How to Stay Calm & Speak On at Work- Part 1
Or, how to give a work presentation that doesn't suck (the life out of you)
Hello Lovelies,
Before we dive into today’s topic of how to give a good work presentation, I’d like to welcome our new subscribers to Love Your Voice, the public speaking community for women to speak confidently.
I was thrilled to speak with Amanda Grace recently on her fantastic podcast, The Road Back Home, about how to heal from voice scars and reclaim our voices.
Amanda is a lifelong journaler, inner work mentor, artist, and a woman in recovery from “all the things.” I enjoyed my conversation with Amanda, and I think you will, too. You can listen to our conversation HERE:
How to give a work presentation that doesn't suck (the life out of you).
Giving a presentation at work can be overwhelming.
You are spinning multiple plates for presentations, including writing the content, creating the slides, and coordinating the graphic and technical aspects. You feel pressured to deliver an excellent, engaging, and captivating presentation to your colleagues, bosses, or potential investors.
Oh, and then there’s the public speaking part.
It’s no wonder presenting causes us STRESS!
I can relate. Next month, I'll give a women's workshop at a large international company. I aim to help these women speak confidently and enhance their communication skills, and much depends on my presentation.
Here is my presentation guide, which I’m using to stay focused and prepare for my big talk. Women who use this guide tell me that it helps them feel more comfortable speaking to their audiences, and it can also help you.
This guide concentrates on your presentation skills instead of the written content or technology; we'll discuss those topics in another month.
SAVE THE DATE: I’ll be hosting a live workshop on giving a compelling presentation on Thursday, March 27th, at noon PST on Substack!
The Prepared Presenter Guide Has 6 Steps:
Step 1: Read It Aloud
Your first step is to read your entire presentation aloud. Practice reading the short practice speech, “The Power and Importance of Our Voices:
"Hello! My name is (Say your first and last name), and today, I want to talk with you about something profoundly influential yet often underestimated: our voices. Our voices are not just a means of communication but tools of influence, change, and connection.
Throughout history, voices have sparked revolutions and inspired generations, from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech to Malala Yousafzai's fight for girls' education. Each of us has the power to use our voices to advocate for change and make a difference.
When we speak up, we assert our presence, share our truth, and create space for others to do the same. By listening with empathy, we validate others and build stronger communities. Let's embrace the power of our voices, speak with intention, and remember that every voice matters. Thank you."
How did it feel to read the sample speech aloud?
Did you have any reactions to hearing yourself read it aloud?
Step 2: Start Grounded
It’s natural to feel nervous at the start of your presentation. Practice the opening section and even memorize the first few lines to feel calmer and more grounded.
Read the introduction paragraph aloud:
“Hello! My name is (Say your first and last name), and today, I want to talk with you about something profoundly influential yet often underestimated: our voices. Our voices are not just a means of communication but tools of influence, change, and connection.”
Try reading it aloud while clapping or tapping the syllables to feel the rhythm patterns.
2. Read it aloud again without clapping, and feel the rhythm of your established word patterns.
3. Try memorizing your first 1-2 sentences to feel more confident when you say them to your audience.
How did it feel to practice your introduction?
Step 3: Mark Your Breaths
You can plan your breaths in your presentation to support your voice, pause effectively, and avoid rushing.
Mark a (B) for each breath in your speech. Read it aloud, taking a short breath at each (B), and adjust as needed:
“Hello! (B) My name is (Your Name) (B), and today, I want to talk about something profoundly influential(B) yet often underestimated:(B) our voices. (B) Our voices are not just a means of communication; (B) they are tools of influence, change, and connection.”
How did it feel to mark your breaths?
Did it help you take pauses and slow down your speech?
We’ll cover steps 4-6 next week on the same time and day!
Stay Calm & Speak On,
Jessica
Also, my Love Your Voice Workbook for Women includes the complete presenter guide to help you speak up at work and in your daily life. You can buy your copy HERE!
I've never heard of marking your breaths before! Really interesting. Thanks for sharing!
This is very timely for me. I’m giving a big public presentation next week…gulp!