Dani Grieveson’s Guide to Preparing for a Public Speaking Event
Public speaking isn’t just about delivering information; it’s about creating an experience for your audience, connecting with them in a way that leaves a lasting impact. Whether you’re new to speaking or a pro, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s my approach to helping clients not just survive the stage, but own it.
1. Know your audience inside out
Your audience is the heartbeat of your talk.
Take time to understand who they are and what they care about. Are they industry experts or a mixed crowd? What do they hope to get from your message? Tailoring your message to their needs makes it feel more relevant and keeps them engaged. I’ve seen this extra layer of audience awareness make a huge difference in audience response.
2. Craft a clear, focused message
It’s tempting to cover a lot, especially when you’re passionate about a topic. But less is often more in public speaking. Decide on your core message - if there’s one thing you want the audience to remember, what is it? Build your talk around that key point and cut anything that doesn’t serve it directly. Think of this as giving your audience a clear takeaway rather than overwhelming them with information. Clarity in your message is a major confidence booster.
3. Structure for maximum impact
The best talks take the audience on a journey. Start strong with an opening that grabs attention, guide them through your message, and leave them with a memorable takeaway. The flow of your talk should feel natural, like a story unfolding, making it easy for your audience to absorb it. And remember, the close is just as important as the open - end with a bang!
4. Practice like you mean it
Practice is the difference between a speech that feels natural and one that feels stiff. But don’t just go through the motions - practice in the same way you’ll deliver it on stage. Stand up, use your gestures, and even record yourself to spot areas for improvement. Rehearse enough that you know your key points without relying too heavily on notes. Personally, when I practice before an event, it doesn’t just improve delivery; it boosts my confidence and lowers pre-speech nerves.
5. Own your body language
Your body language speaks as much as your words do. Confidence on stage isn’t just in what you say - it’s in how you say it. Stand tall, make eye contact, and use natural gestures to emphasise key points. Avoid crossing your arms or fidgeting, as these can come across as nervousness or lack of confidence. Before I go on stage, I practise grounding exercises to feel centred and in control. If you’re calm and collected, it shows, and your audience will respond positively.
6. Embrace breathing and pausing
Nerves are normal, even for experienced speakers. One powerful way to manage them is by focusing on your breathing. Take deep breaths before you start, and don’t be afraid to pause during your talk. Pausing can emphasise key points, give the audience time to process, and make you come across as more composed. Breathing and pausing are simple techniques, but they can make all the difference in how you’re perceived. I learnt this when I did stand up comedy courses!
7. Visualise a positive outcome
This one might sound a bit airy, but trust me - it works. Take a few moments to picture yourself speaking confidently, engaging the audience, and delivering your message with impact. Visualisation can help prepare your mind for a positive experience, putting you in the right mindset to succeed. Clients I work with have found this helpful not only in speaking engagements but in any high-stakes setting. Visualising success gives you a sense of control and builds confidence from within.
8. Embrace the moment
One of the best ways to get comfortable with speaking is to welcome the energy of the moment. Instead of fighting nerves, channel them into enthusiasm. The audience is there to listen to you, and that’s something to be excited about! For me, it's always about enthusing the audience. Whether you’re in a boardroom or on stage, share your energy and passion with your listeners - it’s what they’ll remember most.
Owning the stage…
Preparing for a public speaking event is about more than just getting the words right. It’s about connecting with people, conveying your message clearly, and showing up with confidence. With the right mindset and approach, you can transform any speaking opportunity into an experience that’s impactful, memorable, and enjoyable for your audience.
Ready to take your speaking skills to the next level? Let’s work together to help you own the stage. Your voice deserves to be heard - and heard with confidence!