Speaking technique

The success of any presentation depends greatly on the manner in which it is given. Even the strongest message can be lost because the speaker talks too softly or too quickly, or fails to maintain eye contact with the audience. Conversely, even weak content can be greatly enhanced by good presentation skills, and thus make a good impression on your listeners. It is therefore essential that you devote attention to both your verbal and your non-verbal communication skills (body language).

Verbal communication

Verbal communication refers to your use of the voice. The vast majority of people can speak well and make themselves understood. However, nerves and bad habits can negatively affect performance. The main points for attention are tempo, volume, intonation and articulation. Beginners often speak too quickly or too softly; they may 'drone on' with no variation in intonation, or fail to pronounce their words clearly. Some people, on the other hand, speak too slowly or much too loud.

Tips:

• Analyse your strengths and weaknesses by making a recording of yourself and listening to it critically. You should also ask others what they consider to be your strengths and weaknesses.
• Nervousness often causes people to talk more quickly. You should therefore devote attention to your tempo throughout the presentation. Incorporate planned breaks ('breathing spaces') between the various parts of your presentation.
• The volume with which you speak will depend on the size and acoustics of the room and the number of people in the audience. You should address the people farthest from you; if in doubt, ask them if they can hear you properly.
• Ensure that you do not fall into a monotonous drone. Vary the pitch of your voice to emphasize the important points of your message.
• You can improve your articulation (clear pronunciation) through practice. Try reading out loud, pronouncing every word separately and clearly, without skipping or 'swallowing' any letters of syllables. During the presentation itself, you should remember that you are not talking 'for yourself': focus all your attention on the audience.

Non-verbal communication

The audience's first impression of the speaker is a visual one. Posture, gestures, facial expression and eye contact are key aspects in determining how effective your presentation will be.

Tips:

• Stand straight, with your weight supported by the entire foot. Try to appear relaxed and remember to breath deeply (from the diaphragm).
• Use gestures judiciously: not too many and not too few. You can use gestures to draw attention to something or to emphasize a particular point.
• You can use facial expressions to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the topic. If you look interested, there is a far greater likelihood that your audience will also be interested. Where appropriate, you can also use facial expressions to display emotions such as surprise, seriousness, disappointment, etc.
• Maintain eye contact with your public. Divide your attention between the different areas of the room rather than staring intently at one person throughout.