YouAlberta
Rob Desjardins, PD Instructional Designer, Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies
What factors indicate you had a successful experience in public speaking and presentations?
I should stress that I'm not an expert in the field — just someone who's learning about public speaking, as I have the privilege of working with others to enhance their skills. That said, I do believe that "success" often boils down to effective communication with your audience. If they were engaged, followed your presentation and left curious, you've likely achieved your goal. One observation about public speaking: many, including myself, tend to judge success internally. Feeling stressed or thinking we didn't explain something well isn't always a reliable indicator, as we're often too hard on ourselves.
Do you believe that effective communicators are also skilled public speakers?
Public speaking encompasses a diverse range of skills. It involves writing, visual communication and presenting. So, I consider public speaking to be a form of communication, but it has a wider skill set that can be developed through learning and practice.
What is your advice on:
…coping with pre-public speaking nerves?
Different approaches work better for different people. One helpful strategy is to prepare yourself before presenting, which can increase your comfort with the space, the experience and the material. Many overlook the benefit of arriving early to the venue to familiarize oneself with the surroundings and equipment and even practice in the space if you can. This can transform the presentation environment into something familiar and less intimidating. Consistency in routines, such as maintaining regular sleep patterns and diet, can also help you to be more focused on the day of the presentation. Some individuals find it reassuring to have visual aids like bullet points nearby to reference if needed. In the moment of presenting, if stress starts to creep in, engaging with the audience by asking questions or responding to their cues can shift your focus away from self-doubt and towards the task at hand.
...captivating an audience and maintaining their focus?
There are at least two places in a presentation where one can focus on engaging the audience. Firstly, at the beginning, known as the 'hook,' setting the tone within the initial minutes is crucial. This could involve posing intriguing questions, sharing a personal anecdote or framing a problem that the talk will address, thus drawing the audience in without delving into complex details. Secondly, during the body of the presentation, it's good to think about strategies for explaining your ideas clearly. You might start by meeting the audience where they are, using relatable data or information, and then gradually introduce more specialized material. Utilize signposts to guide the audience through the structure of your talk, for instance, mentioning you talked about the first point and now you are going to the next point. It is also important to keep language accessible, avoiding unnecessary complexity unless essential. You can also consider sharing a story or anecdote that can help the audience to engage with you.
...utilizing pauses effectively during public speaking?
Pauses serve multiple purposes that often go unnoticed. While some speakers fear they may signal struggle, when used effectively, they can enhance the presentation. Pauses help pace your speech and emphasize important points, allowing the audience to digest key information. Pairing shorter sentences with pauses adds impact to your message. Additionally, pauses serve as a moment to catch your breath, regain composure and remind yourself to slow down—especially crucial when nerves kick in and the tendency to rush grows. They act as punctuation in your speech, and they aid in calming both the speaker and the audience.
...embracing vulnerability to establish deeper connections with your audience?
I believe it depends on various factors. In more formal or academic settings, like speaking to scientists or scholars about a specialized topic, personal anecdotes or emotions may not be as appropriate. However, in certain situations, sharing personal stories can be incredibly effective in engaging the audience and even turning mistakes into opportunities. Sometimes, discussing a family member's struggles can resonate deeply with the audience, fostering a sense of connection. It's essential to exercise caution and thoughtfulness when sharing personal details, ensuring they align with the audience's expectations and the overall tone of the presentation. Self-deprecating humour can also be very helpful. For instance, I recall a Three Minute Thesis (3MT) presentation where a speaker gracefully used humour when they pronounced a word incorrectly. As mentioned, ultimately, the decision to be vulnerable depends on the specific context, but when done thoughtfully, it can be a powerful tool for engagement and connection.
…discovering your distinctive speaking style and voice?
I can only speak from my own experience; looking back, I've learned more from what didn't work than what did. For instance, during high school, I worked in a commercial radio station and even spoke at my own graduation. Watching the video now, I realize how artificial my delivery seemed! Authenticity is paramount to me now. Your presentation should reflect who you are, how you think and how you naturally interact. Connecting with the audience hinges on them feeling your genuineness. For myself, I aim for a tone that's slightly more formal than casual conversation, yet maintain the same intonation and pacing as if I were speaking to a friend or family member. Each of us has our own unique speaking style—some fast, some slow and some with a more melodic voice. Finding what feels authentic to you is key; the audience will sense that sincerity.
…making your presentations truly memorable?
