CHAMPION STRATEGIES – PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOP – JANUARY 8, 2021
How to Speak in Front of Employees
Speaking in front of your employees might invoke nervousness and fear. But as an authority figure, you must disregard personal inadequacies and address the group professionally. Regardless of a person’s position within an organization, speaking in front of a group might prove challenging. But with advance preparation, you can approach a group of employees with calmness and ease.
Create an Outline
Preparation helps minimize nervousness. Skilled public speakers might approach a group with little notice and no advance preparation. But if you’re nervous and want to thoroughly convey your message, plan your meeting in advance. Consider your agenda for the meeting. Decide what you want to discuss and what you want to accomplish. Develop an outline and write down the key points. Rehearse your meeting notes and practice out loud. Reading from your notes might bore your group. Be familiar with your material and speak from knowledge, and only refer to your notes or outline briefly to stay on track.
Use Visual Aids
The information presented might not excite your employees. Holding their attention might require creativity on your part. In addition to giving your speech, incorporate visual aids to help your employees grasp your message. Visual aids might include charts, graphs, posters, slide presentations, videos or handouts. Use color and images to grab their attention and encourage your employees to follow along as you discuss the material.
Friendly Approach
Being professional doesn’t imply giving a presentation that’s boring or stiff. It’s OK to incorporate your personality into the presentation. This translates into a friendly, natural approach. You’ll feel more relaxed and calm, and this approach engages your audience and makes them more receptive to your message. Smile and greet your employees as they enter the conference room. Engage in small talk before beginning the presentation. Add a little humor to your presentation. And if you make a mistake, laugh it off.
Welcome Feedback
Company meetings are more enjoyable when there’s an interchange of ideas. Your employees might not understand some aspects of the meeting. Pay attention to your audience and notice their facial expressions. If your team members look confused, slow down and clarify any complex points. Take questions at different intervals of the presentation. Once your speech concludes, welcome feedback or comments from the audience.
Make it a champion day!
