PUBLIC SPEAKING

Last year I started work with a new company. Unfortunately, in my new role I was required to speak in public, at conferences. The thought filled me with dread, because I was sure my voice was boring.

Also, I wouldn't know what to say. Anyway, when the time came I tried not to panic, and went back to first principles: I made a plan, first deciding my key message. This gave me a structure, and was the first step to dispelling my nerves.

Then I found a voice coach who taught me how to relax and breathe properly. Suddenly there was power behind my voice and I found I was in control. It was like going to a vocal gym. Instead gabbling my sentences, I slowed down and took time to enjoy the words.

I lacked the confidence at first to speak without a script, but I learnt not to write everything down to the last word — the audience switched off when I did that. A friend gave me the tip of memorising the first few sentences, then I could make eye contact with the people I was speaking to — engaging with them.