Don’t look down! The secret to not forget what you need to say when you’re on stage.

Wednesday: Speak on the Shoulders of Giants FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: “Don’t speak while looking down.” When you’re presenting in front of an audience, you should always look to the crowd, not to the floor, your shoes, or your notes. Even if you have to have your notes, there’s a way to not make it distracting and boring for the audience. Keep reading to know how Power Reading can help you to do just that. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

Don’t look down! The secret to not forget what you need to say when you’re on stage. When you see a speaker who can confidently stand on stage, doesn’t it make you wonder what his or her secret is in looking so comfortable? Public speaking requires confidence, preparation, and finesse. It’s not simply about slides and stage presence. The speaker also has to remember all the important points and ideas he or she has to discuss. How can speakers make sure they cover everything they need to say? POWER READING. — This is just one of the powerful secrets featured in James C. Humes’ book, “Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln.” Reading your speech directly from a piece of paper or monitor is not always an effective way to communicate with your audience unless you can project and do it well. How? “Memorize then conversationalize.” Memorize what you want to say. Say it in your own words. Use a conversational tone. Even if others think that it’s better to not read from anything during a speech or presentation, we see journalists, well-respected politicians, and other influential people read from a monitor. There’s nothing wrong about that. Some people prefer to speak in front of an audience without their notes. Some people are more comfortable with talking points on hand or a full-on script. Whichever way you choose, remember: Don’t speak while looking down. Bourke Cockrane once said, “Never, never, never let words come out of your mouth when your eyes are looking down.” Look at your audience and make eye contact. Looking down during a presentation disconnects you from your audience. SEE. STOP. SAY. First, look down and SEE the words. Second, bring your head up and STOP for a second. Lastly, SAY the line in your own words. Following these 3 steps when you choose to read during your presentation or speech gives emphasis on what you want to say. Additionally, the second step (STOP for a second) can generate audience anticipation. You heighten the anticipation by making them wait for your next words. Stopping before saying what you read will definitely capture your audience’s attention. Reading your notes, slides, or script while you’re up on stage is okay. You just need to practice on doing it in the most proper and confident way while still engaging with your audience. Try Power Reading in your next speaking engagement. With the right preparation and practice, you’ll improve your presentation skills by a ton! Hope you’ve found this week’s public speaking tip interesting and helpful. Follow us on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for next Wednesday’s Speak on the Shoulders of Giants! Pauses are powerful, especially when speaking to an audience. Learn more about how Power Poetry can help you add color to the message that you want to convey on next week’s Speak on the Shoulders of Giants!