Public Speaking for Library Professionals

Marigold Libraries’ Workshop– May 15, 2019Presented by Andrea Newland

Frequent Barriers or Reasons We Say “No!”

• I’m so nervous, I can’t even talk!• I’m not good at public speaking• I don’t know what to say• I don’t have time to prepare something interesting• What if people laugh at me?• What if I flub my lines?• What if the audience ask questions?• “Not in my job description”

Best Piece of Advice I Can Give…

They ASKED you to speak because you are the expert and you have something

to say. So share it.

The audience wants you to

SUCEED!!!

Very rarely will you experience a HOSTILE audience.

What is Confidence?

Confidence is defined “purity of action produced by a mind free of doubt.”

- Katty Kay & Claire Shipman, authors of The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance

Focus on…• The Context – It’s not about YOU but what you can

do for THEM• Developing a Strategy – what will be your

content/talking points?• The Audience – Nobody wants you to FAIL so

engage with them• Being Less Perfect – Nothing you will say will ever

be FATAL and everyone understands about equipment failure

• Being Simple – less is more and if possible, keep your talk short

• Being Flexible – allow audience to ask questions

Remember it’s two-way communication.…

What can I do to support you?

• Do you need a practice audience?• Do you need someone to bounce ideas off?• Do you need a friendly face in the crowd?• Do you need a fellow speaker?• How can I help you set up the room?• Can I help troubleshoot?• Do you want me to proofread your presentation?

Public Speaking Tips10 Most Common “Rookie” Speaking

Mistakes to Avoidhttps://nlmarcom.com/10-common-rookie-mistakes-

public-speaking/

1. Using small scale movements & gestures

2. Speaking with low energy3. Not preparing enough4. Not practicing enough5. Data centric presentations – “it’s not

always about the data!”

Public Speaking Tips

“Rookie” Mistakes to Avoid…

6. Playing it safe7. Avoiding vulnerability8. Taking oneself too seriously9. Presenting too much material10.Rushing

Public Speaking TipsOther helpful advice and tips…

• Get to the venue early to check on the setup

• Backup your presentation to the cloud, memory stick, hard drive, etc.

• Wear comfy clothes and shoes• Remember to BREATHE!!!• Always thank your audience afterwards

and leave your contact information so they can follow up with you

Check out…

The Art of Public SpeakingBy USL Training

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-public-speaking-tickets-55040568823

Toastmastershttps://www.toastmasters.org/

Networking Tips for Library Professionals

Networking Tips

• Commit to attending!• Choose a “magic number”—set a goal to speak to

a specific number of people• Arrive early to acclimatize yourself• Volunteer at an upcoming event• Organize the event yourself• Be interested, not interesting – get to know your

fellow attendees• Follow up – put your listening skills to the test

Exercise I: Networking & Public Speaking

Exercise II: Networking & Public Speaking

Wrap up, final thoughts..

Lynda.com search: public speaking

Be an authentic leader…be yourself and have fun!

Check out the benefits.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l

cL8tczuXnQThank you!