5 tips for public speaking
Jerry Seinfeld claims, "...people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death...”. Just like death (and taxes!), having to speak in front of a crowd is likely to happen sooner or later.
Our presenters are in front of an audience hundreds of times a year, and have successfully conquered their nerves – so who better to ask for advice? Here’s our top 5 tips compiled from our presenters on delivering outstanding presentations:
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"Make eye contact with everybody in the audience, even those at the extreme left and right” Mike Hadwin, presenter for GST Update advises.
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Mike also explains: "People learn through 3 methods; hearing seeing and doing. Try to build aspects into your presentation that involve all 3. Don’t only use your voice but also use some form of visual presentation like PowerPoint, case studies or examples for the participants to work through, like in Tax Compliance seminars”
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It’s all about confidence, according to regular presenter Scott Mason: "Work on the basis that you know more than the audience”
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Tony Marshall, presenter for the upcoming FIFs & CFCs course says "don’t be afraid to say nothing! Replace the "ums” and "ahs” with a simple pause. You’ll sound heaps better and the audience will have a moment to absorb your message”
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"Exiting, Succession & Protection presenter Deane Purdue assures us that "For an attendee, it is often about the venue and resources, as much as the content. Taking care of these reflects on you - so check the airconditioning is set nicely, that everyone's got access to water, and that the workbook is good”