SELF-IMPROVEMENT
If I can do it, you can too.
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Who isn’t intimidated by public speaking? Anyone who has gone through it would agree: “It is an unforgettable experience, especially the first time.” What about my experience? How did I reach the level of becoming a “Keynote Speaker”? Here’s my journey.
Even though my first job was as a lecturer, many would assume that speaking in public would come naturally to me, given that teaching involves daily presentations to students.
However, lecturing in front of students and speaking to a broader audience at an international conference are profoundly different experiences.
In my case, delivering lectures to students, speaking at significant international conferences, or appearing on TV required solid confidence.
Building self-esteem and confidence and overcoming fear had to be a step-by-step process.
Without these experiences, I might never have dared to appear on a live TV show.
Stages I Went Through
Here are the stages I underwent in my journey to becoming a proficient public speaker:
Lectures at the University Level
- Initially, my audience was just students, which helped me hone my basic presentation skills.
Participating in Domestic and International Conferences (Technical)
- Presenting at these events enhanced my ability to communicate complex ideas succinctly.
Invited Lectures Domestically and Internationally
- These opportunities broadened my horizons and exposed me to diverse audiences.
Keynote Addresses
- Delivering keynote speeches was a significant milestone that tested my ability to engage and inspire larger audiences.
Panel Moderator
- Moderating discussions taught me to think on my feet and facilitate meaningful conversations.
Panel Member (Scripted and Unscripted)
- Participating in panels improved my ability to articulate thoughts clearly and respond to impromptu questions.
YouTube Channel Contributions
- Creating content for YouTube offered me a platform to refine my message and deliver it to digital audiences.
TV Program Segment
- Appearing on pre-recorded TV segments helped me get comfortable with cameras and studio environments.
Radio Programs
- Radio appearances sharpened my vocal delivery and timing.
Live TV Show
- Live television was the ultimate test of my ability to maintain composure and engage with the audience and the hosts in real time.
Overcoming Confidence Issues in Public Speaking
Here’s how I tackled confidence issues when facing the public:
Tailoring PowerPoint Slides
- Designing slides that resonate with the audience’s tastes (graphics and content) is crucial.
Choosing Engaging Topics
- I focus on finding topics that captivate and hold the audience’s attention.
Delving into Current Issues
- Staying informed on contemporary issues makes your content relevant and engaging.
Frequent Practice
- Regularly giving speeches is vital to building and maintaining confidence.
Engaging with the Audience
- Making eye contact and speaking directly to each individual creates a personal connection.
Creating Mind Maps
- Developing mind maps helps in connecting various aspects of the topic coherently.
Early Preparation
- Preparing weeks in advance allows for thorough research and practice.
Updating Slides
- I continually refine my PowerPoint slides until the last minute to ensure they’re current and impactful.
Arriving Early
- Mingling with attendees before the presentation helps establish a rapport and eases nerves.
Relating Topics to the Conference Theme
- I ensure my speeches align with the overarching theme for coherence and relevance.
Being Casual and Storytelling
- Adopting a relaxed demeanor and incorporating storytelling makes the presentation more engaging and relatable.
Injecting Humor
- A bit of humor can lighten the atmosphere and make the speech more memorable.
Throughout my journey, I learned that effective public speaking requires understanding your material and your audience and how to connect with them meaningfully.
By breaking down the process into manageable steps and continuously seeking opportunities to speak, I transformed the daunting task of public speaking into an enjoyable and fulfilling aspect of my career.
Whether addressing a small seminar or delivering a keynote at a large conference, the core principles of preparation, engagement, and genuine interaction have been my keys to success.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 