Public Speaking Etiquette

Speaker's Corner in Toronto
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Return to Unit 11, Listen to This! of the SPD 100 Course Guide

Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.

Eric Hoffer

Speaking Etiquette Listening Etiquette
Come prepared to give your talk. It is an insult to your audience to expect them to listen to you make it up as you go along. Arrive on time and get settled before the speaker is introduced and begins talking.
Never talk past your allotted time. Speak no longer than your audience is willing to listen. It is a cardinal sin to go overtime. Wait until the speaker is finished to open your book bag, purse, or briefcase. Further, do not gather your belongings until the talk is completed.
Please don't talk about your allergies, your cold symptoms, or your hot flashes before or during your talk. Go easy on the perfume. Some people are allergic to cologne, smoke, and after-shave.
Be prepared for things to go wrong. Expect that a piece of technology might not work for you. Expect that there will be unusually heavy traffic the evening of your presentation. Plan for the unexpected so that you have contingency options. Feedback to the presenter must be constructive. If you have been asked to provide feedback, consider carefully the positive aspects of the presentation and your recommendations for enhancing it in the future.
Dress for success. Demonstrate that you have respect for yourself and your audience. Men should wear a collared shirt and long slacks. No jeans, no tennis shoes or flip flops, and no sweatshirts or tee-shirts, please. Your audience will be similarly distracted by too much make-up, cleavage, short skirts, and stained clothing. Do not enter or leave the room during a presentation.
Turn off all pagers, cell phones, and beepers. If you must receive an incoming message, please turn it to vibrate.
Never eat while a speaker is talking. Wait until the presentation is complete.
Face your audience and project your voice so that all can see and hear you. Be sure that your visual support is legible and easy to decipher. Show that you are listening by facing and looking at the speaker.
Copyright 2001-2003
Contact Nan Peck at npeck@nvcc.edu
Updated September 21, 2006