Have a big presentation? Learn to ice the cake; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 6/21/16

Matthew Gutierrez, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Have a big presentation? Learn to ice the cake:

"On channeling nervousness...

Mr. English has taught public speaking for 15 years, yet he still gets “painfully” nervous before speaking to large groups. To lessen the nerves, he meditates, spending a few moments to be alone in his thoughts. He thinks of each speech as an opportunity to share something cool with his friends. Lowering the stakes makes the occasion more manageable...

On engaging your audience

Whether you’ve got a one-on-one talk or a speech in front of 400 people, think storytelling. Stories are powerful because they combine data and information with emotion. “The way to a person’s head is through their heart,” Mr. Carter said. “People buy into emotion.”

Stories paint even the most complex of topics in a new light. They can portray something new and enhance the message. Sometimes all it takes is a few seconds to connect an audience member with a story, Mr. English said."