Read on Twitter
In 2020 I delivered close to 100 talks & keynotes 
Looking for advice on public speaking?
Here's advice on how to channel your inner @Oprah next time the (virtual) spotlight is on you
*A THREAD*
Looking for advice on public speaking?
Here's advice on how to channel your inner @Oprah next time the (virtual) spotlight is on you
*A THREAD*
Never read from a script.
It may feel comforting but it affects your regular cadence making your delivery come across unnatural.
Instead, practice your talk as much as possible & create bullet points of the key reflections you want to share.
It may feel comforting but it affects your regular cadence making your delivery come across unnatural.
Instead, practice your talk as much as possible & create bullet points of the key reflections you want to share.
Stand up for your talk, yes even if its virtual.
If you don't have a standing desk convert a table to a standing desk with books or whatever you can find.
Standing helps you project & if you like to gesticulate like me (& @Oprah), you have more range of motion to do so.
If you don't have a standing desk convert a table to a standing desk with books or whatever you can find.
Standing helps you project & if you like to gesticulate like me (& @Oprah), you have more range of motion to do so.
Build a connection with your audience at the start before you jump into your talk.
In your own authentic way, make them feel seen & heard.
Show them gratitude.
Extend that human touch through the screen & their attention will be yours going forward.
In your own authentic way, make them feel seen & heard.
Show them gratitude.
Extend that human touch through the screen & their attention will be yours going forward.
Don't take yourself too seriously. Show off your sense of humor (assuming you have one 
). Even serious talks can have comic relief.
If I can make people laugh while discussing systemic racism, you can do it, too.
Being goofy - if that's who you are - will not discredit you.
). Even serious talks can have comic relief. If I can make people laugh while discussing systemic racism, you can do it, too.
Being goofy - if that's who you are - will not discredit you.
Respond to your audience & make it as interactive as possible.
For virtual events, read incoming comments & questions in the chat box.
Call out the name of the person & respond.
Weave in audience responses & reflections.
For virtual events, read incoming comments & questions in the chat box.
Call out the name of the person & respond.
Weave in audience responses & reflections.
BE YOURSELF.
Don't let the spotlight pressure you into being non-confrontational.
If an audience member says something problematic, something you would call out in any other situation, call it out on stage too.
It's a sign of integrity.
You have privilege on stage, use it.
Don't let the spotlight pressure you into being non-confrontational.
If an audience member says something problematic, something you would call out in any other situation, call it out on stage too.
It's a sign of integrity.
You have privilege on stage, use it.
CELEBRATE WHEN YOU'RE DONE
Exceptional public speaking is like a sport.
It requires training & discipline.
It requires nerves of steel.
When your talk is over & you're day is done - celebrate your achievement so you're excited for the next opportunity to share your views
Exceptional public speaking is like a sport.
It requires training & discipline.
It requires nerves of steel.
When your talk is over & you're day is done - celebrate your achievement so you're excited for the next opportunity to share your views
