Notes on public speaking

Until now I already had a few talks in public. Combining with the books I read and the theory in Vu's class, I would like to note down here some ways that work for me on how to calm myself and prepare for a good speech/presentation.

On mental preparation:

I strongly believe in God so the mantras give me more strength and energy

• Mantra: I can do all things through God that strengthenth me.
• Mantra: God is with me, God is helping me, God is guiding me through.
• Mantra: I'm doing this in Love and Service for God. Some mantras work some times but not the other times. Choose what works best for a particular time.

On public speaking:

• You're here because you have something to offer, give it all to them and let the result decided by God.
•  Understand that you are imperfect, you may make mistakes, but be brave, throw your heart out there and be seen, be transparent.
• Your English may not be perfect, your accent may not be native. But leave your fear and speak your heart out.
• You have many stories to tell and your stories are worth sharing.
• You're a human and you're vulnerable, don't be scared to reveal it. Share your success, but remember to share your struggle, share your pain, share your emotion and feeling too.
• You are here to inspire people and make them step out of their comfort zone, so be the role model.
• The audience want you to succeed. They want to have fun and they want to love you. So why not showing them who you are and what they want to see.
• You're going to be in the UN General Assembly one day to present your ideas to save the world. This event is nothing compared to that.
• Always be your self, but be your best self.

On practice:

• Brainstorming the speech using Vu's technique: understanding the audience, focusing on the target, preparing the speech on a paper and write down all the ideas.
• Practice the talk in front of the mirror to see my face expression.
• Practice in front of a close person to get feedback.

At the event:

• Look at the audience deeply to increase the connection.
• Using the PREP to explain the ideas or answer to the question.
• Take a long pause before giving speech, using that time to recite mentally the introduction of the speech.
• Begin and end the talk impressively.
• Focusing on the Energy, the Speed, the Volume and the Pause in your Voice.
• Make people laugh, people cannot hate the person who makes them laugh. (Need to improve my humor in the long term and collect more comic materials).

Practice makes perfect. It's not rocket science.