Hi,fellow LI users. I graduated from not so known law school in tier-3 city situated in Hindi belt region and am currently working in a chamber.I can write and speak decent english but when it comes to presentation of legal things I fumble, not able to express/ recall things properly and at times I even go blank on a topic which I can easily explain in hindi.I don't know whether it is content or english but I am really suffering due to this and I really want to improve my presentation skills. Any tips on how to improve would really help. Thanks in anticipation.
Not a lawyer, but can definitely resonate with you. Having graduated from a Tier 3/4 city and being an introvert, public speaking was always a challenge. One thing that has worked for me is the continuous/forced effort to push my boundaries and accept more often of such speaking opportunities. Ofcourse, you've got to start from a webinar before throwing yourself to a podium. Most important part is to practice and practice a lot! Be aware of what you are speaking and try to speak slow. This has worked with me and got me several speaking opportunities in a Tier I firm, where I am placed now. Wish you success in life and i am pretty sure you will overcome this soon. It's just a matter of time.
I have found that the following works for me (caveat: grew up a fluent English speaker, what happens to you with English happens to me with Hindi and Bengali).
1. You could possibly have 'queue cards'. Little cards or pieces of paper where you have a key word or phrase about each topic or sub-topic you will cover written down. You briefly look at each card during your presentation and it will help jog your memory.
2. Speak in front of a mirror. Time yourself. If you've got a ten minute presentation, make sure you are doing it within ten minutes. Don't rush - by speaking too fast - or slow down too much. Keep on practicing until you can say your lines within the stipulated time-limit with minimal (or no) stumbling or hesitation.
3. Record yourself a couple of times. I have found that the knowledge that I am speaking for a recording is a realistic simulation of what I will feel when speaking in front of lots of people. You'll feel the nervousness and everything. However, if you can breathe, relax your mind and body and speak calmly for the recording, you can do it in front of a live audience.
4. Try summarizing (in the target language, i.e., the language you will be delivering the presentation, English for you) the topic you'll be speaking about to someone who knows nothing about the topic, if possible - a friend or family member who has some level of familiarity with the target language. As a bonus, maybe even do a mock presentation in front of them. Again, this gives you a simulation of what the real thing will feel like. In a good scenario, if your friend or family member is fluent in the target language, they can give you some feedback on your grammar, syntax etc as well afterwards!
1. You could possibly have 'queue cards'. Little cards or pieces of paper where you have a key word or phrase about each topic or sub-topic you will cover written down. You briefly look at each card during your presentation and it will help jog your memory.
2. Speak in front of a mirror. Time yourself. If you've got a ten minute presentation, make sure you are doing it within ten minutes. Don't rush - by speaking too fast - or slow down too much. Keep on practicing until you can say your lines within the stipulated time-limit with minimal (or no) stumbling or hesitation.
3. Record yourself a couple of times. I have found that the knowledge that I am speaking for a recording is a realistic simulation of what I will feel when speaking in front of lots of people. You'll feel the nervousness and everything. However, if you can breathe, relax your mind and body and speak calmly for the recording, you can do it in front of a live audience.
4. Try summarizing (in the target language, i.e., the language you will be delivering the presentation, English for you) the topic you'll be speaking about to someone who knows nothing about the topic, if possible - a friend or family member who has some level of familiarity with the target language. As a bonus, maybe even do a mock presentation in front of them. Again, this gives you a simulation of what the real thing will feel like. In a good scenario, if your friend or family member is fluent in the target language, they can give you some feedback on your grammar, syntax etc as well afterwards!