Speaking in public is a common fear, but it’s one that TAs need to confront to be successful. Fortunately, public speaking is a skill that can be learned and which becomes easier with practice. Below are some tips to help you feel more comfortable, and be more effective, as a speaker.
Before the Presentation:
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Familiarize yourself with your notes.
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Practice as frequently as you can—in front of a mirror, friends, pets, etc.
- Familiarize yourself with the room in which you’ll be speaking.
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Will you have room to move around?
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How much will you need to project your voice?
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Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and professional.
- Bring a bottle of water.
During the Presentation:
- Don’t read from your notes—use them as a guide;
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You’re not reading to the class, you’re speaking with them.
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Concentrate on the audience and your presentation, not your nerves.
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Take a sip of water if you need a second to regain your calm.
General Tips on Delivery:
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Make frequent eye contact with your audience.
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Vary the pitch and tone of your voice—don’t speak in a monotone.v
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Speak loud enough for everyone to hear you.
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Vary your volume to emphasize a point.
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Enunciate clearly.
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Speak slowly.
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Avoid repetition of filler words such as “okay,” “like,” or “um.”
- Allow your enthusiasm for the material to come through!
Accept that you will make mistakes. Remember, public speaking gets easier with experience.
TAPTalk 