Ask HN: How did you increase your conference speaking skills?

[firstSpeaker]

[hunglee2]

best advice I ever received

1. get the start right, the opening line(s) are the only ones which should be scripted and rehearsed. This just gets you and the audience into it and not allow nerves to play a part

2. follow some sort of story arc, usually three parts - problem / implication / solution

3. do it and then do it again, it is one of those skills which definitely is advanced through reps, even without consciously training the skills. You basically realise that the fears you had were irrational

good luck to all new speakers out there!

3.

[firstSpeaker → hunglee2]

Could you bring some examples of getting the start right?

[kosasbest → firstSpeaker]

I usually use memes & humor to set the stage and prime my audience.

[inphovore]

Read out loud! Develop your confidence and a steady, deliberate, practiced voice.

And have organized thoughts. Don’t be a rambler!