Choreograph Your Speech

We usually think of choreography in connection with plays or dance routines; I believe, however, that we can choreograph our speeches as well! Where we place ourselves during our speeches can have a great impact on how audiences respond to our messages. Here are some suggestions on how to choreograph your next speech.

To start your presentation, stand where you are equally distant from all members of the audience as much as possible. That is usually the center and front of the room, but if you have an unusually shaped room you may want to stand at the beginning of the speech to the left or right of the lectern—wherever each audience member has an equal opportunity of hearing and seeing you as you speak. That spot should be the focus of your position. Move away at times for emphasis or to change direction in your speech, but come back to that initial position so that you will not be favoring some portion of the audience by where you stand. Everyone in the audience wants to be included in your speech and your physical position helps insure this for the audience.

Stand to the left of the screen from the viewpoint of the audience when using slides. This may not be physically possible if the equipment is built-in to the speaking room, but do so if convenient. We typically read from left to right on a page, so standing to the left of the screen allows the audience ease in reading the material on the slide.

Take a step toward your audience when you want to emphasize a point—not away from them. Moving a step into your audience is a visual punctuation mark to the point you are making. Pacing as you speak is as distracting as a plethora of unnecessary punctuation in a sentence.

Never turn your back to the audience when using props or slides. Be familiar enough with the front of the room so that you can take a step back to the screen or the prop without tripping over chairs or tables. If you turn and face the screen, not only does the audience see just your backside, but you then have to reestablish rapport when you turn to face the group again.

Even if you speak from behind a lectern, avoid staying there through the entire speech. Make it a point to stand to the side or in front of the lectern at times so that you seem more open to the audience. This is especially important when you are taking questions. Standing without a physical barrier in front of you makes you seem more open to the audience and they will be encouraged to listen to you and ask questions.

If there is a section of the audience that does not seem to be listening as carefully as the rest of the audience and if there is conversation going on as you speak, moving into their space for just a few moments will often encourage them to give up their conversation and will bring their attention back to you.

Where you stand certainly is not a part of your speech content, but knowing these different possibilities can make your content impact your audience positively.

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Building Self-Confidence As You Speak

Even as experienced speakers there are times when we may not feel really comfortable giving a particular presentation. Sometimes a peer group can make us feel uncomfortable. Perhaps we are giving a presentation on a topic we have not addressed previously and our anxiety level rises. Here are some tips to combat these challenges.

Get to the speaking location early so that you can check out the equipment and room arrangement. Just this physical activity will help dissipate some of the anxiety. Arriving early will eliminate any nervousness you might have had about being on time.

Meet and greet audience members before the speech begins. This will relax you and help you to feel comfortable with the group. This will also encourage people whom you have met to smile at you as you begin speaking because they know you.

Whether driving to your speaking engagement or in your hotel room or office before you go the speaking room, practice aloud four or five minutes of the section of the speech that you may feel least secure about. This will give you added confidence besides helping you concentrate on the content of your talk instead of the circumstances which may be causing your anxiety.

Cultivate healthful activities before speaking. Get a good night’s sleep and eat foods that will give you energy. Avoid too much caffeine or sugar since those elements can add to your anxiety level.

If you are speaking to a group of peers, limit your topic to the material that you are truly an expert on and about which you will be providing new information for them. For example, if you are working on a group project, only discuss the areas you have been assigned to work on and do not expand to other areas.

Finally, careful preparation is essential if you want to have the greatest self-confidence. Start to work on the speech early enough that you don’t have to "cram" in preparing the materials. If you know the speaking situation is going to be awkward for you, spend more time than you normally do in preparation. Practice the speech several times—and practice with the notes you will actually use in the presentation.

Applying these suggestions will provide self-confidence and lessen anxiety before delivering that next speech.

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