Why Writers Need Public Speaking Skills
/
If you read studies about universal human fears, public speaking is always on the list. In high school and college, I was terrified of it, and it took years for me to overcome that. My company sponsored a Toastmasters group when I was a technical writer, and I signed up. The good thing was that the group was new, and everyone was a novice. We bonded over a “we’re in this together” vibe, and it was the best training that I’ve ever invested time in.
As a writer, you are often asked to do panels, teach workshops, do readings, and speak to groups. The more you practice, the better you will get. If you get the opportunity to join Toastmasters, I highly recommend it. After several certifications, I finally felt comfortable giving speeches or speaking up in group discussions. Here are some things I learned that have helped me along the way.
Don’t have anything in your hands or put your hands in your pockets. People tend to jiggle their keys or change and play with pens or things in their hands. Don’t clutch the microphone, lectern, or table. It makes you look like you’re hanging on for dear life.
Practice what you’re going to say in front of a mirror or record it, so you can see if you’re making faces or tripping over certain words. You want to look natural and sound authentic.
Make sure you’re looking at the audience. If it terrifies you, look at the top of their heads. They think you’re looking at them, and you’re not staring them in the eyes.
Don’t read your PowerPoint slides verbatim to the audience. Talk about key points and provide examples. And don’t turn your back on the audience to read your slides.
Watch the “errrrs” and “ummms.” A lot of times, you say them or crutch words (like “you know,” “you see,” or lots of “ands.”) People start paying attention if there are too many, and they listen for them and ignore your message.
Know your material. It’s okay to have index cards or a few notes (like bulleted items), but don’t take a copy of what you’re going to say verbatim. You will go to where you are most comfortable, and you’ll end up reading your text, and that is the fastest way to put people to sleep.
If you lose your thought, take a breath or a pause and continue.
And if you’re on a panel, be a good citizen. Don’t hog the time or the microphone. If you agree with what someone else said, give them a shout out. Be attentive and listen to your fellow panelists’ answers.
Writers who are able to be panelists, guest speakers, or workshop leaders will have more opportunities, and it’s nice to be invited to be a presenter.
