TALK: Preparation Checklist for Public Speaking

DRAFT: This was the “first pass” of this resource handed out to the Timothy Class on 2/21/2016. A better finalized version is coming soon!

Public speaking is one of the most stressful things that someone can do. It tops many lists of fears for many people, sometimes being something more stressful than even death! Public speaking, like anything else in life, is better faced with some preparation.

With this in mind, consider the following checklist:

Take a Breath

Nervousness can cause your mouth to dry up, your heart to race, and your breath to speed up. In response you may be tempted to rush your words into a hurried sentence, never taking a breath. Calm down and take a slow breath to settle the nerves. Remember to slow down so you can be understood.

Act Human

Sometimes in front of people, the focus is upon trying to “get done” and to forget that you are a human being communicating with other human beings. A “robotic” or “wooden” delivery is not natural. Just because you are in front of a crowd does not meant you have transplanted your personality away. Instill a bit of you and who you are into what you share.

Look at the Audience

This should be an obvious thing. This describes more than generally accepting the audience is there, but to look at them. Maintain eye contact with those you are speaking with, instead of staring at the page in front of you, the Bible you are reading, the clock at the end of the room, etc. This is even better if you can focus on different people on different sides of the room while still remembering to “be human” (no robotic back and forth).

Knock ‘em Out

A successful speaker is relaxed, prepared, and focused, but another very important part is confidence. The energy that comes from wanting to speak and to do it well can go a long way. People will respond better to someone who confidently makes a mistake or two with energy, as opposed to a perfect yet dead delivery. Have this attitude when you stand and walk up to speak: you are going to be great! Confidence comes from experience and time, but also from within. Channeling nervousness into confidence can go a very long way.