When it comes to public speaking, we see a lot of mistakes.
Usually, the same ones over and over.
If you missed it, we highlighted the top five phrases to avoid when public speaking last week.
Now, let’s dive into how to fix mistakes, should they happen.
Public speaking solution 1: Start with something intentional
“Good morning”.
“Good afternoon”.
“Welcome”.
“Safety. That’s why we’re here”.
“Three years ago…”
Be comfortable leaving a long silence before you start to ensure you’re commanding the room.
You’ll hook your audience in immediately.
That’s a great start.
Public speaking solution 2: Get to the point
Tell people how you’re going to solve their problem, or make their life better.
“Today is about making sure everyone goes home safely at the end of the working day”.
“We need to address our safety policy”.
“Last year, we had seven near misses. That needs to change”.
Now you can build in the detail as to how you’ll overcome the problem, once everyone is crystal clear that they should listen.
Public speaking solution 3: Adopt the Language of Leadership
“I trust that’s all clear”.
Or ask for clarification:
“Is everyone comfortable with that?”
Project confidence by offering strong opinions, or seeking clarity through direct questions.
Public speaking solution 4: Include a clear call to action
You’ve gathered them here together and taken the time to prep, before delivering the through the speech.
All that time and energy on your part. You might as well ask them to help while they’re here.
Calls to action can be very direct:
“Sign the form at the back before you leave”.
“Scan this QR code”.
“Get back to me by Tuesday, please”.
Or they can be more subtle:
“The next time you’re facing this dilemma, ask yourself this one question…”
They can be warm and inviting:
“Come and speak to me at the end. My name’s Andy and I’ve love to talk to you further”.
They can leave a clear image:
“This time next year, let’s be sipping the champagne rather than the sparkling wine”.
It’s the last thing you say, so make sure it carries impact.
Public speaking solution 5: Answer the question there and then
As a public speaker, you’re allowed to take your time to consider the point.
Get comfortable with silence as you consider your response.
Prepare in advance by asking yourself about the questions that you’d find difficult to answer.
Even better, once you’ve answered the question, use it to connect to a point you’re about to make.
Be vulnerable. Take the question, find the answer and change the minds of your audience.
Public speaking Scotland: Solutions to common mistakes
Looking for more support with public speaking?
Get in touch today to find out how we can help.
We’d love to work with you to overcome the issues many people face when speaking in front of others.
Photos in Public speaking Scotland: Solutions to common mistakes by Pink Elephant Communications.
Public speaking Scotland: Solutions to common mistakes was written by Andrew McFarlan and edited by Maxine Montgomery.
