keep them engaged.
- Focus on your message to your audience, rather than what your audience is thinking about you.
- Stay in control. Try remembering to take deep breaths.
- If you’re presenting to a group, project your voice loud enough so those in the back of the room can hear you.
- Practice in front of a friend. Perhaps your friend will catch something you can improve on that you haven't noticed.
- Practice, practice, practice and picture yourself a success!
Speak and Be Heard
December 2011
Whether it’s your first team meeting, a big presentation or just introducing yourself at a networking event, learning how to speak with confidence can be a daunting task. Here are tips from TJ Walker, who can help you put your best self forward.
Learn to Like Your Voice: Most people hate the sound of their voice because they’ve heard it on tape, voicemail or video. For most of us, our voices aren’t horrible or wrong, we’re just used to hearing it through our own skulls and it sounds different. The rule is simple: don’t worry about trying to alter your voice; just get over it. It’s much more important to sound compassionate and engaging.
Don’t Sound Too Professional: Nothing is more impersonal than hearing someone who is trying to sound professional—big words and all. If you catch yourself when this is happening, my advice is just STOP doing it. It’s much more effective to be interesting and relevant.
Do Your Homework: Conduct your own research before speaking up. For example, you can approach someone and let him know that you watched his television interview and cite how it related to something you are working on. By doing this, you’ve shown that you care about him and his industry.
Speak One-to-One: A lot of people are great one-to-one and have no trouble expressing themselves. But when they stand up to give a formal presentation, their personality goes down the drain. They think a speech is something very different. The best speakers sound like they are talking one-to-one. If you are nervous, don’t freeze! Instead, focus on a few individuals—one at a time—and speak directly to them.
Avoid Data Dump: A common problem people who speak professionally have is that they give too much data. They may have great eye contact, but it doesn’t matter because data dump is boring and unmemorable. Instead, try incorporating personal experiences and case studies while moving around and engaging the audience. And never rely on Powerpoint—it’s just an enhancement of your speech.
No More Than Five Ideas: What defines you? Your ideas! It’s important to focus on just a handful. Think of the best speaker you’ve seen over the past year. What are the things you remember? I bet you can’t recall more than a few key points. In my experience, no one ever remembers more than five things. Keep it simple and everyone will think you are smart!
Video Yourself: One edge that the millennial generation has over older generations is their comfort in using video. The way to be an excellent communicator is to rehearse every speech, introduction or interview on video and watch it. Even if you don’t have much time, video yourself while in transit—you could be in the backseat of a taxi en route to a meeting using your smartphone. Don’t be critical, just see if you are convincing. Taking this small step will leave you in much better shape!
Starting Out: Seal the Deal in the Final Interview
Starting Out: Deal With a Colleague Who Freezes You Out
Starting Out: Think: Connect!
Starting Out: Dining Etiquette 101