Warren Buffet described public speaking as “an asset that will last you 50 or 60 years. And it’s a liability — if you don’t like doing it or are uncomfortable doing it — that will also last you 50 or 60 years, and it’s a necessary skill.”
Merely possessing knowledge is not enough; a skilled and influential physician leader must be able to communicate proficiently.
Mastering public speaking skills empowers physicians to convey medical information, educate others, progress in their professional journey, and advocate for their patients. By honing these skills, physicians can make a positive impact on healthcare delivery, enhance patient care, and contribute to the advancement of the medical field.
Presentation skills enable physician leaders to educate and inspire diverse learners, including medical students, residents, and colleagues. As they ascend in leadership positions, there is more demand for them to communicate with a wider range of individuals, such as sponsors, legislators, staff, board members, and media representatives. Public speaking often serves as the pathway toward promotion and increased influence.
ACTIONABLE STRATEGIES
Regardless of whether you practice in an academic or community setting, public speaking empowers you to build your regional, national, and international presence and reputation. What follows are six practical and actionable strategies that you can implement immediately to craft an engaging and influential presentation that captures the attention of your audience.
1. Prioritize Your Audience
Prioritize your audience over yourself. Presentations often aim to inspire, motivate, or persuade the audience to act or embrace new ideas. By focusing on the audience’s needs, you put them in a position of importance and empower them to make informed decisions or take appropriate actions.
Instead of immediately jumping into creating PowerPoint slides, start by writing down the key messages you want to convey to your audience. Categorize that information into three groups: “Need to know,” “Want to know,” and “Nice to know.”
Remember that people attend your presentation with the expectation of gaining valuable information. Whether it’s sharing knowledge, showcasing innovative ideas, or providing practical solutions, your presentations are your opportunity to offer value to the audience. Shift your attention to their needs, aspirations, and interests.
By placing the audience at the center of your presentation, you can engage and resonate with them, ultimately leaving a lasting impact. By presenting information compellingly and persuasively, you, as the presenter, empower the audience to make positive changes in their thinking or behavior.
2. Start at the Beginning and End
Prioritize the organization and structure of the beginning and end of your presentation before diving into the content of the main body. To illustrate this point, think about sitting down to watch a new drama series on television. If the initial scenes don’t grab your attention, you’re less likely to continue watching the series. The reason for this is simple: without a powerful and engaging beginning, you quickly lose interest and become easily distracted.
Just like takeoff and landing are crucial parts of a flight, setting the stage with a captivating opening and leaving a lasting impression with a memorable closing are vital aspects of delivering a successful talk. This principle is supported by the psychological phenomenon known as the “serial position effect,” which suggests that people tend to remember the beginning and end of a series more vividly than the middle portions.
By crafting a captivating introduction that grabs your audience’s attention from the start and a memorable conclusion that pulls the content together to leave a lasting impact, you will compose a compelling presentation that resonates with your audience long after the talk has ended.
3. Show Your Enthusiasm!
Think back to one of your favorite presenters and try to recall their entire talk, from the beginning to the end. It’s unlikely that you remember every detail of that speech; however, you probably do remember how that speaker made you feel. As the wise Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Establishing a dialogue creates an emotional bond with your audience. Our emotions, driven by our mirror neurons, are highly contagious, and it is crucial to use that connection to hold the audience’s attention.
Showcasing enthusiasm and passion for your subject matter engages the audience; if you are not genuinely excited about your work, it is unlikely that your audience will be either. This emotional resonance will not only captivate their attention, but also leave an impression, making your talk impactful.
Begin with a confident and engaging opening that immediately grabs the audience’s attention. Maintain an upright posture, establish eye contact with the audience, and use expressive gestures to convey your enthusiasm. Move around the stage or use the available space to engage with different sections of the audience. Use visual aids such as slides, videos, or props to enhance your presentation. Well-designed and visually appealing materials can effectively capture and retain the audience’s attention.
Remember, the audience is genuinely interested in your topic and your expertise, which is why they chose to dedicate their valuable time to attending your talk. Take pride in their trust and express your gratitude for having been given this opportunity. Embrace this moment that not only educates, but also inspires your audience.
4. Avoid Uptalk
When delivering a presentation or lecture, be mindful of your speech patterns and avoid using “uptalk.” Uptalk means ending a sentence with a rising intonation, which implies a question. Research indicates that about 85% of individuals in the United States perceive uptalk as a sign of insecurity; therefore, it is crucial to professional credibility to eliminate this speech pattern.
Instead, end your sentences with a straight or downward intonation to sound confident, credible, and compelling. To identify instances of uptalk in your speech, consider recording yourself and playing back for analysis. Take note of specific instances in which you engage in uptalk and focus on correcting those patterns. Trusted friends, colleagues, or even a speech coach can help identify areas where you use uptalk and provide valuable suggestions for improvement. By becoming aware of your speech patterns, you can develop a more assertive and confident speaking style.
5. Transform Your Nervousness to Confidence
Have you ever felt your heart pounding before giving a talk? You certainly are not alone in that regard. Mark Twain once said, “There are two types of speakers: those who are nervous and those who are liars.”
The close connection between our body and our mind is fascinating. Our confidence is reflected in our body language and, conversely, our body language and posture can influence our confidence and inner thoughts. Harvard University conducted a research study that unveiled the impact of assuming open, space-occupying postures, such as the “Wonder Woman pose,” for just two minutes. It was discovered that such poses can generate a sense of power within us. Conversely, when we slouch and make ourselves small, we tend to feel powerless.
It’s important to note that even experienced speakers may feel nervous before a presentation. However, you can use scientifically proven power poses to boost your confidence, improve your appearance, and enhance your delivery. By adopting these poses before your presentation, you can positively influence your mindset and effectively connect with your audience.
Practice redirecting your nervousness into excitement. Remember that audiences seek engaging, thought-provoking, educational, and enjoyable speakers. If the idea of speaking to a sea of unfamiliar faces makes you nervous, consider engaging in conversations with a few audience members before you deliver your speech. The very same anxious energy that elicits stage fright can actually serve to your benefit.
Remind yourself of the significance of the moment, and that’s precisely why your body is gearing up for it. Embrace this feeling, harness its power, and convert it into a wellspring of exhilaration, liveliness, and eagerness.
6. Incorporate Data with Stories
In the field of medicine, data play a crucial role in informing our decisions; therefore, it is vital to incorporate cutting-edge evidence to enhance the credibility of our content. Relying solely on data during presentations may not be sufficient, however. Complement data with stories and personal experiences to engage the audience. Humans have an innate affinity for stories and are more likely to remember them than specific numbers or figures.
During a recent presentation at the American Association for Physician Leadership annual conference, I made sure to include both data and personal experiences. The impact was remarkable; the audience responded with enthusiasm, leaning forward and becoming fully engaged when I shared my personal stories and real-life examples. By incorporating success stories, personal challenges, and patient experiences, presenters can effectively emphasize their message. Combining data with personal experiences better resonates with the audience and leads to better reviews.
CONCLUSION
Presenting is both an art and a skill. Like learning to swim, it requires practice and actual experience; relying solely on theoretical knowledge is not enough. Malcolm Gladwell’s concept of the 10,000-hour rule, which suggests that mastery in any field typically requires about 10,000 hours of deliberate practice, also applies to presentation skills.
As we master presentation skills, we build our reputation and establish a strong professional brand.