When speaking to a group, if they get one whiff of bullsh*t or pretence, you’re sunk. So just be yourself, and treat your audience as if they’re just like you. No-one to be scared of, but still deserving respect.
Delivery
Don’t try to be an impressive ‘speaker’. Talk to the audience like you’re at your house chatting about something you really care about. Be enthusiastic, but vary the intensity; contrasting your enthusiasm with a more relaxed, conversational style, like you’re a real person.
Images
That stock photo with beautiful American models in suits is ridiculous. That’s not a meeting I’ve ever been in. We’re British; we don’t do enthusiasm; we do the ‘isms’: skepticism, cynicism, pessimism and good old-fashioned realism. Take photos of you and your colleagues in your workplace. The images will look authentic, and any fun you have taking them will easily show. I believe that’s a win-win scenario. Hang on, they’re free; that’s a win-win-win scenario. Oh, and you’ll also appear innovative: that’s win x 4.*
Allow Yourself Mistakes
- Messed something up? Admit it and move on.
- Technical fault? Smile, adapt and move on.
- Noise from outside? You guessed it: move on. Show them you’re unfazed; you’re cool.
* (that’s probably enough winning scenarios. Sorry.)
Let’s be honest. That’s not a cliche, I mean it literally. Be honest – your audience deserves it. It’ll make you and your presentation something the audience can really connect with.
Related Posts
‘Reveal Yourself‘
‘The Whole Truth‘