The right message delivered in an impactful way can change someone’s life. And when it comes to sharing environmental messages, effective public speaking can go even further and change the planet.
However, it’s challenging to capture an audience’s attention, especially in an era when attention spans are shorter than ever. You often have only a few seconds before someone decides to pay attention or tune you out.
The good news is that public speaking skills and best practices work just as well for conservationists who are trying to make a difference. By implementing public speaking strategies and adapting them to your specific audience and setting, you can share impactful messages that inspire change.
For many people, the first hurdle in creating an impactful speech is having the courage to talk at all. Public speaking is one of the most common fears in the US. How can you overcome it?
There are many different strategies you can try. First, ensure you prepare carefully for your speech, but don’t memorize. Instead, focus on talking points so you can keep the presentation on track.
Practice speaking without anyone around. Record yourself and then listen to how it sounds. This allows you to find the right speed for speaking. After all, it’s common to talk too fast when you’re nervous. You should also identify filler words you often use.
Speak in front of a mirror so you can observe your nonverbal communication. Practice standing confidently and not swaying or pacing. Of course, the best way to overcome fear of speaking is to simply do it! You’ll find out it’s not so bad after all, especially when you’re making a difference for the planet.
While many people choose to speak in auditoriums, many times an environmental message is better delivered and received in a natural setting. When surrounded by trees, near a wildlife refuge, or anywhere in nature, your audience can connect with the topic more concretely.
Speaking in a natural setting also allows you to draw examples from what’s going on around you. For example, you can ask the audience to listen to the birds and think about what it would be like if those sounds weren’t there anymore.
However, choosing a natural setting for public speaking also has some unique challenges. The weather can be unpredictable, it may be more challenging to set up a sound system, and some elements of nature, like gnats and mosquitos, may be unwelcome.
As you spend time outside, both speaking and simply enjoying nature, be sure to protect your health. Understand your abilities and limitations regarding your fitness level and balance.
Ensure that you’ve also researched the area so you and your audience won’t get lost or frustrated in finding the right location. Plan for the weather, too. Wear sunscreen to protect your skin, and have a backup plan if conditions become severe.
With a bit of planning and research, you can choose outdoor speaking locations that will enhance your speech’s impact and relevance.
In 2016, Hillary Clinton was widely criticized for wearing an expensive Armani jacket while speaking about income inequality. This highlights the importance of ensuring that your clothing matches your message.
Given that you may be speaking outdoors, it’s important to dress seasonally but stylishly with clothes that back up your environmental message. If it’s cold, that may mean a well-insulated jacket and high-quality boots. In warmer weather, consider lightweight fabrics, UV protection, and breathable shoes.
You should also choose brands with commitments to sustainability and protecting the environment. The brand you wear can distract from your message if it doesn’t align with what you’re saying.
While environmentalism can be a serious topic, it’s important to make your speech engaging and use moments of humor to break the tension.
For example, you can show funny side-by-side pictures of a bald eagle from its side profile (very regal) and from the front (quite silly) to demonstrate that your perspective on a situation makes a difference.
You can also encourage audience participation by asking for a few volunteer listeners to share stories about instances where they saw a specific environmental problem or took action on an ecological issue. When the audience members share stories, it makes the topic more relatable for the rest of the listeners.
Another engaging idea is to create an environmental quiz, divide the audience into two parts, and have them compete. This works better if you include humor and/or impactful images in the questions.
Helping people understand the impact of their behavior and influencing them to change is essential if we’re going to have a beautiful planet to pass down to our children and grandchildren. By speaking about these topics, you’re helping impact the future.
Working on your speaking skills, choosing the right environment and wardrobe, and using humor and audience engagement will all make your talks more effective. Being relaxed and having fun yourself will also help your audience relax and be more receptive to your message.
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