Public speaking and podium protocol

Gaston de ROSAYRO

Some people would rather face a firing squad than address an audience. For many there is no more terrifying a prospect than speaking in front of an audience. There is something about standing before a group of people and holding forth, even with those you are familiar with, which makes basic communication feel that much more difficult.

Etiquette of public speaking

Indeed, according to international surveys, the fear of public speaking ranks among the highest of human terrors. It can be even greater than the fear of illness, fear of flying, fear of terrorism and many other phobias often including the fear of death itself.Commonly, it is called ‘stage fright.’If you have a case of stage fright, do not turn away from speaking in front of others. This is a common problem.It can be overcome with patience, resolve, training and practice. Many great public speakers began their careers with this fear but were able to overcome it.

Understanding the etiquette of public speaking can help one get a clear perspective about ways to respect one’s audience and get across the messages you want to share with them clearly and effectively. As you raise your awareness of simple yet efficacious steps you can take to show you care about yourself, your listeners and your speech, you will become more unperturbed and confident of yourself as a refined speaker.

In a one-on-one conversation, the problems are negligible.There is only one person listening and only one person evaluating what we say. Besides, we can observe their response and adjust our speech accordingly. Speaking in front of a group however is a different kettle of fish. When we speak in front of a group we no longer have the capacity to alter our speech based on the reactions of just one individual.This could serve to create a feeling of exposure and vulnerability, and can be quite uncomfortable for those who are not prepared for it.

While certain people are born with a natural gift for public speaking, most are not. Unhappily for those of us in the latter category, it is a talent which has various and priceless functions. Whether it is part of your work function, a birthday bash,or a wedding celebration, you never know when you may be asked to say a few words. Fortunately, public speaking is a skill with a straightforward formula. What it essentially requires is preparation and a first-rate delivery style. An articulate speaker would be someone who gives exceptional contemplation to both these key fundamentals.

A good speech

Preparation is unquestionably essential to the delivery of a good speech. While many speeches may seem off the cuff, they are hardly ever done without an adequate amount of homework. The aim is to have all the content structured as early as possible to allow sufficient time to work on your delivery. Of course, there are diverse ways to make ready for a speech or deliver it. You could read it out, memorise it, or elaborate on the key points as you go along. Whatever approach you decide on would be acceptable, as long as it flows and rings out as natural.

As any proficient speaker will tell you, speechmaking has less to do with what you say and more to do with how you say it. The old adage ‘it is the singer, not the song,’still holds true in most endeavours. The worst speech, with hardly any substance if presented confidently will always be more effective than a darn good one presented poorly.

Great speakers are natural and have an individual style. Style, however, is very different from protocol. As a speaker, you can destroy your credibility with poor lectern etiquette. When making professional presentations never lean on the lectern. The lectern is there to hold notes, hide awards, and to support the microphone and other electronic devices. It is not a leaning post. Holding on to it with a white-knuckle grip announces to the audience you are nervous. Stand straight, a few inches away from the lectern, with both feet firmly on the ground.

Maintaining eye contact	Addressing an audience

When you arrive on stage always practice good posture. Head up, shoulders back.Smile. Breathe deeply. Exude presence. Walk confidently to the podium. Stand solidly on both legs and both feet like a prize fighter, with your knees flexed. When being introduced by another person, listen and wait with courtesy until that person is seated before you walk up to the microphone and begin speaking.

Learn to be comfortable with yourself. Focus your attention on giving the audience the best presentation possible. You are there to serve them. Face your audience directly, pause briefly. Greet them and begin. Once you begin, remember the speech has started. Even if you think you have missed out on something important, never start over again. Just keep moving forward. If you forget to cover a point or elaborate on a visual, no one will notice it. Simply move on.

Valuable skills

Face your audience with confidence. Survey them like a movie camera panning on a set of thespians where they all feel included. Project your voice so that all can hear you with ease. Maintain eye contact with the audience as you speak. Continue moving your gaze to span the entire room.

Also engage the audience by speaking from the heart - not just from your head. Share with them your love for the topic. Do not be afraid to use natural hand gestures. Any trained thespian will tell you that a well-executed hand gesture begins not at the wrist or the elbow, but at the shoulder. The process of speaking to a group in a controlled, deliberate manner intended to inform, influence, educate or entertain the listeners is what you should aim for. Public speaking skills are among the most valuable skills an individual can possess. Great public speakers have a natural ability to engage, inspire and move an audience for a commendable purpose.

Allow yourself a natural variety of movement to keep the audience interested. However, do not pace like a caged panther and do not stand totally still either. Speak with energy. Vary the tone of your voice. Let your passion and interest in the topic come through the tone of your voice. Great public speakers know good etiquette to use before they speak and while they speak.

And never ever talk past your allotted time. That is a cardinal sin in speech etiquette. Also, watch your audience and respond to them. Even if a few minutes of allotted time remains, speak no longer than your audience is willing to listen. Thank the audience and the host as you end. Leave the stage gracefully.

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