It has been said that most people, including a great many executives, fear presenting to large groups even more than they fear death. As a member of Phi Theta Kappa, chances are you have addressed your peers, at the college, regional or even international level, at one time or another. Although public speaking is a common source of stress for everyone, if you understand the principles of an effective presentation, and if you keep just a few key principles in mind, public speaking can become an invigorating and satisfying experience.

Any effective presentation must do three things:

1. Communicate the speaker’s arguments and ideas;
2. Persuade the audience that these arguments and ideas are factual; and
3. Be interesting and entertaining.

Listening is hard work. At Phi Theta Kappa chapter meetings, regional meetings and international conferences, audiences may attend many talks over many hours. The audience relies on the speaker’s help to maintain their focus. It is important for the speaker to remember that a good public speech must help the audience stay alert and interested in the topic at hand.

The following tips will help you prepare an effective presentation. The more familiar you are with the following principles, the more confident you will feel speaking in front of a group.

• Talk – Don’t Read. If you talk, you will be easier to understand, and you will be better able to make genuine contact with your audience. Talking will also help you think more clearly by forcing you to communicate your points in ordinary language.
• Stand – Don’t Sit. This is better for two reasons. First, people can see you better. Second, standing puts you in a physically more dominant position. The audience needs your help to maintain their attention. Standing makes their job of listening easier.
• Use Visual Aids. The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” is apropos while talking to a group of Phi Theta Kappa members.
• Move Around. It is easier for the audience to keep focused on someone who is moving than on a motionless talking head. Hand gestures are also helpful.
• Vary the Pitch of Your Voice. Monotones are sleep-inducing. Does your delivery sound lively? You need to speak loudly, clearly and confidently. Tape or videotape yourself and check out how you sound.
• Make Eye Contact with the Audience. If this is anxiety-inducing, at least pretend to do this by casting your gaze toward the back and sides of the room.
• Focus on Main Arguments. Your audience will not remember the details of your presentation. A good rule of thumb is to make no more than three main points in any given talk. That is about all most people will be able to remember.
• Finish Within the Time Limit. Respect your audience’s schedule by staying within the allotted time limit. Rehearse and time your presentation and make changes accordingly.
• Summarize Your Talk at the Beginning and Again at the End. Tell them what you will tell them, then tell them what you told them is an ancient principle that still holds true. If you follow this rule, your audience is more likely to remember your main points.

Learning how to give an effective, interesting and lively presentation encourages confidence and helps ease the fear of public speaking. Arm yourself with these easy principles, and take your turn in the spotlight!