The 3 C’s of Public Speaking

May 10, 2018

This week I presented a “Storytelling” webinar for approximately 66 New Jersey nonprofits. Each organization received funding through the New Jersey Healthy Communities Network (NJHCN) grants program to implement healthy eating and active living strategies to advance environmental, policy and system changes. As part of their deliverables, each organization must contribute six stories/blogs to the NJHCN website on their initiatives. As I prepared for the session, I was reminded of the three C’s of public speaking. While it was an online webinar, it included live video interaction, so the same principles applied as if I was standing in front of the audience.

So, what are the three C’s? The first is moving with CONTROL. The second is feeling COMFORTABLE and the third is maintaining eye CONTACT.

CONTROL
It’s important for a speaker to maintain control of the presentation at all times. While there are many variables we can’t control (the size of a group, frame of mind, disasters, background of audience, or their emotions), there are many things that we can control. For instance, during a recent presentation, I was initially scheduled to present in a large auditorium. As there were only 50 attendees, I asked if we could switch to a smaller, more intimate room which was much better for both the participants and me. Timing,  the information presented, and audio/visuals are other elements that you can control.

COMFORT
Quickly getting comfortable with your presentation is important. Various kinds of movement send different signals. Consider the following movements as you present:
Moving forward—immediately draws attention and increases tension
Moving backward—provides relief and gives up control
Sitting Down—can denote informality and can be more conducive to a discussion
Standing Up—more formal, commanding and better in control

I also recommend keeping your hand gestures in front of the plane of body. You should also keep hands above the waist and bend your elbows. Finally, try to use hands in combination with verbs. Remember, signs of discomfort include clenched fists, continuously pointing, putting hands in pockets and folding your arms.

Audio/visual aids can enhance presentations by adding interest, clarity and balancing timing. That said, if you are using PowerPoint, limit the amount of slides and the content on each slide and don’t talk to the slides.

CONTACT
A few years ago, I sat in an audience, and the speaker seemed to be peering above the group. I thought, “Who is he looking at?” Maintaining eye contact during your presentation is important in public speaking and is the one thing you can do to enhance your impact as a speaker. Connect with your audience by looking people in the eye, one at a time. Sustained, focused eye contact makes you feel more confident and act more assertively. It may feel weird at first, but when you practice, it becomes a habit that gives you power. In addition, your listeners feel invited to engage with you. When you fail to make eye contact with your listeners, you look less authoritative, less believable, and less confident. Finally, when you look someone in the eye for three to five seconds, you will naturally slow down your speech, which will make you sound more knowledgeable and authoritative.

Most importantly, start with small steps, and you will see a positive difference in your ability to take control, build comfort and make eye contact as a presenter.