5 Public Speaking Tips for Engineers

5 Public Speaking Tips for Engineers 5 Public Speaking Tips for Engineers A mechanical engineer can feel in commandthey have a plan, they know their clients, they succeed. But then theyre asked to speak in front of an audience and it can become something else nerves, unchartered territory, a fear of failure. But, if you follow these five tips, the stage can be more than friendlyit can become a domain.1. SimplifyDavid Newman, who has done in-house programs for Microsoft and IBM and is a former president of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Speakers Association, says it comes down to just a few points. The first point is to simplify, Newman says. Simplify your focus. What is the purpose? And if the presentation doesnt fulfill, then simplify. Eliminate the bulk. If it has 150 PowerPoint slides, then see if it can be done with 120, maybe less. Newman also emphasizes that presenters may feel better about material they cut out if they put it in a handout. People appreciate handouts, a leave-behind, or an email after the conference with supplementary information.2. Do Not MemorizeAnother important tip is to not memorize. Memorization equals death, Newman says. Think about being a bullet point speaker. If I give an environmental engineer a word like pollution, they can talk for 10 minutes about it. Find those words that do that for you and keep them at the ready. When someone talks about a subject instead of reciting it, it will come off natural. Remember speaking involves just two things expertise and enthusiasm.3. Consider the AudienceAs far as how much technical information to use, Newman says it all comes down to considering the audience. If its a lay audience, then keep jargon out or youll lose them, he says. If its a hardcore industry crowd theyll likely know the jargon and maybe even expect it.4. Add to the SpeechNewman, who is also co-author of the book Paid to Speak and author of the upcoming book Do It Marketing, adds that a PowerPoint should add to th e speech, not become it. If all the presenter is doing is saying the saatkorn thing as whats on the slides then there really isnt any need for them, he says. They also need to think about how fast theyre talking and how much is on each slide. You cant do two slides a minute necessarily all the time.5. Avoid MonotoneFinally, avoid the monotone that bogs down so many presentations. Says Newman Use variation and modulation in volume. Some sections should be big and loud while others soft. Modulate the pacesome are chop-chop-chop and others its worth slowing down. And dont forget to pause. Its a technique for the audience to catch up.Its important to remember, it isnt a race.Eric Butterman is an independent writer.If its a lay audience, then keep jargon out or youll lose them.David Newman, former president of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Speakers Association