Does your heart race or your palms sweat when you think about public speaking? You’re not alone. Most people experience some degree of fear regarding public speaking.

But public speaking is a key skill you need—and you can learn. All library staff should be advocates who can talk publicly about the library’s value.

This is the third story in our four-part series on effective communication. The goal is to help library staff build clear, confident communication skills they can use every day—whether speaking, writing, or presenting—with different audiences that have different needs.

Your experience counts

Many library staff lead story times, afterschool programs, or book clubs but don’t see themselves as speakers. The good news:  those are public speaking skills—just build on them!

The first step is to know your audience and purpose, which has been a common theme in all articles in the series.  Is the setting formal or casual? Are you solo or on a panel? In-person or virtual? Why are you speaking? Is it to promote a levy or kick off summer reading?  Different audiences need different tones.

Preparation helps calm nerves

Then prepare. Preparation matters. Outline your content with key points and details.  Match your content to your time and cut or adjust as needed. Rehearse early and often to build confidence.

Test your setup if you can. Become familiar with your notes but don’t memorize—it can sound stilted.

Plan for tech issues. Save files in multiple places and bring backups. Think through possible questions and how you’ll answer them.  Repeat questions if you need a moment to think.

Create a “Library Speaker Kit” that includes a script, talking points, handouts, resource lists, tech reminders and swag. Update it annually to keep it relevant.

Remember that nerves are normal and mean you care.  To calm down, try deep breathing or visualizing a strong, smooth talk.  That should help. Also, arrive early to get comfortable and to practice.  Remind yourself of your expertise and experience.

Communicating your content

Start strong to hook your audience and steady yourself. Stories are compelling and memorable—use them at the start and throughout your talk.  Remember to state your purpose early. Humor can be tricky  so use it carefully.

For your delivery,  stand tall, make eye contact, and smile. Speak slowly and clearly  and use notes if needed.  Plan how you’ll track time—phone timer or a helper. Check pronunciation ahead of time.

Repeat key points to make them stick.  Group ideas in threes—it helps people remember.

Many presenters like Guy Kawasaki’s  10-20-30 rule: 10 slides, 20 minutes, 30-point font. It’s a straightforward, useful guideline.

Add simple interaction to keep people engaged and give yourself a breather. It can be as simple as a quick show of hands or an online poll.

Keep accessibility in mind.  Use clear language, strong visuals, and large, high-contrast text.  For in-person events, consider seating, captions, and printed copies. Run through a similar checklist for virtual events.

And finally, wrap up your talk with key takeaways and a clear closing that includes a memorable statement, a call to action, and a heartfelt thank-you.

Keep improving

Everyone can get better at public speaking. To do so, watch other speakers and note what works. TED Talks  are a great place to start.

Also ask for feedback after you speak. And volunteer to speak at events, ceremonies, or meetings to practice. Seek out a Toastmasters group for a supportive space.  Confidence builds with practice.