TIPS FOR ENHANCING YOUR PUBLIC SPEAKING AND INTERVIEW SKILLS

Overcoming Nervousness

§ Public speaking is the second most cited fear (just after the fear of dying, which some people would rather do than give a speech). Coaching and practice can make a big difference.

§ Focus on your audience, not yourself. Thinking about how you can help them will allow you to connect with them and take your mind off of your nervousness.

§ Don’t try to impress your audience or expect them to agree with you on everything. Accept your audience and their viewpoints. In every group, there may be someone that is having a bad day, someone who’s distracted, or someone who simply doesn’t like you. If you can accept that and go in without the need to gain everyone’s approval, you’ll feel more relaxed.

§ Speak genuinely. Don’t memorize your presentation or read from a script. Allow your personality to show.

§ Think about the audience as if you’re speaking to a group of friends. Maintain good eye contact, and be friendly. Unless you’re in politics, the audience is not the enemy.

§ Prepare. If you’ve done your research and prepared your presentation ahead, you’ll automatically feel more confident.

§ Don’t strive for perfection. People won’t care if you stumble over a word, say “um” once in a while, or search for a phrase. It’s much more important that you know your material and that you are sincere and engaging.

§ Smile. It really helps. J

§ Hire a coach or join a public speaking group to help you polish your skills.

General Tips

§ Familiarize yourself with the room you’ll be speaking in and the technical equipment you’ll be using ahead of time if you can.

§ Use stories, especially personal ones if appropriate.

§ Limit Power Point presentations unless they add significant value.

§ Don’t try to include too much information; you’ll overwhelm your audience. Choose only a few key points to cover; leave the rest to handouts or a brochure.

§ If you’re comfortable taking questions during your presentation, allow people to clarify things as you go along. Or ask your audience once in a while for feedback to see if they’re following you.

§ If you’re speaking about controversial issues or a subject that isn’t widely accepted, support each point with research or examples.

§ Handle any negative or hostile questions positively. If you don’t know the answer, say that and offer to get

back to the person with the answer.

§ Save enough time afterwards for questions and answers.

§ Be respectful of your audience’s time. Know how much information you can fit into your allotted time.

Successful Interviews

§ Relax, be authentic, and be open.

§ Create a connection with the interviewer, and ultimately your audience, by personalizing an answer.

§ If you find a question particularly interesting, let the interviewer know that. Sincere flattery is a great bonding agent.

§ Always answer the question first, and then add color through examples or anecdotes.

§ Be aware of the time limits of the interview and determine how many questions you’re expected to answer in the time allotted.

§ Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something. It’s a relatable predicament. Being relatable connects you to the interviewer and your audience and makes them more receptive.

Michelle Pollak is president of The Lollipop Tree, Inc., a design firm that specializes in luxury children’s spaces. Her

children’s furnishings line has been featured on television shows worldwide and in numerous publications. Michelle has been

profiled in prominent magazines, newspapers, and interviews, including those on Fox Business News, ABC’s 20/20, The Travel Channel, and HGTV. She served as a national speaker for the American Society of Interior Designers’ Panel of Distinguished

Speakers. She is passionate about design, sustainability, and coaching clients on public speaking and media appearances.

Michelle can be reached at her office at 843.216.6705.

Patricia Sheridan is the design and travel editor and associate editor/features at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Patricia has

interviewed more than 650 celebrities, designers, authors, politicians, and newsmakers, including Hillary Clinton, Donald

Trump, Spike Lee, Oscar De La Renta, Channing Tatum, Cher, Bradley Cooper, Ted Turner, and Diane Keaton. She regularly

attends furniture markets in the U.S. and Europe to report on the home furnishings industry. Patricia can be reached at 412.600.8834.