MASTERING THE ART OF PUBLIC SPEAKING.
April 22 – Svenia Ponniah
Entrepreneurship Center University of Bern
The fifth workshop in this year’s STAGE UP Workshop Series was a particularly important component of the program: Public Speaking. Melchior Glatthard helped us to get our Top 14 in shape – for the upcoming Award Night, but also for everything that comes afterwards.
WHY PUBLIC SPEAKING IS SO CRUCIAL.
STRONG IDEAS REQUIRE STRONG COMMUNICATION.
For start-ups, public speaking is much more than just the ability to present. It is a strategic tool. If you can’t communicate your idea in a clear, structured and convincing way, it will be difficult to win over customers, partners or investors. Every second counts, especially in a pitch: the message must be clear, the added value understandable and the enthusiasm palpable.
It is not enough to simply explain the product. The decisive factor is why it exists, true to the motto “You know the what – find the why”.
Good public speaking skills therefore help to explain complex ideas simply and build trust with the audience. This turns a simple product description into a convincing story that will be remembered.
WORKSHOP INSIGHTS.
WHAT'S STRONG PUBLIC SPEAKING.
The workshop showed that successful public speaking goes far beyond simply giving a presentation. It is not only what is said that is decisive, but also how it is prepared, structured and communicated.
- Preparation & content: Well thought-out preparation is the basis of every good presentation. Only those who structure their message clearly can convey it comprehensibly.
- Performance skills: Body language, voice, facial expressions and eye contact determine the effect of a pitch. An open attitude, targeted emphasis and pauses bring content to life.
- Storytelling & structure: Presentations should follow a clear dramaturgy. Storytelling helps to create emotions and make complex content tangible.
- Slide design: Less is more – clear statements, simple visuals and a uniform design ensure that slides support rather than distract.
Finally, it should not be forgotten that good presentations are not created at the first attempt. The key lies in the process: try things out, get feedback and continuously improve.
KEY INSIGHTS AT A GLANCE.
THE MOST IMPORTANT INSIGHTS FOR ALL WHO WEREN'T THERE.
- Clearly define the core message: Think carefully about what you really want your audience to take away at the end of your presentation.
- Why instead of just what: People understand and remember content better if they also know the “why” behind an idea.
- Simple, clear slides: Reduced and visually clear slides help to keep the focus on your content.
- Performance counts: Your impact is not only created by your content, but also by your voice, body language and appearance.
- Practice makes all the difference: Good presentations are the result of repeated practice, feedback and continuous improvement.
OUR TRAINER AT A GLANCE.
A big thank you to Melchior Glatthard for his valuable support of our founders.
MELCHIOR GLATTHARD
We are looking forward to the upcoming sessions of the STAGE UP Workshop Series and to accompanying even more startups on their way!