Harrington’s Top Tips, Tricks, and Tactics for Public Speaking

Public speaking is less about inherent skill and more about mindset. It’s about using your voice to share ideas, whether you’re giving a keynote, leading a workshop, or presenting to a board. The key to success is realizing that you are simply a vessel for a bigger idea - once you accept that, the pressure of being the "center of attention" starts to fade, allowing you to focus on delivering the message instead of worrying about how you’re perceived.

I studied communications in school, and public speaking, rhetoric, and dialogue were core components of my education. Back then, I didn’t love speaking in front of people, but I knew I had to get comfortable with it. I made a commitment early on in my journey: whenever the opportunity for a public speaking engagement arose - whether it was a class presentation, committee intro, or extracurricular activity - I took it. It was part of my strategy to overcome the fear many of us face when speaking in public.

As a leader, you will inevitably have to speak publicly, and likely at multiple points in your career. Whether you’re addressing a small roundtable or delivering a keynote to thousands, mastering public speaking is crucial. I encourage you to embrace this skill and approach public speaking as a must-have skill for your career.

Harrington’s Recommendations:

1. Commit to Learning Public Speaking: There’s no shortcut to becoming a great public speaker. Commit yourself fully to the process. Sign up for speaking opportunities, show up, and practice. Whether it’s a formal presentation or a casual conversation, put yourself out there.

2. Seek Out Public Speaking Opportunities: Look for every chance to speak in front of people. Whether it’s volunteering to read to a class or stepping up to give a toast at a family gathering, practice is key. Getting used to the bodily sensations, like sweaty palms, shortening breath and the rapid heartbeat before speaking (we all get these - still!), will make those feelings feel less intimidating over time.

3. Focus on Conversation, Not Memorization: Avoid the trap of memorizing your speech word-for-word. Focus on the conversation you want to have with your audience. Public speaking is about engaging in dialogue, not reciting a script. Structure your talk as a story you’re telling a friend, with the main points as your guide. Use a few bullet points to stay on track, but avoid excessive notes.

4. Know Your Content Inside and Out: Before thinking about adding flair or using flashy visuals, ensure you know your material. The foundation of good public speaking is confidence in the subject matter. Once you’re comfortable with the content, you can add creative elements like compelling statistics or relevant videos. But remember, it's better to be classy than flashy.

5. Use the 5 Ps for Structuring Your Talk: Frame your presentation using the 5 Ps to give it structure and clarity:

• Purpose: Clearly state why your audience should listen to you.

• Picture: People remember images more than words. Use metaphors or examples that stick.

• Plan: Keep the message simple. Limit it to three or four key ideas to make it memorable.

• Performance Measure: Define what success looks like and how it will be measured.

• Part: Conclude with a specific call to action that moves the concept forward.

6. Read Aloud and Mimic Great Speakers: Start by reading aloud - anything from books to manuals - to become comfortable with your own voice. Also, watch great speakers and mimic their style. For example, if you admire how someone like George Clooney engages with his audience and comes across as approachable, try incorporating some of those techniques into your own presentations (pauses, smile, warm eyes, handcuff straighten). This can help make you feel more relatable and confident. Practicing aloud refines your pronunciation, enunciation, and overall delivery.

Pro Tip: Sometimes, I find it helpful to think of myself as an actor. The "Matt" I present on stage isn't the same as the one I am at home or in private. When I step up to speak, I embrace a performance mindset putting on a show and taking on a different persona. This shift can help lower the imposter syndrome feeling by playing a “role” to deliver an important message effectively.

7. Start Small and Work Your Way Up: Start by delivering shorter speeches or briefings - 3-5 minutes. As you grow more confident, aim for longer presentations of 15-20 minutes, and eventually work up to a full hour. The key is gradual improvement. Take note of what went well and where you can improve. As a younger trainer, I remember the moment I had to transition from giving two-hour presentations to flying out to Chicago for a multi-day, 8-hour-a-day training with a construction company. I had to break the presentation into shifts and refine many elements to ensure it all came together seamlessly for the larger training. We’re all growing and no one is a complete master of this craft!

8. Prepare, Don’t Just Practice: Preparation reduces nerves. In fact, being well-prepared can eliminate up to 70% of your anxiety. Don’t just practice in your head - rehearse your speech out loud. It’s important that the first time you speak your words isn’t in front of an audience.

9. Be Approachable: Engage with your audience before you even start speaking. Greet attendees as they enter the room, learn a bit about them, and create a connection. This warms up the room and makes you feel less like you’re speaking to a sea of blank faces, easing any pre-presentation nerves.

10. Engage Your Audience: The days of one-sided presentations are over. Engage your audience and make them a part of the conversation. Encourage questions, ask for input, and create an interactive environment. This makes the experience more dynamic and allows you to take a break from speaking while keeping the energy high.

11. Embrace Feedback: Feedback is essential for growth. It may not always be easy to hear, but it’s necessary for improvement. Whether it’s from a video review of your presentation or from a colleague, use feedback to refine your skills.

12. Show Time: Create a ritual before every presentation or public speaking event. Repeating this routine helps signal to your brain that it’s time to shift into “speaker mode.” For me, my mentor taught me to go into a private room, gather my thoughts, and lightly tap my chest with my palm while saying "Show Time." It’s a simple but powerful way to mentally prepare. Additionally, a public speaking professor once recommended washing our hands before speaking as a symbolic act of washing away any nerves and transforming into a polished, confident speaker. I've incorporated both of these rituals into my routine. So, if you see me slip away for a few moments right before a talk, you’ll know exactly what I’m doing!

Public speaking can be daunting, but with practice, it becomes a powerful tool that can elevate your leadership and communication skills. Embrace these tips, and remember: every great speaker was once a nervous beginner.