Communication Skills

4.1.7.Delivery

* Make sure you know what type of equipment will be in the room and how to use it.
* Do not read from pages of notes. Use your visual aids for cues and have brief back-up notes on cards or light cardboard about A5 size or smaller. (Don't try to memorise your talk).
* Use appropriate language -- e.g. get the right level of formality/informality.
* If you think you are going to stumble over a particular word or phrase, use a different one if you can. Otherwise, rehearse it enough times so that it trips off the tongue.
* Don't use too much 'filler speech' -- too many 'ums' and 'ahs' will irritate your audience.
* Sound and look enthusiastic. If you want your audience to be interested in your talk, then you must show interest and enthusiasm yourself.
* Pitch your voice at the back row, not the front row.

Tip: If you have difficulty in speaking loudly enough, go into a largish room and practise shouting to the back of it -- you'll soon increase the volume of your voice.