Public speaking challenges and how to deal with them

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Podcast Notes: Tips for Natural Presentation While Maintaining Structure

These notes contain tips for presenters who want to find a balance between natural flow and a clear structure.

Two approaches are discussed:

• During the presentation: These tips will help you stay flexible during your presentation while keeping the main thread.
• Preparation: You use these methods in advance to create a solid framework, without falling into a rigid script.

Tips during the presentation:

• Story Skeleton: Determine 3-4 main points that you definitely want to cover. This forms your minimal thread.
• Story Beacons: Use mental markers in your story, such as an anecdote, to indicate that you are moving on to the next point.
• Bridges: Think of natural transitions between your main points.
• 30-Second Check: Write down what the audience should remember in 30 seconds. This helps you focus on the core message.
• Sandwich Principle: Begin and end with your core message. In between, you can be freer with stories and examples.
• Anchor points: Connect parts of your story to physical locations on stage. This provides grip.
• 3-Second Silence: Insert short pauses to allow the audience to process and to reorient yourself.
• Return phrases: Use recognizable phrases to return to the main line if you stray.
• Emergency Kit: Keep strong anecdotes on hand to win back the audience.
• Audience Scan: Pay attention to the audience’s body language to see if they’re still engaged.

Preparation methods:

• Hand Anchor: Wear a ring or watch and touch it to remind yourself of the structure.
• Pocket Card: Create a small card with a maximum of 5 symbols that represent the essence of your story.
• Visualization: Link parts of your story to fixed points in the presentation room. Move physically to follow your structure.
• 3-Breath Check: Ask yourself these questions with every breath: Where am I? Is the audience still with me? What is my next anchor point?
• Rhythm: Build in moments to drink water to organize your thoughts.

The sources emphasize that these tips are tools, not rules. Adapt them to the situation and your own style.