When it comes to delivering a truly memorable presentation, the scope of the conference or event will influence your approach. In more formal settings, like a conference or public talk, there are generally conventional expectations to adhere to. However, if you're speaking in front of a service group or community members, you may have more flexibility to try different approaches. In either case, I believe that the most memorable presentations often rely on classic elements such as a good story or a compelling question. These modes of communication resonate deeply with people. However, that doesn't mean you can't inject some creativity and fun into your presentation. I remember a participant from last year's Falling Walls Lab event who, during his presentation, spilled a box of items on stage to illustrate a scientific concept, capturing everyone's attention. It was unconventional, but it worked because it was perfectly matched to the content he was discussing.
…effectively incorporating visual aids into your presentations without overshadowing your message?
In many cases, it helps to include only components that directly support or reinforce your spoken points and to minimize visual clutter by reducing content to its essential elements. A powerful visual should conceptually enhance your message without competing for attention. For instance, in the Three Minute Thesis competition, the winning presentation featured a simple yet impactful visual: a recycling symbol above prison bars. This image conveyed the presenter's message without distracting from her spoken narrative.
…engaging and connecting with remote audiences effectively?
Presenting online can feel like shouting into a well because you lack the energy and feedback of a physical room. Often, participants keep their cameras off, leaving you unsure if they're really engaging. You can utilize digital tools like Mentimeter for active engagement. Asking questions or seeking feedback can also be effective. Additionally, Zoom and similar platforms offer chat functions for interaction. Cascade activities, where participants respond collectively to your questions, can foster engagement without requiring much effort.
…improving your public speaking abilities?
When it comes to acquiring new skills, the university offers ample opportunities for refinement and practice, often in more formal settings. Look for programs like Toastmasters for honing public speaking abilities. Additionally, at FGPS, we host the "On the Edge" speaker series in collaboration with the public library, providing a platform to share research insights with the general public in a supportive environment. There are more workshops, including Bringing Research to Life: Public Presentations happening on May 7.
Nothing beats hands-on practice, so don't hesitate to seize these opportunities. You can also practice at home with friends and family or even by teaching course material to yourself or others. Teaching not only enhances your presentation skills but also aids in learning the content better. Don't forget to seek feedback to continuously improve your skills.
…handling challenging audience questions or unforeseen obstacles or interruptions during a speech?
Handling challenging questions can be tricky, but starting with empathy can set the right tone. Begin your response by acknowledging the shared perspectives or values with the questioner, showing understanding and respect. For instance, you can say, "That's a great question, and I've often wondered about that myself. Like you, I'm concerned about X." It's helpful to also acknowledge the limitations of your perspective and be transparent about what you do and don't know. This not only validates the questioner's perspective but also fosters a constructive conversation. Additionally, if faced with unforeseen interruptions, humour can be a powerful tool to diffuse tension.
How can graduate students improve their ability to tailor their presentation to suit different audiences, given their inclination to be highly focused on their research?
One effective strategy is to share your presentation with non-specialist friends or family members and gather feedback. For instance, as a historian, I once presented at a Rotary club and sought feedback from my parents, both accountants. Implementing their suggestions significantly improved the accessibility of my talk. This underscores the importance of seeking input from non-specialists, as they can provide valuable insights into what resonates with a broader audience. Additionally, consider language and sentence structure to enhance accessibility. Avoid using specialist terms unnecessarily, and when necessary, provide clear definitions. For example, instead of discussing "organizational efficiency measures," frame it in terms of "ways to gauge if our business is effectively reaching customers."
Can you share outstanding accomplishments or remarkable experiences from graduate students in public speaking?
This question is tough when I am thinking about it because in a way, what hasn't been inspiring, especially considering the exceptional quality of presentations during the 3MT finals on March 27? Each participant delivered such compelling stories that left us in awe. One standout memory for me is from a previous contestant whose nerves got the best of them in their initial presentation. However, they received valuable advice from the judges to focus on storytelling rather than perfection, and this guidance helped them to develop an amazing talk. Reflecting on this experience, I'm reminded that even the most seasoned speakers are constantly learning and evolving. We're all on a journey, navigating through challenges and learning from our mistakes.
Could you provide a memorable phrase or sentence related to public speaking that has stayed with you?
One of my friends said to tap into your enthusiasm for the topic, and then you will tap into authenticity, meaning your excitement for the topic and your interest in it will help you to sound like you, and that's always worked for me.