TEDxDelft 2015-2016 | TEDxDelft Cinema | Public speaking

On Thursday 19 November people gathered at the Rietveld Theater to participate in the first TEDxDelft Cinema event. Visitors were warmly greeted by Rachel Richardson, Engagement Coordinator for TEDxDelft, who introduced the evening’s topic of Public Speaking.

This topic was chosen by Caryn ’t Hart de Wijckerslooth, Head Curator, who joined her on stage. She chose this theme because as a communications lecturer she deals with this topic regularly. “[It] is something we all have to do, but fear the most.” But speaking one’s mind is something that everyone should be able to do. Especially since it’s a great way to convey ideas. Something which was illustrated by her first pick for a TEDx talk: Nancy Duarte’s “The secret structure of great talks.”

According to ’t Hart there are a few important elements to keep in mind. A lot of emphasis is put on body language, with studies claiming that 55{95388bbb2e9df0f2b3d26445fc24fe82185b1b567dbb094bc3a45074083d0a2b} or more of a message is conveyed by it. ’t Hart is not quite as certain, however. “You can use your body language wisely, but do not overanalyse it.” She does not think its value can really be quantified, rather it depends on the person. “Do what works well for you,” is her advice.

Public speaking can be a scary thing, and ’t Hart admits even she can still get a bit nervous before starting a presentation. But what is important is to keep going nevertheless. “Do not fight the anxiety, do not worry about errors, just get on with the talk,” she says. You can convey an important message, a powerful message, and everyone deserves to share theirs. “If all people had a chance to tell their story, the world would be a better place.”