Before You Make that Presentation!

Proper delivery of content is essential in public speaking. No matter how solid the content of your presentation is, it will be a total waste if your presentation skills need polishing.

Here are some essential tips for public speaking.

•  Practice, practice and practice

Practice makes perfect. You may try to rehearse your speech for a friend, a family member or even in front of a mirror several times before your actual presentation. If you are rehearsing with someone, ask them to watch out for any lapse in your speech, posture, mannerisms and even your facial expression. You may have to repeat your speech several times so that after each practice, you would have the opportunity to work on the areas where lapses have been identified. If you are assessing yourself, you could use a mirror to monitor your posture, gestures, movements and facial expression. You could also use a video recorder to record your speech so that you could go over it later. This will give you the opportunity to watch and listen to yourself speak so you can identify areas you need to improve on.

• Choose appropriate outfits

Your appearance matters as much as what you are going to say. Since you are going to be the focus of attention, you should not be seen in anything that is not appropriate. Wear clothes and accessories that match the occasion of your presentation. Also make sure that your clothes and accessories are of the correct sizes, and are comfortable to move around in. Usually, it is advisable to wear something you have worn at least, once before, and are sure of being confident in. Wearing brand new clothing or shoes for a public presentation could be a total recipe for disaster because you do not yet know how comfortable they will be on you, more so, as clothing often affects one's confidence, especially when standing in front of an audience.

For Ladies:

Your shoes should not be too high or too low. Excessively high heeled shoes attract undue attention and will distract your audience. Flat shoes on the other hand do not give a smart appearance. It is best therefore to choose something between the ranges of 2 to 4 inches, depending on how well you can carry them. Be careful not to wear clothes that are too tight or revealing. Jewelleries and other accessories should be limited to basics. Remember, the attention should be on the message and not your appearance.

For Men:

Be sure to pick out clothes that fit your frame, paying attention to sizes and colour combination Jackets and suits are better in dark colours. Shoes should be neat and in basic colours. Shoes and belts should match. Jewelleries should be minimal. 

• Do not drink alcohol or caffeine before your presentation.

Taking drinks with caffeine and alcohol contents before a public presentation may jeopardise your composure. It is therefore best to avoid these substances for at least, 24hours before your presentation so you would be in full control of your faculties. 

• Lose your self consciousness!

Before your presentation, take a deep breath and gradually release it. This will help to release the tension in your body. As you speak, forget about yourself and concentrate on the information you are passing across. With adequate preparation and practice, you should not have to worry about out-of-sync gestures and expressions. What you have rehearsed over and over would have become a part of you and so you should flow quite naturally. Do not forget to connect with your audience. Both visual and emotional connection with your audience is an essential part of your presentation.