You can become a great speaker if you follow four simple rules offered up by Edelman’s dynamic media and presentation guru Mary Gannon.
Speaking to DePaul PR/AD students in my class this week, Mary listed these four tips for successful presentations:
- Prepare, prepare, prepare with the audience in mind—why should they care? Start with why instead of what?
- Own your space—shoulders back, project your voice & smile!
- Don’t sabotage yourself with minimizing, qualifying language “sort of” “kind of” “really” “like”—slow down your speech & always end thoughts/slides with a definitive period, instead of ? or …
- Be yourself and have fun!
Mary highly recommends two books that will help you become the best possible speaker–“The Charisma Myth” by Olivia Fox Cabane and “Presence” by Amy Cuddy.
TedTalks also provide insights into great presentations. Mary recommends the following four talks: