Effective Public Speaking and Meeting Energization

Extract

[...] These are questions that cover the basics of the intervention and help to understand the situation and the context. These are all the questions that the audience is led to ask themselves regarding the theme. The questions are generally related to the field of expertise of the interlocutor. It is possible to structure the plan in three ways: - Plan oriented: starting from the diagnosis of the situation, it is necessary to be able to provide a certain number of solutions, define the consequences that follow, and finally conclude with recommendations. [...]

[...] In fact, the more streamlined it is, the greater its impact. It should support the oral presentation and not clutter it. Thus, a few key words, with the appropriate layout, will allow the public to follow the reasoning and not capture their attention by reading elements that are not said during the session. The paper support must be a tool for synthesis. In fact, a too detailed support is a hindrance for the speaker, as the latter is supposed to master the subject. [...]

[...] All body language and non-verbal communication require appropriate context. Even an involuntary gesture - crossed arms, a frown - can signify to the audience a very different meaning from the words we're actually saying. Open gestures that address the audience help them feel more involved. It is therefore essential to practice delivering the speech in front of a mirror or to record oneself in order to take note of the non-verbal, unintentional signals sent, as well as to allow for congruence between gestures and speech. [...]

[...] Sharing a personal anecdote is also a way to enter into interaction with the speech. In terms of non-verbal interaction with the audience, it consists largely of body language cues. Co-discourse gestures are ubiquitous and constitute a crucial element of human interaction in facilitating the understanding of language. Eye contact is one of the most powerful communication techniques for engaging the audience. Used well, eye contact can make the speech much more personal and therefore more effective. If eye contact is avoided, the presenter may appear nervous and unconvincing. [...]

[...] I delegated to a colleague the role of scribe and to another that of timekeeper. To start the meeting, I reminded the rules to be respected, stated the objectives of the meeting and indicated the thread and the time needed for the meeting. The introduction was very short, but effective. I used a varied intonation with pauses, to better capture the attention of the listeners. I had to master my gestures. I notably used the entire space to avoid staying immobile in front of the projector. [...]