Here are seven tips to enhance your speeches:
1. Prepare. Even if you know your content like the back of your hand, physicians have to sufficiently prepare for their speeches. Don’t memorize a speech as that can come across as robotic, but winging it is also not a great strategy. Rather, find out where you want to look in the audience, rehearse your speech several times and make sure all equipment is good to go before you start.
2. Respect your attendees’ time. Have a few key points to address, rather than trying to get out every piece of information as quickly as possible. Audience members appreciate when you value their time, so consider ending your speech a couple minutes early and start on time.
3. Visuals should be clear. Small graphs, long paragraphs and confusing tables may stop audience members from engaging with your speech. Make sure to diversify your visuals and use color to capture your audience members’ eye.
4. Don’t verbalize your thoughts. Whether you’re unprepared, nervous or confident, don’t verbalize these emotions to your audience. If you are confident because you have given the speech before, make the audience feel special like this is the first time you are giving the speech.
5. Expect the worst, and prepare accordingly. As you construct your speech, keep in mind life often gets in the way. Prepare for unreliable equipment or a delayed starting time, and come prepared with a good mindset and extra batteries.
6. Adjust your body language. Place your hands by your sides and use them strategically to make a point. Don’t pace around or stand still. Rather, picture an invisible circle around the stage and move naturally around in it.
7. Get rid of any obstructions. While a podium may seem like a good safety net, audience members don’t want to feel cut off from the speaker. Consider removing the podium and using a lapel microphone over a handheld.
More healthcare news:
35 things for ASC leaders to know for March
The value of an apology — 5 points on what patients want after a medical error
Appreciating healthcare’s leaders — 5 key points on National Doctors’ Day
