Public Speaking

During campaiging you may need to public speak in front of different audiences, whether this is at a Candidate Questions or just pitching to voters on social media or in-person. 

Running in an election can be daunting, but it can also be a great way to learn new skills and have fun. We've seen some brilliant examples of public speaking in the past and everyone has a different style.

We've put together a pre-recorded online workshop to help you find the best ways you can reach students and what you can do to get them to vote for you.

We've also put together some top tips to help you prepare: 

Nervousness Is Normal. Practice and Prepare!

  • All people feel some physiological reactions like pounding hearts and trembling hands. Do not associate these feelings with the sense that you will perform poorly or make a fool of yourself. Some nerves are good. The adrenaline rush that makes you sweat also makes you more alert and ready to give your best performance.

The best way to overcome nerves is to prepare.

  • Take the time to go over your notes several times. Once you have become comfortable with the material, practice—a lot. Videotape yourself or get a friend to critique your performance.

Know Your Audience. Your Speech Is About Them, Not You.

  • Before you begin to craft your message, consider who the message is intended for. Learn as much about your listeners as you can. This will help you determine your choice of words, level of information, organisation pattern, and motivational statement.

Let Your Personality Come Through.

  • Be yourself, don’t become a talking head—in any type of communication. You will establish better credibility if your personality shines through, and your audience will trust what you have to say if they can see you as a real person.

We will be running an in-person public speaking workshop at 3PM-4PM on Wednesday 4th October in the Third Floor Meeting Room in the Saw See Hock Building. If you have any questions please contact us at su.representation@lse.ac.uk. 

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