Should I be confident for my speech tomorrow?

[JDi]

I'm delivering a speech tomorrow on the UK about the government. I am a little nervous about speaking in front of 80 people, but I know that I will grow from it.

I sent a copy of my speech to the event organiser.

She said 'Your speech is great! I'm sure the audience will appreciate your sentiment'.

The first part of her feedback appears really positive, but I'm not too sure of the meaning of the second part of her feedback? What did she mean by 'appreciate your sentiment'? Is this also positive?

I am really passionate about the content of my speech but just a little nervous about how I will deliver it. Does anyone on here have any experience in public speaking who could give me any last-minute tips?

 

[Merseysider]

Yes, the second half was also positive. Essentially, it means you'll be putting the right message across.

Try and have a bottle of water handy. That way, if you need to pause to recollect yourself for a moment, it looks natural.

Smiling and making some eye contact is good.

 

[Qwerty133]

Appreciate your sentiment is probably just her way of saying that the audience will be interested in hearing what you have to say and probably understand your view but may not agree with much of your opinion. On such a topic this is to be expected and shouldn't be anything to worry about.
Public speaking is about making a connection with the audience so while the speech needs to be clear it is important it doesn't sound robotic which can often happen when reading from a script word for word.

 

[Qwerty133]

Yes, the second half was also positive. Essentially, it means you'll be putting the right message across.

Try and have a bottle of water handy. That way, if you need to pause to recollect yourself for a moment, it looks natural.

Smiling and making some eye contact is good.

This is all good advice, also make sure you are directing your voice to the audience and not looking down as though you are speaking to the script in front of you.

 

[Bevan Price]

It is common to feel a bit nervous or apprehensive if you are not used to public speaking. Try to speak steadily and calmly, rather than try to rush through the speech. Almost inevitably, not everybody will agree with everything you say. Be prepared for a few questions (if the event allows them), and if you don't know all the answers, admit it rather than trying to guess an answer.

Avoid large amounts alcohol before the speech - it will not do much for your reputation if you arrive smelling of "booze", and it will not help you to deliver your speech logically. At most, a small glass of wine or spirit - or (if permitted) a single paracetamol tablet if you have a bit of a headache an hour or so prior to the speech.

Unless you intend to be very controversial (or provocative), you should find that most of the audience give you a fair hearing. Good luck.

 

[deltic]

You are not Theresa May by any chance?

If you are reading your speech print it out in large font and double line space - highlight any words or phrases you want to emphasise. Speak more slowly than you would in normal conversation- check microphone before hand if you are not used to speaking into one.

Even the most polished performers get nervous before speaking in public so don't think you're the only one who is stressed out and good luck

 

[Bald Rick]

Remember that it is your speech. Nobody, but nobody, knows it better than you. That makes you the expert on it. Which means that in this matter, you know more than the audience - you are the best person in the room on this precise subject. You are the best!

 

[Cowley]

Good luck JDi. Let us know how you got on.

 

[JDi]

Good luck JDi. Let us know how you got on.

Hi @Cowley,

Thank you so much!

It went really well - much better that I had anticipated. There was about 50 people in the audience and a camera fining for a live online webinar.

What I said went down really well, and I was highly applauded and even cheered as I finished. One of my proudest moments was when when someone who worked there said that I would fit in and do really well there - there is hope for me!

Speaking in to a microphone was a big thing to me, but I overcame my fears so well!

I really hope that by overcoming these fears, I will now be able to overcome my concerns about speaking in seminars and return to University with a greater confidence next month!

 

[Cowley]

That's really to nice hear, I reckon that will have done your confidence no end of good.
I hope you've gained some belief in yourself JDi?

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Avoid any alcohol.....

As a young lad , from Welsh Wales - standing in the lectern in either the magnificent local Church or a more modest Chapel , always appeared daunting ...I used to focus on something like the balcony clock in the Chapel - or the stained glass window in the Church - take a breath and slowly start and move on.

Never had a problem - take your time - look at the audience when you are comfortably delivering , - savour the moment. It will be fine .

 

[backontrack]

Avoid any alcohol.....

Advice that Jim Dixon would certainly agree with...

I'm glad to hear your speech went well, JDi.