By Laura Wisniewski

The big day has finally arrived! You are an audience member at your profession’s annual conference. The next presentation is on your subject of expertise and you are excited about the opportunity to learn something new.

The anticipation builds as you listen to the expert’s introduction. The speaker has credentials and initials a mile long. You are ready to be dazzled. Then he or she begins to speak… The “expert” leans on the lectern and proceeds to speak in a monotone voice. You and your colleagues are slowly tortured by facts, figures, “ums” and PowerPoint slides.

There is an epidemic of glazed over expressions on the faces of the participants. Heads begin to nod. Some where around slide 207 you hear a loud “Thump!” as one of those heads hits the table.

Suddenly you remember that you paid hard earned money and took time off from work to attend this conference. “I could do a better job than this!” you declare to yourself. 

Why not present as a speaker next time? If you had the opportunity to speak to a group of your peers what would your message be? What is preventing you from taking this important step forward in your professional development?

Once you have decided to take the leap; the following tips will help you achieve your goal with a little style and pizzazz.

1) Find your voice. Healthcare is undergoing a time of dramatic change and transition.  The best innovations come from the front lines and not the ivory tower. There is a real need for original perspectives to find solutions for the problems facing healthcare today.

Over the years you may have heard some great speakers and perhaps thought you could never be like them. The good news is that you don’t have to be. Just be yourself and not an imitation of anyone else.

2) Showcase your expertise. Audiences demand credibility. They are asking themselves the question, “Why should I listen to this person?” Your experience, education and certifications may help get you onto the platform. However once there you will need fundamental presentation skills to maintain the attention of the audience.

Far too often in healthcare we rest upon the laurels of our credentials and initials. Very few healthcare speakers have invested the time or resources to develop their presentation skills. Your message is too important to be boring and forgotten.

3) Honor adult learning principles. Speaking is a form of education and there are basic principles which must be observed.

Adults are self-directed, problem-oriented and want information that is relevant and can be immediately applied to their work.  They expect respect for their time and experience.

Employ a variety of presentation methods to accommodate different learning styles. Some adults learn best by seeing, others by hearing or doing.

The traditional lecture method used predominantly in healthcare appeals to only a portion of audience members. In addition try adding visual aids, role-playing, group activities or games. The possibilities are endless.

4) Serve the audience. If your objective is self- promotion please step down from the plaform. Speaking is a priviledge. It is about meeting the needs of the audience, not your own. Focusing your attention on the audience and your message is also the best remedy for stage fright. If your purpose is one of service you will be successful.

5) Share your stories. Storytelling has been embraced by the speaking profession, educators and business professionals as one of the best ways to connect with audiences. We have been transferring knowledge via stories throughout human history.

Stories engage both the thinking left brain and the feeling right brain of the listener. Combining the facts while stimulating an emotional response through storytelling will help the audience remember your points.

It is also easier to remember stories because you were there. By developing your own signature stories you become associated with them. The audience may not remember your name but they will remember your story.

A special note: To respect confidentiality, conceal any identifying characteristics while maintaining the essence of the story.

6) Be theatrical. Don’t just stand there like a post! As you tell your stories breathe life into them by utilizing a few simple acting techniques.
 

          Use facial expressions and gestures. We naturally and effortlessly include both in our everyday conservations. However many speakers suddenly turn into stone when presenting before a group. Practice in front of a mirror or video tape yourself. 

Add vocal variety. When speaking to a group your manner of speech should be conversational and slightly larger than life. Also think of the potential range of your voice as the colors of the rainbow. How many colors are you using?   

          Develop characters. Draw from people you know as the frame work for your characters. Even a slight change in voice quality, pace, or inflection will help create distinct personalities.

          Improvise. A canned speech will sound like one. Customized presentations will promote spontaneity and audience interaction.

7) Have fun! If you are having fun, your audience will too. It is well known that humor is the shortest distance between two people. This is also another great technique to help you relax during your presentation. Even if your subject matter is extremely serious some well placed humor will help break the tension.

As healthcare professionals we have dedicated our lives to helping others. Speaking is a way to reach a much larger group than ever possible in your every day practice.

Imagine how many people could benefit from your innovative ideas or techniques. Share your passion and experience with your profession.

If you need help polishing your act investigate Toastmasters International at www.toastmasters.org or the National Speaker’s Association at www.nsaspeaker.org .

Laura Wisniewski RN BS CIC is an education specialist for a large healthcare organization in Florida. She is an accomplished Toastmaster, member of the National Speaker’s Association, and graduate of the NSA Central Florida Speaker’s Academy. Contact Laura Wisniewski at laura@nursingvoice.com