Speech and Presentations – back into the auditorium

voice coaching Bath, voice coach, accent coaching, accent coach Bath, presentations, speech making, improve your voice, presenting, voice synergy, monologue, speaking to people, range of voice, good presentations, vocal tone, good speech

This week I have been working with a senior member of an international company who was preparing to give their first in person speech for over two years – to an audience of 700.

My client and I talked about the best way to use their voice during their presentation. The first, most important aspect of your presentation before you even open your mouth, is to know your subject. No amount of voice coaching will help you with your own subject knowledge.

Speaking clearly and at the right pace is really important but it is also important to remember something else. Having the courage to face people and deliver a presentation, takes preparation.

It’s not a question of ‘winging it’ because that’s when you can lose your train of thought and get lost, then panic. You need to practise what you’re going to say – out loud.

For a period of up to 20 minutes, you will be on stage delivering a monologue and the content and style of delivery is really worth considering carefully before the event. In other words, rehearsal is vital to get the most out of your presentation.

Next, we talked about the reality of facing and speaking to a big group of people after so long a time. There is an exchange of currency and value in these situations. The currency is time and the value is information. It’s like a contract between two people; the speaker and each member of the audience engage for two distinct reasons. The speaker delivers information, encouragement and reassurance to the audience and in turn these listeners receive tools to help them do and go about their work lives more effectively.

Giving a presentation is a performance and you, as a professional voice user will be connecting with your audience to inspire, inform and motivate. So what are the key components of a good presentation?

  1. Preparation. Know your subject.
  2. Rehearsal. Practise your presentation aloud. Get used to speaking the words you want to use.
  3. Posture. Stand (or sit) comfortably so you can be engaged and engaging with your voice.
  4. Body language. Involve your audience with the right eye contact and positive attitude.
  5. Voice. Use your voice to engage, instruct, motivate and energise.

Speaking at the right pace, using a good range of your voice, remembering to pause are fundamentals of good speech. These elements of a good presentation will help you to engage with your audience and help them to connect with you. Empathy is also important in establishing a good rapport and that can also manifest in your vocal tone.

Your voice is a complex organ that can be used to incredible effect. Practise using your voice in new ways to create different emphasis or to draw your audience to you. If your audience feels a connection with you as you make your presentation, they will be more likely to remember your words and key messages and retain a sense of understanding.

I chatted with my client about how communication is a two-way process involving a meaningful transmission on the one side and a meaningful reception on the other. Using your voice effectively can help your audience not only understand but respond positively.

Since then, my client has made their presentation – thanks to planning, practise and perseverance, it was a tremendous success.

For more information about how to connect with your audience and speak more effectively, please get in touch.

Voice Synergy – it’s all about clarity, confidence and impact