Public Speaking

Almost no-one likes giving presentations in public, but they are needed in business to deliver information to multiple people in an efficient way. Here are some tips if you are asked to present or speak in public:

• Remember that most presentations at university are only done in front of small groups, so it may not be as bad as you think; check with your tutor so you know what the format will be, and ask if the order can be agreed in advance, so you know when your turn will be.

• Be prepared, so you know what you are going to say. Most people prefer to take a written script or flash cards to guide them.

• If you are allowed to use power point, then do it. This means you can turn the lights off, and people will be looking mostly at the slides rather than at you.

• Don't try to rush to get it over with - this will make your breathing shallow, which actually increases your fear.

• Instead of making eye contact with people, try looking at the tops of their heads. From where they are, they won't be able to tell that you aren't really looking at them. Another trick is to choose three points on the back wall, slightly above the head height of the audience; one point should be straight in front of you, and then one to either side of that. As you read your script or flash cards, look up from time to time, at one of the points, alternating which one. This gives the impression that you are looking around at people, even though you aren't really.

• Remember that only you know what you planned to say, so if you make a mistake or leave something out, the audience won't actually know, and you should just continue.

• Expect that there might be questions at the end - many students feel anxious because they don't know what they might be asked. Listen to the question, take your time to think, answer if you can (looking at the top of the person's head if you want to avoid eye contact), or say 'I'll have to get back to you on that' (This is a figure of speech, you will not normally be expected to find the answer and get back to them).