Many supervisors and managers in the water industry will need to speak before a group in various capacities. Here are 3 ways to improve your public speaking.

“Leaders have an important responsibility to engage proactively with stakeholders and community decision makers, promote the utility as a valued, competent, and trustworthy environmental steward and community asset, and collaborate with external partners (including new and nontraditional partners, like the agricultural sector).” - Effective Utility Management: A Primer for Water and Wastewater Utilities

First, identify your audience and clarify your message. Second, organize your thoughts and create an outline. Third, rehearse on your own and learn from others.

1. Identify your Audience and Clarify your Message

Preparation is key, and preparation begins with identifying your audience. Ask yourself these questions.

• What do you know about your audience?
• What do they care about?
• What’s important to them?
• Do they have any misconceptions about your topic?

One person speaking to a large crowd is in a unique position – you have the attention of many people and the power to get ideas across that will change mindsets and behavior on a large scale. It is therefore important to consider how you phrase things and ensure you have a clear message to communicate.

2. Organize your thoughts and Create an outline

An outline serves as a map that will keep you on track. While it is good to maintain eye contact with your listeners, it is just fine to have notes and it is fine to glance at an outline to ensure that you stay on topic. Just don’t read a script or hide behind your notes. Remember, public speaking is a conversation, and you must engage with the audience.

3.  Rehearse on Your Own and Learn from Others

The saying goes, “Practice makes perfect”, but we should say, “Practice makes Permanent”. It’s a common thing to hear in sports that “You play like you practice,” so be sure you are practicing properly. Practice good habits. When you practice on your own, be sure that you:

• Stand up straight to show that you are confident and so that you have good breath support for your voice.
• Speak clearly and project your voice (without shouting) so that the audience will be able to hear you.
• Look out to the (imaginary) audience so that you can connect with the real audience and read their reactions.

Learn from others by finding good speakers and emulating them. Video yourself presenting something and compare it to speakers you enjoy listening to and find ways to improve. You can also take classes or join a group such as Toastmasters to learn from others and practice.

I hope these tips help with your public speaking. As with anything, developing good public speaking skills takes work. By following these steps, you will be able to prepare and practice effectively so that you set your self up for success.

Learn more about water utility leadership and management by reading more or downloading the Effective Utility Management PDF document.