How You Project

"So can we count on you to speak at our incoming Freshman Open House?." Gulp. I was deemed “the marketing one” albeit an honor, it still left me feeling uneasy.

I'm that person that will raise my hand and say, confidently, “I can do it” however when push comes to shove. I can't respectably speak in public. My eyes seem to pick that one wall spot, and if I do make eye contact, it's with one person, almost as if I've imprinted for the duration of the probably less then five-minute speech that feels like forevveeerrrr.

The ability to compose a good talk is a gift, one that is often the brains behind many a gifted orator, but the ability to deliver is almost like a performance, it's a feat.

I've been to many a speech/presentation to at least know the key ingredients for what makes a great speech.

An essential marketing principle is that people don't like to feel sold to, so when speaking, tell them a story instead of going for "the kill." Allow them to infer the point stressed; that personal aha moment will make them feel engaged. “People do not buy goods & services. They buy relations, stories & magic” – Seth Godin.
That's another one, ENGAGE. Depending on the nature of the talk, but everyone likes their opinion heard. If you include the audience and keep them actively engaged this will keep everyone on their toes, the orator included.
Start with a funny. Whether it's you being fresh and humble, the infamous "I'm so nervous" or saying something smuggy (smug funny) about the political climate, have a sharp opening remark that will grab the crowds attention and keep them listening for more.
Fundamentally, when public speaking, prepare. Some words that may read beautifully on paper won't sound as sharp when delivering; (think a lot of syllables and alliteration) practice the day before. Read it over five times, three with yourself to get comfortable with the way everything sounds and twice in front of an audience. Plus reading aloud is one of the best ways to embed information in memory.
Part of memory retention is to write everything out; this is why in high school, instead of "actively studying" I would type up all my notes and read it aloud a couple of times. When speaking, the key to a good speaker is someone who smiles and knows how to make every audience member feel as if they're having a one on one conversation. Have a set of typed notes equipped with all the highlighted bullet points to the "impromptu anecdotes" but try not to read from the paper. It's a point of reference to what should be a seemingly organic conversation.
You know how they say shake hands with a firm grip? When getting up to the podium, walk as if for the next duration of time you own this stage, because you do! Exude confidence in your ability, and the audience will pick up on that energy simultaneously. And if the spirit is pseudo? Fake it till you make it.
This is to quote Batya’s father a”h “DON’T BE SELFISH!.” You’re speaking because you have something to offer the audience. If you’re feeling nervous, don’t let that dictate how you present, it’s a disservice to the crowd. Be present and project yourself fully.
A practical takeaway I learned from Public Speaking 101 is to squeeze your knuckles and toes and then release; supposedly the literal act will figuratively release pent-up energy.
There's a reason that Psychology Today deemed "public speaking as a most feared phobia, more than death." It sounds harsh but it’s true. However take note in the fact that either, you have made the initiative to deliver a speech, or someone recognized the potential within you- either way, this individual sounds like a force to be reckoned with, so get up there and speak!