On Wednesday November 16th the WTS-Boston Professional Development Committee was pleased to host Public Speaking Tips and Tricks with Margaret O'Meara. The event began with an introduction describing Margaret’s impressive 40+ year career in both the public and private sector.  After 21 years of public service (from an MBTA office engineer advancing to Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassHighway) District Highway Director), Margaret transitioned to the private sector and now serves as Kleinfelder’s Northeast Transportation Segment Leader. Margaret attributes her leadership success to her passion and effective communication skills. Her ability to effectively present herself and her perspective, in a variety of settings, is one of her strongest attributes. As a practiced public speaker and long-standing champion of WTS, Margaret was the perfect choice for this event.

Margaret’s virtual presentation on public speaking first focused on answering the question of why public speaking is important. Next, she described several key facets aimed at equipping listeners with tools for improving confidence and honing their abilities. Margaret highlighted the benefits of public speaking such as improved communications skills, but especially focused on how effective public speaking provides you a seat at the table with the opportunity to make change. Margaret’s tools for successful public speaking centered on preparation, knowing your audience, being authentic, and most of all practice! To close out her presentation Margaret shared a yoga breathing exercise she does before any presentation to help center herself and calm any nerves. Namaste!

After the presentation a dynamic question-and-answer period followed. Margaret shared relatable experiences and gave advice on how to address some of the attendee’s individual concerns. To help with anxieties when you first start speaking, Margaret suggested memorizing the first two minutes of your presentation.  Another tip she shared is to find a person you are comfortable with in the audience who you can look to for support in moments of doubt. She encouraged everyone to practice with friends and colleagues before presenting to incrementally grow their comfort level. For those of us that use animated hand gestures, she recommended trying to hold your hands in front of you, embracing your style, but avoid placing your hands in your pockets. The key takeaway was not to distract the listener.  Last, Margaret reminded speakers to stay hydrated and avoid referring to your notes, if you can.

Margaret’s presentation exemplified her passion, unquestionably authentic in her delivery, and disclosed her own practice schedule leading up to the event despite her experience and level of comfort with public speaking. To close the event, Margaret offered several book recommendations on the art of public speaking and the importance of effective communication. These recommendations are listed below. The event was very well attended and a noted success. We are truly thankful to Margaret and the hour of magic she created for WTS-Boston!

Margaret’s Book Club:

1. HBR’s 10 Must Reads by Harvard Business Review
2. Talk Like TED: The nine public-speaking secrets of the World’s Top Minds by Carmine Gallo
3. Pitch Perfect How to say it right the first time, every time by Bill McGowan and Alisa Bowman
4. TED TALKS the official TED Guide to Public Speaking by Chris Anderson
5. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey