George Jessel said “The Human brain starts working from the moment you are born and doesn’t stop until you speak in public.”

Experience in your subject, being ‘a talker’ at school, and being passionate about something does not necessarily make an impactful presentation. As a lecturer I have been treated to the tops of students heads as they grip their papers, often hearing the sound of the shaking script over their under-projected voices; as a trainer I have cringed when someone has delivered what would have been an interesting topic as a sales pitch…”Audrey, you need to hear this, because, Audrey, this will take you places…”; and as a speaker myself I have also thought — how do I revive this audience who have crumbled under death by Powerpoint?

It’s why I combined my academic understanding of psychology with my experience as a community theatre director to teach public speaking and presentations – and here’s my simple cheat sheet:

1. Walk the stage

Your presentation begins before you step on the stage. I am not just referring to the planning, but the things that you can do to build your confidence prior to the event.

While this is not an essential step, I certainly like to get a feel for the stage because — as I tell my actors — it means you can establish a sense of ownership of the space which builds confidence.

2. Check the equipment

If you have the opportunity to make sure you know how the laser pointer, or the laptop works or what microphones are used (hand held means you lose the use of one hand right there!) if you know what is or is not available, you will swiftly be able to tailor any elements as you need.

3. Know where you are sitting (prior) and use it to your advantage

Your performance starts the moment you step on stage - it doesn’t begin with your first line. Marketers will always remind us that people take 3–7 seconds to form a thin slice opinion (Thompson, 2012[1]) — this is an opinion which encapsulates an overall judgment about you, your character, your credibility and your likability — fair or not.

4. Start with a bang

…or a statistic, a quote, a story, a statement, a joke — anything that will arouse curiosity, and anything other than “Hello my name is…and I’m going to talk about…” a) They KNOW that, your host has just said it and b) They can probably read it on your first slide anyway

5. Now you’ve captured the audience, you need to maintain their interest.

This can take different formats — you choose which you prefer:

1. a) Problem/Solution

You identify the problem as something that the audience wants to solve…then present the solution as well as simple and accessible ways of implementing said solution (people are more often roused to action if they believe that they were i) part of the problem; ii) can be part of the solution; and iii) that solution is straightforward to action.

1. b) Interaction/Gimmicks/Visuals/Props

- DO NOT read your slides line by line

- Use visuals and props (including lights and sound) to enhance interest

- Try to engage the audience by getting them to reflect

- Don’t act unless you can actually pull it off!

- If you are worried about remembering everything use cue cards -have your name and website, or a key message printed on the back — it’s not just a cue card, it’s advertising.

- Make gestures meaningful – don’t just throw your arms around

6. Make an impact with your close

- Wind down with something uplifting: as with the opening, you may wish to use another story or a quote, ideally something that will inspire the audience.

- Give your details

- Re-State your call to action.

7. Follow up

- Don’t just contact the network you’ve made – take a moment to thank your hosts as well

Dr Audrey Tang is a psychologist, performance coach and founder of performing arts charity The Click Arts Foundation