This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Norbs' Notes
In 2024, I attended an event for Software Engineers where I delivered a 30-minute speech, participated in a 20-30-minute interview, and also gave a 5-minute Toastmasters speech. These opportunities helped me refine my speaking skills, gain more confidence, and develop a better understanding of public speaking. Now, I’m going to share some of the key lessons I learned last year.
Overprepare - Preparation is key. Even a complete beginner can give a life-changing speech if they put an immense amount of practice into it.
Practice it as if you were already giving the speech: Don’t just sit there and read your prompt. Stand up, use your voice, and move your body as if your audience were already sitting in front of you.
- Be like a snail - Talk veeeeery slow. Don't worry, it won't sound stupid.
- Overpronounce — Exaggerating your pronunciation helps improve clarity and makes it easier for your audience to follow along. It also forces you to slow down, giving your speech a more deliberate, confident rhythm. Don’t worry — it won’t sound unnatural. What feels exaggerated to you often sounds just right to your listeners.Don't be afraid to pause - It helps your audience process information
- Don't try to pack everything into one speech - I tried to do this with my first 5-minute speech. It was a clusterfuck.
- It's much easier to talk about topics (that) your audience is interested in - The audience wants to get something from you. It great to see how much they appreciate it when you give them a piece of information that's useful to them. (Funny story: One guy constantly brought me food and drinks because I was the "speaker.")
- Remember: The speech is for your audience — you're just the host.Set an intention to "open"—Before you worry about what others think of you, Don't try to look cool, pretty, or smart. Just be open. Have an open mindset, ready to connect with your audience.
- Memorize bullet points: Instead of (or after) memorizing your whole speech, memorize the key points of your speech.
Use the "Oreo" method:
- Start with something positive – Like the top of an Oreo cookie. Begin. with a compliment or positive point to set a positive tone.
- Present the core content or critical feedback – This is the filling, where you deliver your main message, share constructive feedback, or address the core topic.
- End with another positive or encouraging point – The bottom cookie wraps it up with a motivational or optimistic note, leaving a good final impression.
Reframe nerves as excitement — Instead of focusing on fear, try to shift your mindset and view the adrenaline as excitement. This can help reframe the way you approach your presentation.Breathe deeply — Slow, deep breaths before and during your talk can help calm your nerves and center your mind.
How to be less shy when speaking publicly:
- Destroy the pedestal: Don't put anyone on a pedestal - the only difference between you and them is the amount of time they practiced.
- You have nothing to prove: "The most certain sign of wisdom is cheerfulness."
- Labels are for food: "Shy" is just a label. You are under no obligation to be the same person you were five minutes ago.
And Focus on your message, not yourself
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Norbs' Notes
Norbs' Notes | Sciencx (2025-01-10T22:33:48+00:00) Public Speaking: Tips and Insights from My 2024 Experience as a Software Engineer. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/01/10/public-speaking-tips-and-insights-from-my-2024-experience-as-a-software-engineer/
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