From Nervous to Keynote: How to do Public Speaking
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Introduction: Everyone Has Something Worth Saying
Most people in IT have spent years building deep expertise. Most of them will never share it on a stage — not because they lack knowledge, but because standing in front of a room feels uncomfortable. Paula Januszkiewicz has delivered keynotes to audiences of 40,000 and recovered from a failed hard drive an hour before a major talk. Her argument is simple: if you have something useful to share, presenting is a skill worth learning.
1) Know Why You're There
Start with purpose. Whether you are there to share experience, educate, or build community, being clear on your goal shapes everything. Tell your audience the three things they will walk away with — upfront. It keeps them focused and gives you something measurable to aim for.
2) Read the Room — Before You Walk Into It
Paula rates audiences from 100 to 400 — introductory to highly technical — and adjusts accordingly. Culture and context matter too. The question to ask before every talk: who is sitting in front of me, and what language will land with them?
3) Body Language and Tone Do the Heavy Lifting
Content accounts for just 7% of how a presentation is received. Tone accounts for 35%. Body language accounts for 55%. Your slides are the background. You are the presentation. Being present, making eye contact, and varying your pace matters far more than a perfect deck.
4) Prepare Your Demo Like Your Career Depends On It
Live demos are both the most powerful tool and the biggest liability. Always record a backup. Narrate every step clearly enough that a non-technical person could follow the logic. A well-told demo lands harder than a perfectly executed one.
5) Your Title and Abstract Are Part of the Presentation
A strong title — ideally in two parts — tells the audience exactly what they will get. A tight abstract with three clear learning outcomes filters for the right people and sets expectations you can exceed. If your abstract is longer than a short paragraph, trim it.
6) Stories Are the Structure
Data is necessary. It is rarely sufficient. Use specific, vivid stories as the scaffolding your content hangs on. Test them on friends first — they will tell you whether it lands before a room of strangers does.
7) The Pre-Stage Ritual Matters More Than You Think
Breathe. Review your slides. Warm up your voice. Sleep. None of it is complicated, but skipping any of it shows. Prepare the technical. Prepare the physical. Then let go of trying to be perfect.
Final Thoughts on Public Speaking
Public speaking in IT is not about being the most polished person in the room. It is about having something worth saying and being willing to say it clearly. The skills are learnable, the nerves are manageable, and the experiences are worth it.
Pick your three things. Practise them. Get on a stage.
Join the Conversation
What is the biggest thing holding you back from speaking at a conference? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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