At the MarketingProfs B2B Forum in Chicago, Ann Handley and I got to talking about public speaking and the tips we've gathered over the years to guarantee success. We had so much fun comparing notes, that it only seemed right to share my top tips here.


I bet you, too, have accumulated a fair share of worthy words of wisdom. Would you like to share yours? Include them in the comments or send them via email to CBWhittemore [at] gmail [dot] com. I'll gather them all together in one place.
Here are my top 10 tips:
1. Never eat a banana immediately before a speech. For that matter, avoid dairy products, too. Both contribute to a distracting need to clear one's throat during a presentation.
2. Drink lots of water, ideally with lots of lemon [I avoid ice]. Have water with you at the podium. This helps minimize dry mouth.
3. It's okay to feel nervous. Even the most experienced speakers get nervous. Anticipate it and be prepared. Yes, you'll be aware of it, but the audience won't. No one but you will feel your knees shake. If you're worried about tripping on stage, then don't wear high-heels...
4. In the few minutes before the presentation, clench and unclench all of the muscles in your body. Do that again and again. It will help dissipate excess energy. Remember to breathe. If you tend to race at the beginning of a presentation, then consciously make plans to slow yourself down and breathe.
5. Practice, practice, practice. Videotape yourself speaking. Practice some more, especially the parts of the presentation when you feel most vulnerable. If it's at the beginning, then learn the beginning by heart. Understand the rhythm of your material.
6. Project your voice and your presence. If you're not sure what that means, then go into an empty church or auditorium and practice projecting both without a microphone. Try singing, too. Fill the entire space with your voice. That will really help things click.
7. Make eye contact, with every part of the room. Hold contact for a few seconds. If you forget, place boldly dressed friends in strategic places and look at them!
8. Do not read your presentation.
9. Do not clutch the podium. If possible, stay as far away from a podium as you can [except for when you need to drink water].
10. Remember that you are the expert. Express that energy and passion and have fun. You will be contagious. Guaranteed!
Since posting this at Flooring The Consumer, I've received the following additional tips:
11. Be sure to use pauses to highlight points you want to make [hat tip to Valeria Maltoni].
12. Remember to smile and connect with people in the audience [hat tip to Ann Handley].
13. Speak slowly, especially if you are passionate and interested in your topic [hat tip to Gavin Heaton].