Speakers Corner

Do you dread public speaking? If your heart pounds, your mouth dries and your voice turns into a nerve-shredding croak… don’t worry! You’re not alone. The good news is, HM Revenue & Customs Broadcast Team Manager Simon Morykin is here to help.

If the thought of presenting live to an audience fills you with dread, then this article is for you!

Public speaking consistently ranks as one of people's greatest fears. Yet, with proper preparation and technique, anyone can learn to deliver impactful presentations that engage and inspire their audience.?

I write here, not as an expert in building confidence, but as someone who developed from being a shy, quiet kid, to becoming a radio presenter who stood on stage in front of 60,000 people when DJing for Robbie Williams. That didn’t happen overnight. You can grow to love presenting and I want to help you do the same.

Confidence in public speaking isn't about being fearless; it's about channelling nervous energy productively. Those butterflies in your stomach? They're natural and can enhance your performance by keeping you sharp and engaged. The key is managing these feelings rather than trying to eliminate them entirely.

This can be controversial – but Dr Amy Cuddy conducted research which suggested that simple physical techniques, like adopting ‘power poses’ for five minutes before presenting, can increase energy levels while decreasing stress hormones.?

Star jumps

I’ve had others tell me that a banana, cup of coffee and doing star jumps before going on stage can work well – but I’d urge caution, before you start working up a sweat! Combine a power pose or short burst of physical activity, with positive self-talk and affirmations, like "I am capable" or "I've got this" - because these techniques can significantly boost your presenting confidence.

Successful presentations rest on two fundamental elements: thorough preparation and effective delivery. While preparation focuses on creating engaging content and practising until comfortable, delivery encompasses your physical presence and how you convey your message. Both aspects carry equal weight in determining your success.

Every great presentation tells a story. Renowned keynote speaker Carmine Gallo noted in the Harvard Business Review, "Our minds are wired for story." A well-structured presentation follows a clear narrative arc:

1. Introduction: Thank your audience and introduce yourself, state your purpose concisely and present the problem or challenge you'll address.
2. Main Body: Focus on three key arguments, support each point with evidence and data and keep information clear and digestible.
3. Transition: Summarise your main points and include personal insights to enhance authenticity.
4. Memorable ending: Deliver a strong closing message, provide clear takeaways and include a specific call to action.

Remember – try to avoid ‘death by slides’ by using them efficiently. Slides should serve as visual aids, not crutches. They're most necessary when the topic is highly technical, when your? primary goal is education and you're presenting to a non-expert? audience. Other times? Consider whether slides are even needed. I’ve often found people struggle to read the content on screen, while simultaneously listening and watching the presenter talk.?

Practice, practice, practice

Effective preparation for your presentation involves lots of practice. Do it in front of a mirror or friends. Record yourself on your laptop or mobile to analyse your delivery, you’ll very quickly realise what you want to change!?

Get feedback from trusted colleagues. Once you gain their feedback and support, you’ll very quickly feel more confident. Remember to prepare for potential questions – and you can use online searches for help predicting these.

Ahead of the presentation, get plenty of rest. Do something inspiring or take your mind off the presentation for a bit. Like the night before my wedding, I went for a pub meal with family and friends, very relaxing, though I didn’t eat a thing! Also plan your outfit and wear something you feel confident in.?

On the day, eat a good breakfast – if you’re nervous and have no appetite, keep it simple like fruit and porridge. Get some light exercise and stay hydrated – but try not to drink too much! If presenting at a new venue,? arrive early so you can familiarise yourself.

Keep calm

When it comes to the actual presentation, remind yourself even the most experienced speakers face unexpected situations. The biggest TV stars make mistakes, so it’s no different for the rest of us! If you make a mistake: stay calm, take a deep breath, continue with confidence and remember that most audiences are supportive – your presentation is a gift and most people will want to learn.

Technical issues can happen – even for the biggest, most professional events. So, have your? backup plan ready. If the mic stopped working, what would you do? If the presentation doesn’t come up, how can you fill? Keep back-up material in mind – perhaps start with the weather, or your journey to the venue.

Keys to Engaging Delivery

1. Body Language: Maintain good posture, use purposeful gestures, move naturally around the space and make appropriate eye contact.
2. Voice Management: Project clearly, vary your tone, use strategic pauses and speak at a measured pace.
3. Audience Connection: Be authentic, be yourself. Show passion for your topic, engage through questions and read and respond to audience reactions.You can even use strategic silence to create impact, but above all, be yourself and focus on delivery rather than aim for perfection.

Finally, keep your notes handy though don't rely on them exclusively. Building presentation skills is a journey, not a destination. Each presentation opportunity helps you grow more confident and capable. The most impactful presentations combine thorough preparation, authentic delivery and a clear, engaging story structure.?

By managing your nerves, preparing thoroughly, and focusing on your audience's needs, you can transform from a nervous speaker into a confident presenter who delivers valuable, memorable presentations. Good luck - and go for it!