The King’s Speech: Presentation Skills 101

The film opens as the Prince prepares to speak before a crowd. The Prince, Bertie, struggles with his stammer in front of thousands of listeners.  It is painful for both Bertie and the listeners.

I am reminded of this excellent movie every Sunday when watching pre and post- game interviews with college and professional football players. The overuse of “uhs and ums”, “ya know” and “at the end of the day” is so painful.

The King’s Speech teaches us many lessons about public speaking including: ask for help when you need it, have faith in your own voice and confidence in your message, and practice, practice, practice.

As dear Bertie knows, how you speak is a huge component of the impression you make on others, and thus your potential influence on them. People will form judgments about your education, intelligence, background, and personality simply based on the sound of your voice and the language you use to express yourself.

I have the fortunate role of being a mentor to one of my colleagues who has the interest and self- discipline to tackle public speaking.  I offer her, and you, a few “nevers” of public speaking and one “must.”

Nevers:

1. The Uh’s and Um’s have got to Go’s.    Many orators call these fillers.
 

* Filler Sounds: um, uh, ah, mm
* Filler Words: basically, actually, literally, and again, like
* Filler Phrases: “I think that”, “you know”, “what I’m trying to say is”, “ya know what I’m sayin’?”, “ya know like”

Use of, especially over use of, these words may be perceived as lack of preparation, lack of knowledge, or lack of passion. All of these perceptions are bad for you.  These sounds, words and phrases are inserted when our brains need time to catch up with our mouths.  I have two simple suggestions to let go of the oh’s. First, use graphics, cartoons, videos and slides with music. To allow your brain to catch up with your mouth, insert slides into your presentation deck that allow you to rest your mouth while the audience reads a cartoon, or watches a <1 minute video. This will do wonders for your presentations. It will add variety, cleverness, sounds and most importantly, should allow you to relax periodically throughout your speech so there will be no need to um.  Embrace the pause.

Second, prepare and practice. You audience knows when you are ill prepared. Ah, umm, again. Enough said.

2. Whatever

‘Whatever' is voted the most irritating word in the English language. In second place, came 'you know' followed by 'it is what it is' and ' anyway'. 'At the end of the day' completed the top-five most hated words and phrases.   The slang use of 'whatever' originated in the U.S. and was made popular-in teen movies such as Clueless in 1995.  Now, I think there are many words more offensive than whatever. Pudgy or yolk for example. But, as a speaker, the use of whatever shows a disinterest or a dismissal of the points you are attempting to articulate. It calls attention to your lack of passion.  There are no suggestions here. Stop it!

3. Stuff Like That
 

The ultimate phase for unpreparedness is ‘and stuff like that’.  Do tell… what stuff? Either you have stuff to say or you don’t.  Prepare your lists when making examples. Remember the rule of three.  People remember points in threes. Prepare your “stuff” in a list of three. And, if a list of three isn’t enough, use acronyms to drive the point and make it easier for you to remember.  If you know your stuff…you will never need ‘and stuff like that’.

S              Schedule a practice session… even if it is with yourself

T              Time your presentations

U             Use graphics, videos, cartoons

F              Fix a thread to link your content

F              Find your pace… embrace the pause

Must:

Give a hoot. Use your voice!

Public speaking is not about diplomas, public speaking is not about titles, public speaking is about authenticity- be yourself! Bertie, The King, was a human being with his own pain and fears. But, he cared how he was perceived and demonstrated that through a combination of perseverance, practice, a sense of humor and compassion.  He cared about his people. He cared about the crisis the world was in. He was passionate.

There will be times when your presentation falls short of your expectations. It happens. Be resilient -- bounce back and be stronger as the result. Not everyone is an exceptional orator, but if you stand in front of your audience with passion for your content, confidence in yourself and courage of your conviction, your message will inspire. No, not everyone is an orator, but we all have a voice.  Use it!