Speaking (In Public) for Technology Professionals

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Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, was known for his incredible public speaking skills, particularly during product launches.


I’ve noticed that many tech professionals shy away from presenting their work, often finding it far more stressful than the solutions they spent weeks building.

But, I am here to let you in on a secret:

Being able to speak in front of an audience—whether virtually or in person—will set you apart from the rest.

As Isaiah Colthrust, Content Strategist, said, "You are already an expert to somebody," so use this as a source of confidence in your next presentation.

Not to brag, but since I started this blog, I’ve been invited to speak at two virtual tech events and a podcast within a year.

And even though my sound quality was bad and I was very nervous, I got the opportunity to connect with a lot of amazing people.

I’m sharing this not to show off, but to inspire you to step outside your comfort zone and put your thoughts out there.

With that being said, here are some habits to help you become 1% better at speaking:

Warm Up Your Voice

Before stepping onto the stage or joining a virtual meeting, take five minutes to do some simple vocal exercises. It helps reduce strain, enhances clarity, and allows you to project your voice more effectively.


Change Your Intonation 

Pay attention to your intonation during conversations and presentations. Try to vary your pitch and volume to emphasize key points.


Storytelling

Share a personal anecdote or a story you've read with a friend each day. This will help you practice structuring a narrative and engaging your audience.


Body Language

Practice your body language in front of a mirror or record yourself speaking. Pay attention to your posture, gestures, and facial expressions.


By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can gradually improve your public speaking skills and become more confident and effective in communicating your ideas.


Resources

5-Minute Vocal Warm Up

Talk Like Ted: Book

Public Speaking Course



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