As a frequent conference chair, MC and podcast host, I often get asked what makes a good presenter, moderator or panel participant. This is particularly pertinent as many industry experts are asked to share stages and panels often without ever receiving much, or in some cases, any training or advice. And while there is no easy answer or shortcut, it is definitely an acquired skill and ultimately practice makes perfect!
As a CEO and executive coach I’ve had the privilege of advising many talented individuals to become compelling speakers. And the No. 1 rule is: always say YES. Lean in on the opportunity and seek out stage time if it’s not coming to you.
This matters to stretch your executive presence. According to the experts – and I think of the Centre for Talent and Innovation report on Executive Presence (EP) – EP is made up of three key elements: gravitas, communication and appearance. Whether you’re addressing a room of executives, pitching to potential clients, or speaking at a large conference, mastering the art of public speaking is crucial for your EP and professional growth.
Here are five key points to help you shine on any stage.
But most importantly, be authentic: your public appearance has to sound and look like you. If you adopt behaviours that do not sit naturally with you, it can come across as fake, you will lose the audience and the trust they place in your message.
Understanding your audience is the cornerstone of any effective public speaking. Before you step on stage, take the time to research and understand who you’ll be speaking to. By aligning your content with the audience’s needs and expectations, you establish a connection that makes your message more persuasive, memorable and impactful.
What are their interests, challenges and expectations? Understand what they hope to gain from your panel or presentation. Are they looking for solutions, inspiration, or information?
Your role is to give the audience what they came for. So talk to their needs. It’s implied that can help, and one or two cursory remarks about your capabilities are just about acceptable. But unless you’re invited to ‘set out your stall’, just as quickly as you launch into a sales pitch, heads will bow into emails and you’ll lose them.
The audience is expecting industry experience and expertise to shine through, peppered with real-life examples, advice, interpretations and even predictions about how the industry will evolve.
Humans are hardwired to respond to stories. A well-crafted narrative can make your pitch, speech or panel participation engaging and memorable. Instead of just presenting facts and figures, weave them into a story that has a clear beginning, middle and end.
Start with a hook, an interesting fact, a question, or a personal anecdote. Introduce the problem, present your solution, and conclude with a strong call to action. Focus on WHY this matters rather than simply the WHAT and the HOW. Find ways to bring your story to life with relevant experiences to make your message more relatable and impactful. Oh and drop the jargon, corporate vernacular and acronyms – not everyone in the audience will ‘speak your language’ like a native. Tell us a story.
If you are wondering what to include, an ‘acid test’ answers this question: “Does my point improve the audience’s understanding of my topic or my sector?” If the answer is no, it is probably time for a rethink. And always leave them wanting more.
Even the most seasoned speakers practise extensively before stepping on stage. Rehearsing your pitch, speech, opening keynote or moderator messages, helps you refine your delivery, manage your timing and boost your confidence.
Practice speaking out loud, preferably in front of a mirror or a trusted colleague. Record your rehearsals (your phone’s camera is good enough) and watch them back to identify areas for improvement – this is particularly key if you have a limited time to present, chair or deliver a pitch. If possible, simulate your environment to get comfortable with the space and how you move within it.
If you’re taking part in a panel, make sure there is a panel preparation call to agree on talking points. Knowing and landing your first point well will help you deliver with confidence throughout the discussion. Prepare for these calls as if you were preparing for the main event.
Engaging with your audience turns passive listeners into active participants – it keeps their attention and makes your presentation more dynamic and memorable. Ask your audience questions or use polls and quizzes to encourage participation.
When you address a room, deal with Q&A or address other panellists, be all-inclusive: scan the room and the panel with purpose and intent, ensure you address everybody rather than simply the moderator or the person asking you the question; and reference previous ideas of others to show you are fully engaged in the debate, not just churning out your key messages.
And pay attention to your body language – this section definitely warrants its own chapter, but in a nutshell – the confidence of your physical presence, your tone of voice and the energy you bring to your delivery will make a massive impact. Maintain eye contact, use purposeful gestures, don’t fidget or slouch and if you are presenting, either move around the stage to create a dynamic presence or plant your feet and let the energy flow from your voice, hands and upper body.
Firstly, scrub the word nervous from your mind. You’re not nervous, you’re excited. By reframing how you feel, you can immediately acknowledge what is actually happening in your body.
Interestingly, nervousness and anxiety manifest in the same way as pure excitement – with an adrenaline surge. The difference can often be in how you channel those feelings. Use the adrenaline to fuel your excitement rather than let nerves get the better of you. Embrace this feeling as a sign that you care about your performance.
Practise deep breathing exercises and flex your vocal cords (sing!) to calm your nerves before taking the stage. Know your opening statements and have your story arc in your mind – allowing you to draw on the top 3-5 points at any stage, even when you get lost. Concentrate on the value of your message and connect with the audience on the issues that matter to them most, rather than worrying about being judged.
Public speaking is a skill that can be developed with time and effort, and these key points will set you on the path to becoming a captivating speaker. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, these tips will help you shine on any stage.
And if you need additional help to get you on your way with confidence, please do get in touch. We would be delighted to help.
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