Presenting with Confidence
Public Speaking and Presentation Delivery for Researchers
2.5 hours, online or in person
Strong presentation content is only one part of an effective research presentation. How researchers physically and verbally deliver their work can significantly influence impact and audience engagement, as well as the speaker’s own confidence, particularly in high-pressure contexts such as conferences, teaching, vivas or public engagement events.
This workshop explores the physical and embodied elements of public speaking and presentation delivery. We will begin by rethink common assumptions about presenting, shifting away from viewing presentations solely as events of judgement or performance, towards approaches grounded in dialogue, knowledge exchange and audience connection.
Topics explored include:
- managing stage fright and presentation anxiety
- understanding the role of the nervous system in public speaking
- physical delivery skills including vocal delivery, pacing and body language
- how to use slides and props effectively
The session also explores different presentation delivery styles, including scripted, semi-structured and more spontaneous approaches, helping participants identify methods that best support their presenting style and preferences. Finally, the session considers the Q&A component of speaking events, sharing strategies that will support participants to respond to tricky questions with greater confidence and ease.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the session, participants will have learned:
- alternative ways of approaching presentations that reduce performance anxiety and strengthen audience connection
- how the nervous system can influence confidence, anxiety and communication during presentations
- practical strategies for managing stage fright and speaking anxiety
- techniques for improving vocal delivery, pacing, body language and audience engagement
- how to identify presentation delivery styles and preparation methods that best support their communication strengths
- approaches for responding to audience questions with greater confidence and composure