President's Tip of the Week

The Seven Thinking Sins of Public Speaking, part 3
(11/10/08)

from Speaking about Presenting by Olivia Mitchell

5. I must be able to answer every question

Truth: Oh-oh! More over-researching and stress. You're not expected to know the answer to every question that an audience member might ask.

Solution: Become comfortable with saying "I don't know." We're trained from a young age to automatically answer questions and it can be very difficult to say "I dont know." In your rehearsals, have colleagues pepper you with questions and practice not answering the question. Experiment with different ways of saying "I don't know". Expert witnesses in court cases will often say: "That's outside the scope of my expertise."

What about questions you should know the answer to. But that knowledge deserts you when you need it most. Think through how you'll handle this. For example, you could say in a self-deprecating way "I should know the answer to that - but it's not coming to mind right now - I'll get back to you as soon as my memory returns!"

6. I must not show any sign of nerves

Truth: Just about everybody can relate to having some nervousness about public speaking - so most people in your audience will feel empathy. As long as you have done your preparation and have useful well-organised content that meets their needs, they will forgive your nervousness.

And it may be that your nervousness doesn't even show. You can feel your heart about to beat out of your chest and you can feel the sweat trickling down your sides. The audience can't.

Solution: Accept that you will have some nervousness and that it may show. That is not the end of the world. You can still deliver your presentation. Many very experienced presenters and other professional performers (actors, singers) get nervous. They still go out there and perform. Being nervous is part and parcel of presenting and public speaking. Experienced presenters have learnt how to manage their nerves. You can learn to manage your nerves by using the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy.