This is the first instalment of jobpostings.ca's three-part series exploring public speaking. Next week, we explore how to effectively write for speeches, interviews and presentations.

In the opening anecdote of Quiet, the introvert manifesto that became a surprise New York Times best-seller, author Susan Cain describes one of her greatest fears: Public speaking. But her story—which had Cain presenting in a pressure-packed courtroom, drawing on her previous experience as a lawyer—was chosen deliberately. For one, public-speaking is a near-universal experience, something we touch upon with every job interview, Powerpoint presentation and meeting. That, and the fear can be derived from a host of social phobias, from introversion to speech anxiety. And then, there's the myth that globally, public speaking is our population's number one fear—even over death. (We weren't able to discover any studies confirming it, though.)

Statistics aside, however, this much is true: Many of us don't enjoy public speaking. But that fear, says Pamela Hart, a Vancouver-area public speaking coach who developed the Release Your Voice program, can be managed. Mastered, even.

"When it comes to public speaking, I think most people fear the lack of control," says Hart. "It's also the fear of the unknown—people are scared that others think they don't know what they're talking about. They don't know what their intentions [for public speaking] are, and they don't know what they want people to walk away with when they're finished speaking."

Indeed, much of Release Your Voice is about preparation—and being in control when speaking publicly. Understanding your audience and their expectations, Hart says, will help you manage the stress that accompanies public speaking. "You still want that bit of nervousness," she says. "I recently worked with some Canadian Armed Forces [members], and there's a concept they talk about: There's a point where adrenaline and cortisol—it's a stress hormone—work for you. You think faster, you can see better, and your senses are much more acute. You want to be at that point."

But before harnessing that energy, she says, you have to learn to master the art of presentation. Here are four tips she shared.
 

Tip 1: Pick three key messages
Chances are, if you've been asked to interview for a job, you've been selected for your qualifications. But while you'll want to share your accolades, don't go overboard with every minute detail. "People speak too long, and they frequently give too much detail," says Hart. "You have to ask yourself: What are my key messages? Generally, in 40 minute presentations, people walk away with three messages.

"People are so nervous, they want their [audiences to know] to know everything. But that's the biggest way to lose them. You need to figure out why your audience is there, and what they've come to hear. Nothing engages people more than giving them what they expected."

And if you don't? "They tune out." 
 

Tip 2: The one-second rule for eye contact
We know it's rude to stare at people on the subway, but in public speaking situations, or job interviews, it's necessary. "In North America, if you don't make eye contact with us, we don't trust you. And you have to establish trust with your audience. People, when they get nervous, just kind of glance at people's heads. But when you're not looking at people, they have no reason to look at you. Why would they?"

She laughs. "I have a one-second rule. If you have a small audience—say, between three and 20 people—I look people in the eye, and count 'one-one-thousand.' And I talk to them."
 

Tip 3: Body language: fake it 'til you make it
Call it shallow. Call it deceptive. Call it any of the less-than-savoury adjectives usually saved for politicians and lawyers. But even if you're not comfortable, your body language should project confidence. "You want to walk into the room feeling like you're in command of yourself—and the room," says Hart. "People make a snap decision about you. When someone looks at you, 90 per cent of what see is your non-verbal behaviour… So you have to establish your body language, especially during interviews."

We ask her to elaborate. "If you walk into the room slumped over, not holding yourself tall, without a firm handshake—you've basically lost them. Immediately. Have good posture, make good eye contact, make sure your gestures are suited to what your saying. Keep your shoulders back and down, your head parallel to the floor, and establish that you're comfortable. Then they'll actually listen to the words you say."

Do the ends justify the means? Well, if your interview scores you a job, we're guessing that answer is "yes."
 

Tip 4: There's no 'I' in team
Finally, when we ask Hart for her ultimate presentation tip, she leaves us with this. "Remember: It's not about you. It's about the audience, and the message you want to communicate to them. People are so focused on themselves that they don't focus on who they're speaking to, and why it should matter to them."

And if it doesn't, leave it out of your presentation. So, what do you think: were these tips helpful?

Next week: Pamela Hart's tips on writing for presentations and interviews. Find out more about the Release Your Voice program here.