Public Speaking 101: Can Everybody Hear Me?

A few weeks ago, Henry & I went to a presentation with about 100 people.

The speaker walked to the front of the room and held a microphone and said,

“You know, I have a mic here, but I don’t think we need it. Do we? Can everybody hear me?”

And of course, people politely said, “Yes.” But not everybody could hear him, especially when he started pacing to the other side of the room.

After his opening remarks, he invited the audience to participate, which was great.

But when people asked questions or made comments, they didn’t stand up, so we couldn’t always see them. Other people spoke too quietly. Others too quickly. 

And for many people, English was their second or third language. 

So, at times, it was hard to understand what they were saying.

Today, we work globally. And sometimes, when I’m listening to someone with an accent, my ears need time to adjust, as they need time to adjust to my accent.

Back to the presentation. 

At one point, the PA system came on in the hallway, right when someone was speaking in our room. “Attention please. The next presentation begins in 5 minutes. Please make your way there.”

And the person in our room just kept talking and we could not hear him!!

Afterwards, I said to Henry, “It is time for Public Speaking 101.”

Henry laughed, and said, “Yeah, and for starters, if there are more than six people in the room, stand up so, people can see you and hear you.”

Yes, I agree. There were so many times when I wanted to say, “Project please.” Or “Please speak up.” Or “Please use the microphone.” 

Here’s the point: If you want a full, rich professional career, you need to speak publicly with confidence in meetings, on panels, at conferences. Anytime you speak to any group.

Here are some Pro Tips:

1. Remember, you are always in service to your audience.

   Don’t make your audience work too hard. Use the Microphone. And pass it around for others to use, too.

   
   

2. Introduce yourself clearly.

   Give your first and last name and pause in-between. “My name is Tracy Hooper.” You know your name. Other people don’t. Help them hear it.

3. Move with purpose.

   Don’t pace back & forth. We’re not watching a tennis match. We’re watching you. And we want to hear your message and not be distracted.

   
   

4. Be brief.

   Instead of the wind up and then rambling, simply say, “I have a question.” And then ask it. Or “I’d like to add a comment.” And then speak.

5. Share your Gaze.

   People feel more connected to you when you look them in the eye. And do you know that people who look other people in the eye are rated as better presenters and stronger leaders?

   
   

6. Be ready.

   Jot down some bullet points in advance. As my wise, 93-year-old mother, Barbara says, “Without notes, we wander.”

And here’s the BONUS:

In our global workplace, if English is your second or third language, slow down your pace. Pause. Breathe. Give people time to understand you and process what you’re saying. We want to hear you.

And if you’re trying to listen and you can’t understand someone, it’s appropriate to say, “I don’t understand what you said. Would you kindly repeat that more slowly?” That’s not rude. That is good communication.

The point of speaking is to share information, ideas, perspectives, and questions in a way other people can receive.

And when people can hear you, and understand you, and connect with you, they’re more likely to listen to you, and remember you, and recommend you, and trust you, and hire you, or even promote you.

Remember, always be in service to your audience. And that builds confidence.

Thank you for reading.