Delivery notes part 2: advice for non-native speakers of English and on online presentations

1. How to make speeches in a foreign language?

Many people think that speaking in a foreign language is much more difficult than doing it in your native tongue. While it certainly requires the speaker to not only prepare the content, but also the language element, it does not follow that the speech will suffer. With English being the international language of business, non-native speakers use it in many professional contexts, and use it successfully. Paradoxically, because of your little errors, the audience may identify with you more, and thanks to your exotic accent, you may be perceived as more likeable, more human. Your English may be understood better if you speak to a multinational audience. So, be prepared to take a risk and experiment with the language that is not your first one.

First of all, give yourself extra time to prepare your speech. You can specifically learn phrases to help you with the flow of the presentation (opening, closing, and linking phrases). Enrich your general vocabulary, learn terms and expressions relevant to your topic, and maybe even make a list of signposting words or phrases (first, second, third, etc.), which show your audience where you are going. Improve your pronunciation, but remember that foreign language speakers tend to speak too fast because they worry they lack the fluency, so slow down!

Second, avoid writing the speech in your first language and then translating it; you will end up with awkward or incorrect structures. You need to think in a foreign language to become really fluent in it.

Third, adapt your presentation topic to a foreign culture, if possible. Be careful when explaining ideas from your own culture, as some expressions might be offensive to other nationalities.

A good idea might be to find a native speaker willing to help you. He or she can give advice on cultural differences, polish some of your expressions, and correct the pronunciation of some words.

No matter how you approach the difficulties of speaking in a foreign language, remember that your confidence should come from your knowledge of the topic.

Finally, if you are worried that your presentation may not be understood, consider:

• using more visual aids to clarify your points;
• stopping the presentation to explain things, if the audience looks confused;
• asking the audience for help if you forget a word.

2. Presentations online

And no matter what technology you will be using for your presentation, remember that the content is more important than the form!

Let us look at the typical format used nowadays, which is a virtual meeting, conducted by means of video conferencing applications. Some of the things we need to consider are:

1. What will the camera see?
   The essential thing is to have good lighting, and the best is natural light. So during the day, try to sit facing a big window, if you can. Do not use overhead lighting or fluorescent bulbs. If you can only talk in a big room with overhead lights, bring an additional light, position it at eye level and place a sheet of paper in front of it to diffuse the light.
   
   The next thing you want to check is the angle of the camera. It should be positioned at your eye level or above, never below (raise your laptop or phone).
   
   And, thirdly, prepare the background. Do not show everybody your room (which might not be in the best order). Make it as professional as you can, and the best method is to blur the background if possible. Before going online, check whether the camera is working and what the image quality is. During your presentation assume the camera is always on.
   
   
2. Control your environment: make sure your speech will not be interrupted by someone walking into your room. Turn off other sounds (close the door to your room).
   
   
3. Prepare yourself: make sure you are dressed professionally, just as you would be when presenting face-to-face. Some women may want to use more make-up than usual, as the camera washes you out. Remember that only the upper part of your torso will be visible, so the proportions of your body in the screen will look different. At the same time, do not neglect the lower part of your body, as you may be forced to stand up during your presentation!
   
   
4. Adapt the content of your speech to the new medium. Do not use old speeches assuming they will be appropriate online as well. They most certainly will not. Keep your notes to hand if you are going to use them.
   
   
5. When online, reduce your gestures to limit distractions. Remember to maintain eye contact! Do not check your image in the meeting window, strive to look straight at the camera. Make an effort to engage with people, so be present in the moment.
   
   
6. It is hard to judge the audience reactions, as you may not be able to see them properly. However, in one-on-one meetings it is easy to see if somebody is looking at you, or whether his or her eyes are wandering around.
   
   
7. As with other forms of public speaking, check the pronunciation of important words beforehand. Use your middle pitch and a medium rate when speaking, but at a lower volume than usual. If in doubt, speak more slowly!
   

3. Public Speaking Checklist