Speaking at a conference or event? Consider these 4 tips

Public speaking is one of the most effective ways to grow your business and build credibility. Whether you’re leading a breakout session or presenting on a main stage, speaking at conferences and events puts your brand and expertise in front of the right audience. At Pierce PR, we’ve helped clients maximize these opportunities and gained experience by participating in numerous speaking engagements ourselves. Here are four tips to help you stand out and make every minute count.

Why Public Speaking Events Are Beneficial for Your Business

Public speaking isn’t just good for your confidence. It’s a powerful business tool. Nearly 70% of jobs require communication skills, and professionals who speak well are more likely to be promoted and earn higher salaries. One study even found that fear of speaking can reduce earning potential by as much as 10%.Beyond personal growth, speaking at conferences and events puts your business in front of decision-makers, peers, and potential clients. In fact, 78% of event organizers say in-person events are their most effective marketing channel. When done well, a single presentation can spark new partnerships, drive traffic to your website and position you and your company as a go-to expert in your field.

1. Ensure You’re Prepared and Arrive Early

The importance of arriving early to your speaking engagement can’t be overstated. Aim to get there at least 30 minutes before your start time. This gives you a chance to test the technology, settle your nerves and handle any last-minute surprises before the room fills up.

Double-check that your slides are uploaded properly, test videos or audio clips and make sure the mic works. Bring a charged backup laptop and any adapters you might need, just in case.

During a recent presentation, Julia Bonner, Pierce PR’s president and founder,  and Bri Carlesimo, the firm’s VP of client experience, discovered that embedded videos in their deck weren’t playing sound properly. Thankfully, they had time to troubleshoot with the onsite AV team and connect the right adapter before guests arrived. A little extra prep saved the day and kept the presentation on track.

2. Engage the Audience

Even the most knowledgeable presenter can lose their audience if they’re not actively engaging them. Research shows that engagement drops by 14% when listeners aren’t part of the conversation, and attention starts to wane after just 8 to 10 minutes. To keep your audience with you throughout your presentation, make sure they feel included.

Ask quick questions, take informal polls or pause for a show of hands. Break up each section with a visual agenda slide, and lead with a question to set the stage. Pepper in surprising stats, attention-grabbing visuals or a short story. People remember messages 22 times more when they’re wrapped in a narrative.

During a recent speaking session, Julia used a mix of reflection prompts and questions to be discussed in small groups to keep attendees engaged. These small moments of interaction helped maintain energy in the room and made the presentation more memorable.

3. Use a QR Code for Audience Questions

One tactic we use at Pierce PR public speaking events is offering a QR code for questions. Instead of opening the floor mid-presentation, which can interrupt your flow or derail your timing, we guide the audience to submit questions in real time using a simple Google Form.

Create a short bit.ly link and QR code for easy access, then display them at the end of each section to keep the option top of mind. This keeps the energy focused while giving you a pool of thoughtful, relevant questions to address at the end.During Julia and Bri’s Tennessee Pharmacists Association session, attendees snapped photos of the QR code and submitted questions throughout. The presentation was closed by reviewing the top questions and tailoring answers to what the audience was most curious about, which made for a more engaging and relevant wrap-up.

4. Provide Ways to Connect

One of the biggest missed opportunities in public speaking is not giving your audience a way to stay connected to you as a speaker. Sharing your website, social channels and newsletter signup at the end of your presentation makes it easy for attendees to learn more and engage after the event. If you offer a blog or downloadable resources, mention those, too.

At Pierce PR, we always include a link to our presentation and a call to connect. After one recent session, several attendees connected on social media and shared their feedback and takeaways. The conversation doesn’t have to end when the event does. Often, that post-event engagement is where meaningful business relationships frequently begin.

Avoid These Common Public Speaking Pitfalls

Even experienced speakers can fall into a few common traps. Being aware of these ahead of time can help you show up with confidence and credibility.

• Reading from your slides: Your slides should support your talk, not serve as a script. Speak to your audience rather than your screen.
• Time yourself in rehearsal: Going over time is one of the most common issues. Practice out loud and trim as needed.
• Overloading with content: A packed slide deck can overwhelm your audience. Prioritize clarity and keep each section focused.
• Forgetting the audience: A one-way lecture loses steam fast. Ask questions, pause for reactions and keep your audience engaged in different ways.
• Stand, don’t sit: Standing projects confidence and helps you connect more dynamically with the room.
• Keep water nearby: Dry mouth is real. A discreet sip between sections can help keep your voice steady.
  

With a little planning and the right mindset, these pitfalls are easy to avoid, and doing so sets you up for a more polished and impactful presentation.

Final Thoughts

Speaking at conferences and events is one of the most effective ways to raise your profile, share your expertise and grow your business. With thoughtful preparation, audience engagement and a clear follow-up strategy, you can turn a single presentation into long-term visibility and meaningful connections.

At Pierce PR, we’ve seen the impact of strong public speaking firsthand and believe it’s a skill worth investing in. Whether you’re a first-time speaker or a seasoned presenter, every event is an opportunity to lead the conversation in your field.