Many of us fear public speaking more than death. Even if you aren’t terrified of public speaking, you no doubt get a few butterflies at the idea of it. I certainly felt that way as I stepped onto the stage to deliver my TEDx Talk earlier this year. As I stood backstage, my nerves felt like ants crawling over me. My heart was racing.
When my name was called, I started to walk across the stage and managed to trip out of the heels I was wearing.
It wasn’t an auspicious start.
But then the welcoming applause from the audience ended, and I took two deep breaths before starting to speak. The ants fell into formation, and the talk went well.
TED Talks have earned a reputation as compelling and accessible introductions to ideas worth sharing, delivered expertly. They’re short, but not easy to give. My fellow speakers and I learned that through the 10-month preparation process with our organizers at TEDxWilmette.
What I discovered through that preparation process — and in the moment when everything went both wrong and right on stage — is that great presentations aren’t about perfection. They’re about preparation, authentic vulnerability and connection.
The techniques that make TED Talks so compelling aren’t reserved for conference stages; they’re skills any of us can use to communicate more effectively, whether we’re presenting to colleagues, speaking at a community event or simply wanting to share ideas that matter. Here are the 10 most valuable lessons I learned that can transform how you approach any presentation.
#1: Prepare, prepare, prepare
TEDx Talks are scripted and carefully rehearsed. Working to write succinctly and memorize precisely was a challenge — but doing so made my work clearer and more effective. Ten months may seem like a long time frame for a 10-minute talk, but it provided plenty of time for revisions, memorization and rehearsal.
Not all presentations will require this level of intensity, but they do deserve your preparation. Be especially thoughtful about your opening and closing segments, as well as the transitions between sections or topics. These parts of your talk capture the audience’s attention, ensure they understand the path you’re on and summarize the key insights.
#2: Write for an audience of one
Our TEDx coaches encouraged us to identify one person we were speaking to. What does that person need to hear?
Focusing on an audience of one as you write helps you find the specifics that distinguish your content from the many broad ideas out there. Specificity is interesting. Focusing on one person also enables you to maintain a more human tone, rather than falling into the impersonal voice of “the expert.”
#3: Be vulnerable
Vulnerability builds credibility. Let the audience know why something matters to you.
My talk, Using Questions to Build Real Connections in an Age of Loneliness, starts with me confessing something I typically hide: I struggle with feeling lonely.
While we want to believe in the expertise of our speakers, we also need to feel their humanity. The speaker is not just the sage on the stage.
#4: Be memorable
Being vulnerable is one way to be memorable. There are three other ways I incorporated to make my content more memorable:
Tell stories: Stories are sticky. In my talk, listen for the lesson I learned while taking my oldest to get a haircut. Or for the story that answers the question, “What are the three most romantic words in the English language?”
Be funny: Remember, I mentioned tripping over my shoes as I walked onto the stage? I built that into a laugh line.
Use distinct language: In my talk, I mention the importance of asking open questions. Instead of saying “ask open questions,” I encouraged listeners to “cut predictable questions.” The difference is small, but distinctive.
#5: Draw from research, but let the ideas be your own
My academic background taught me to cite my sources. As I prepared my TEDx Talk, it was tempting to fill the presentation with citations. Thankfully, my coach challenged me to focus on the content that is unique to me.
#6: Simplify your points, shorten your talk
The TEDx organization recommends that ideal talks be under 9 minutes long. When people are asked to listen for too long, they retain less of what is said.
In my first draft, I had six main points. Each was a good, helpful idea, but I knew the audience would never remember six points. My final version has just two.
#7: Invite feedback from invested individuals
This tip is the no-brainer that we often get too busy or too defensive to use. Thankfully, the TEDxWilmette process didn’t let me avoid this step, and my talk was better for it. I worked closely with a coach who pushed me to simplify in some areas and delve deeper in others. She was invested in the talk’s success, and her feedback helped me see the content with fresh eyes.
#8: Focus on the feeling of the talk as well as the content
In one rehearsal four weeks before the talk, a coach gave me useful homework that I’ll do in every future presentation I give.
“Go through your script and underline every word that conveys emotion,” she suggested. “Then figure out how you’ll embody that emotion as you say the word or phrase.”
Do not overact your presentation. Instead, bring frustration to your voice as you say the word “frustration.” Or bring curiosity to your voice as you ask an authentic question.
#9: Breathe before you speak
When it’s time to start, don’t stand up and start immediately. Take a breath before you speak. Don’t rush yourself. Ensure that your breathing is calm before you begin.
#10: Imperfection is expected
Finally, don’t expect perfection. TEDx Talks look perfect on video because they were recorded, with forgotten lines and the “ums” removed.
The lavalier microphone I was wearing cut out and had to be replaced with a handheld mic in the middle of my talk. I was flustered and paused to ask the audience if the new mic was working. Thankfully, it was, and the audience’s response made it clear they were rooting for me.
The next time you have an opportunity to share ideas that matter to you — whether it’s a boardroom presentation, a community talk or yes, even a TEDx stage — remember that your audience wants you to succeed. They’re not waiting for you to fail; they’re hoping to be moved, informed or inspired.
Take that breath, embrace the imperfection and trust that your preparation and authenticity will carry you through. After all, the best talks aren’t perfect — they’re human.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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