Ruby Huang Young Actuaries Program [email protected]

Improving Your Public Speaking Skills

ublic speaking, in the eyes of many young preparation and checking of all operational matters actuaries, is on the ‘to-improve’ list and requires gives you peace of mind and therefore increases your both ongoing effort and practice to develop. focus during the delivery of your speech. P The need to stand in front of a big crowd also does not make it any easier. However, as the actuarial During your speech profession evolves over time, the demand for this soft • get in front of the lectern – be the centre of the stage skill is increasing. and have people’s full attention; To provide members with a good forum to learn • do not overload the audience with information – and to get inspired to practise this skill, Melbourne YAP allow time for the audience to digest information invited Barry Rafe, the former President of the Actuaries during your speech; Institute, to give a presentation on Monday 28 July. • entertain the audience – people are only drawn to The presentation highlighted how to make good public your speech if they are interested or curious, so take speeches. Barry has rich experience in delivering effective the audience through a lens that makes the matter public speaking and has had years of experience as a interesting whilst you highlight the key take-aways; stand-up comedian, the ultimate test to the skills of • use humour smartly – do not attack your audience public speaking and performing. Barry stepped onto the and avoid politically sensitive topics; and stand-up comedy stage as a challenge he set for himself • lead the audience with your body language – do not to help conquer his fear of public speaking. give conflicting messages between your verbal and This fear resonates with many young actuaries who body languages. are not long out of university and find it uncomfortable speaking in front of a large crowd of people. Knowing Ongoing development that Barry shared the same experience and has now • always ask for feedback – focus on the constructive progressed to become such a successful public speaker feedback and improve on those areas; was therefore very inspiring for many to hear. • never decline an opportunity to speak – give it a go As well as being inspirational, Barry’s speech was and you may be surprised at how much you get out of extremely practical for young actuaries. Tips we heard it; and from Barry throughout the night included: • take / create as many opportunities as possible to practise – you will only improve. Before your speech • practise without slides and notes – doing this Barry’s presentation instigated a lot of interest from the removes your safety net but at the same time allows audience, as demonstrated throughout the Q&A session. you to talk more naturally and to have more eye Questions from the audience reflected the challenges contact with your audience; young actuaries are facing. • do not memorise sentences – instead, memorise the The key take-away from the evening was that there is structure and key messages that fall under that. This no right or wrong way to deliver the message so long as aids the flow of your speech without hindering your you are prepared and have enough trust in yourself. All delivery of messages; that is left to do is to perform on the stage! • dress appropriately – never under-dress. First The Young Actuaries Program runs a number of events impression counts; and in Melbourne including evening speaker sessions and • be prepared – allow sufficient time before the networking lunches. For more information please contact presentation to familiarise yourself with the me via the email address above. environment and sound check the equipment –

October 2014 Actuaries 45