I am often asked about public speaking—what it's like, whether I get nervous, and so on. However, by far the most common question I receive is, “I’d like to get into motivational speaking; do you have any tips or advice?” Here are a few insights I’ve gathered from my experiences along with some practical tips.
Before I share, I want to emphasise a few points. First, understand that speaking is subjective. If there are 100 people in a room, it’s unlikely that all of them will think your talk was amazing. When I give advice, I often ask: why haven’t you started yet? What are you waiting for? This could be the subject of another article altogether.
?In no particular order, here is some general advice and lessons learned:
- Practice as much as possible.?In the beginning, you may need to speak for free, but remember that you just want to gain experience. Even after ten years on the speaking circuit, if I go a few months without giving a talk, I can feel a bit rusty. So, it’s crucial to keep speaking as much as you can, especially at the start.
- Watch videos of you speaking.?This helps you understand how you come across, including your body language. You often don’t realise you’re doing certain things until you see it on video. Watching your talk back can be tough initially, but it’s worth it—you’ll certainly pick up on things for improvement.
- Understand your clients goals.?When speaking at a corporate event, it's your professional duty to know what the organisers hope to achieve. I ask about their values, challenges, and specific expectations. Are they looking for entertainment, or do they want you to reinforce particular messages? This understanding is vital.
- Never go over your allocated time.?This is a key indicator of an experienced speaker. I learned this the hard way while speaking at an event in Abu Dhabi with around 3,000 guests. I went over my time by about 20 minutes, and although the audience was engaged, and it felt like they were hanging off every word, the CEO was not impressed. It showed a lack of respect for others time and was a costly mistake. I had up until this point been working with this company from a sponsorship perspective, that was shut down and it’s unlikely I’ll ever work with them again.
- Avoid reading directly from slides.?The audience can read for themselves. Remember, keynote speaking is not just about reciting a script. I once attended a talk where the speaker merely read from their notes, which is not acceptable if you want to be a professional speaker.
- Ensure your messaging is clear and varied.?Avoid unnecessary repetition.?
- Dress smartly.?It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
- Use humour carefully.?While humour can enhance your talk, be careful with jokes. At corporate events, I recommend avoiding swearing and references to politics or religion. I've seen good speakers crash and burn by attempting humour that touches on sensitive topics.?
- Rehearse your talk if it’s important to you.?Practicing at home can ease your nerves on the day of the event.
- Seek feedback.?After your talk, ask for a referral and subtly inquire about your performance. A good question to ask is, “Did I cover everything you wanted?” This can lead to useful conversations.
- Capture moments.?Take pictures of yourself speaking but be mindful that some audiences may not appreciate selfies. Ask someone to take a candid photo of you in action, if there is no dedicated photographer.
- Leverage social media.?I’ve noticed that event organisers are now often booking speakers not just for their speaking skills but also for their following. A big name can draw a crowd, even if their speaking ability is lacking. I’ve attended events where I was excited to see a speaker, only to be disappointed.
- Don’t let the audience’s expressions deter you.?Many times, I've thought someone was not enjoying my talk, only for them to approach me afterward and express how much they enjoyed it. You can't read minds, so focus on delivering your message not guessing what someone is thinking.?
- Know your audience.?Make an effort to understand who they are. Have they experienced the topics you’re discussing? Do they have a good grasp of your subject matter?
- Maintain professionalism.?Absolutely avoid getting drunk at after-parties or flirting with guests. When you think no one is watching, you’re wrong.? ?
- Plan your opening.?I always know exactly what I’m going to say in the first few sentences. This preparation makes the initial moments on stage easier, allowing the rest of the talk to flow.
- Believe in yourself.?While confidence is key, avoid arrogance. I’ve noticed that most successful speakers genuinely believe in themselves and their stories.
These are just a few insights I’ve gathered over the years. If I’ve missed anything, or if you’d like to add your own tips or share a different perspective, I’d be happy to hear from you.
