Conquer Your Potential Blog

March, 2025 | 5min read

Who here enjoys public speaking?

ME … PARM!

I might be the only weirdo that does. 🙂

In a recent coaching session with a City Manager, we explored how he can further CONQUER public speaking in certain situations and circumstances – see what I did there? 😜

This leader is typically comfortable with some public speaking and facilitation. In some instances though, he felt he could improve. This is where I come in.

I asked some well-thought out questions, if I do say so myself. And this leader came up with simple and practical ways he can level up in his public speaking. Remember, simple does not mean easy!

Because of the coaching session, he gained fresh perspectives, dusted off old ideas and had a safe space to brainstorm.

Here are the public speaking tips we covered along with some other points I’ve added in. These will help with leader communication and also sets the foundation for effective facilitation and presentation skills.

Preparation

• Research the audience ahead of time. Understand who you are speaking to, their interests, and their needs.
• Prepare bullet points and the language to be used. Structure your content with clear messaging.
• Plan and practice even the “improv” parts of your talk. Have a strategy for spontaneous moments. I can tell you that I do this. What I can’t tell you is the specific parts that are “practiced improv moments”.
• For storytelling, use frameworks such as: SAR (Situation, Action, Result); 3Fs (Feel, Felt, Found). Structure stories to enhance engagement.
• Remember, it’s not about you. It’s all about your audience. 

Practice

• Practice in different settings, not just at your desk. Ex: in front of a mirror, while going for a walk, in the car when you’re running errands. This will help you embody your message.
• As you’re practicing, record yourself. Listen back to the audio only. Then watch back the video only. Lastly, watch and listen the whole thing. Take note of what you can improve in each round. 

Delivery and Engagement

• Start your talk off with a joke – if you’re feeling brave. This builds rapport. To exponentially multiple rapport, start with some vulnerable leadership – make sure it’s relevant to your topic.
• Ask the group questions related to the topic at the beginning. Keeping it to Yes/No questions (closed-ended) is best in this situation. Open-ended questions work well once everyone is comfortable.
• WHEN you make a mistake or stumble over your words, keep going. No one will likely notice. Even if they did, they’ll likely forget very quickly.
• Be as BIG as the room.
• If possible, move around the room and re-position yourself at key moments. Don’t be distracting though – you’re not Road Runner. BEEP BEEP.
• If you’ve been asked a question and are having a hard time finding the answer, ask them to repeat it. Then repeat it back to them in your own words. This will buy you some time. Don’t be afraid to ask others in the audience how they would answer it. You can then build off this.
• Replace filler words with a pause.  

Communication

• Communication happens in three ways: the words you use (7%), how you say the words (38%) and non-verbal (55%). Over 90% of communication has nothing to do with the actual words. Leverage all three!
• Use your hands and body language to emphasize key points. Don’t accidentally hit anyone with your hand gestures – keep it appropriate.
• Vary your pitch, pace, tone and pause. Use the power of the pause. 

Consider creating a checklist with everything you need to keep in mind. This includes finding out about all logistical details. Edit/tweak the checklist as needed. This way you lay out your preparation framework once and can re-use as needed.

With proper planning you can overcome the fear of public speaking which many of us have. You’re not alone. I still get nervous before any talk or coaching session. It’s normal.

Didn’t I tell you – simple, practical, not always easy.

💥 PRO TIP 1: Pick two or three items from the list above. Implement. Then pick another two or three.

💥 PRO TIP 2: If you’re looking for a thinking partner, talking partner and an accountability partner – this is what I do! I would love to hear from you.

If you’re looking for more on how to level up your public speaking, check this out: PARM’S 6PS OF SPEAKING.

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