Natalie Born - MBA PMP CSM

I'm passionate about solving problems as part of my talks. In my talks I love to create and share frameworks with the audience. As a consultant, I constantly develop these tools for clients so my not take them with me when speaking. Imagine the impact of presenting these problem-solving frameworks to an entire audience! Speaking is about aiding others, and there's immense power in helping solve their issues as part of your talk. It makes what you bring to the table twice as valuable.

Regardless of the audience type—enthusiastic, quiet, or distracted—effective speaking involves three key steps: thoroughly practice your talk, tailor your content to the audience, and invest ample time and effort. Confidence comes from preparation. Before speaking, remind yourself that your goal isn't to impress, but to help. Take a deep breath and embrace this mindset.

The first time I spoke at 24, I was unprepared to discuss a five minute book review in front of my colleagues and leaders. Overwhelmed with nerves, my impromptu speech failed, leaving me humiliated. Days later, another partnered book review assignment offered redemption. We practiced intensely, refining our speech and timing. The hard work paid off. It was a stark contrast to my first attempt. This experience taught me valuable lessons: 'faking it' is ineffective; effort and preparation are essential for success; respect your audience by being well-prepared; and failure can be a powerful motivator for growth. But don't let it remain there if you have failed at speaking, don't give up - believe that consistent practice and coaching you can.

In public speaking, pitch and tone significantly impact how your message is received, as they express emotions and engage listeners. I often record speakers at the start and end of sessions, helping them see that often they can come off monotone to their audience. This self-viewing is a powerful tool for growth, helping speakers understand the importance of vocal variety and audience engagement. A key rule is to push beyond your comfort zone until it feels slightly awkward; this is often where the most effective and audience-captivating speaking occurs. Embracing the simple approach of watching yourself back on video can transform a speaker's impact and connection with their audience.

When preparing for a virtual audience, optimize your presentation by using visual aids like slides and graphics to enhance content and maintain engagement. Less is more in online presentations, as excessive text on slides can be overwhelming. Prioritize concise messaging and utilize images, infographics, and graphs to effectively convey your points. Ensure that your slides are visually appealing to capture the audience's attention and enhance comprehension.

Preparing your content for a virtual audience is critical to ensure you create an engaging and interactive experience. When presenting with cameras on, it's crucial to maintain eye contact with the camera to establish a connection and show enthusiasm in your delivery, ensuring that viewers remain engaged. Interaction is key; call on participants by name, ask questions, and encourage them to share their thoughts. This active participation makes the virtual session more dynamic and inclusive. Utilize the chat feature extensively, prompting attendees to ask questions, provide comments, and engage in real-time discussions.