Public Speaking and Presenting
Resources to help you prepare for speaking engagements
Photo by Kane Reinholdtsen on Unsplash
Public speaking and presenting are essential for anyone in UX and related fields. Whether presenting research findings to a client, delivering a keynote at a conference, or pitching your ideas to stakeholders, your ability to communicate effectively can make or break your success. However, public speaking can be daunting, especially if you don’t have much experience.
Here are some tips to help you improve your public speaking and presentation skills:
Prepare thoroughly
The key to delivering a successful presentation is preparation. Before you start, make sure you clearly understand the topic you’ll be presenting, the goals of the presentation, and the audience you’ll be speaking to. Research your subject matter, and prepare your slides or any other visual aids you’ll be using. Practice your presentation several times, and make sure you’re familiar with your material.
Be clear and concise
When you’re presenting, it’s important to be clear and concise. Speak slowly and clearly, and avoid jargon or technical language that your audience may not be familiar with. Keep your presentation concise, and try to distill complex information into simple, easy-to-understand language.
Engage your audience
To keep your audience engaged, it’s important to use visual aids, such as slides or videos, to help illustrate your points. Use real-world examples or anecdotes to illustrate your points and engage your audience. Also, ask questions or encourage audience participation to keep them engaged throughout your presentation.
Practice your delivery
Your delivery is just as important as the content of your presentation. Practice your body language, posture, and gestures to ensure you are confident and professional. Make eye contact with your audience, and use appropriate facial expressions and hand gestures to emphasize your points.
Be authentic
One of the most important things you can do when giving a presentation is to be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not or put on a persona that doesn’t feel natural. Be authentic, and let your personality shine through. This will help you connect with your audience and make your presentation more engaging.
Be prepared for questions
After your presentation, be prepared for questions from your audience. Anticipate some of the questions that may come up, and prepare your responses in advance. If you don’t know the answer to a question, be honest and say that you’ll follow up with the person after the presentation.
Public speaking and presenting are essential for anyone in UX and related fields. Following these tips can improve your public speaking and presentation skills and become a more effective communicator. Remember to prepare thoroughly, be clear and concise, engage your audience, practice your delivery, be authentic, and be prepared for questions. You’ll become a confident and effective presenter with practice in no time.
Resources to help you prepare
These resources offer a range of tips and insights for improving your public speaking and presentation skills, from designing effective slides to delivering a compelling message. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced presenter, there’s always room to improve your skills; these resources can help you get there.
UXPA Boston 2015 Speaker Workshop
This was a half-day presentation for first-time speakers of the UXPA Boston conference, presented by Kyle Soucy, Founding Principal, User Experience Research Consultant at Usable Interface:
Toastmasters International
This global nonprofit organization helps individuals improve their public speaking and leadership skills through practice and feedback:
TED Talks
TED provides a collection of short, powerful talks on a wide range of topics that can serve as inspiration for your presentations:
The Presentation Podcast
This podcast provides tips, tricks, and insights for creating and delivering effective presentations:
https://thepresentationpodcast.com/
Presentation Zen
This website provides resources and advice on creating simple, effective presentations that engage and inspire audiences:
https://www.presentationzen.com/
Duarte
This design firm specializes in creating visually compelling presentations and offers a range of resources, including books, templates, and training courses:
Speaking.io
This website provides practical tips and advice on public speaking and presentation skills:
Feel ready to present?
UXPA Boston is always looking for passionate speakers who can educate and inspire our design community. We’re open to experienced speakers and individuals looking for more exposure to professional speaking.