Tips for Public Speaking from an Event Photographer

Over the years, I have photographed quite a lot of speakers. And I know each speaker wants to look their best on stage and in photos. Here are some tips to make sure you’re prepared:

1. Wear solid colors. The easiest way to look in style is to wear solid colors.  If you must wear patterns, make sure it is subtle.
2. When speaking, use two hands to count. Most people use one hand to count when on stage. The issue is when you use 1 as your thumb and 2 as your pointer finger…it ends up looking like a gun. The solution is to use American Sign Language numbers where 1 is your index finger and 2 is your middle finger, like a peace sign!
3. When speaking, face your palms up. Palms up shows openness. Most public speakers want to be viewed as open, honest, and trustworthy. Facing your palms up conveys this.
4. Remove water bottles/labels. If there is a plastic water bottle near you, put it on the floor beside you. If you’re at a podium, place it inside the podium. This is especially true if that bottle has a label. If it’s a plain white (or on-brand) porcelain cup, it’s fine where it is.
5. Remove your name badge. You’re the speaker, we all know you and the name badge can look distracting.
6. Look up and around. Looking up allows us to get a different angle when you’re speaking. So do your best to not read verbatim unless necessary. We typically only photograph when the speaker up and out at the audience.

Hope these tips help you get the best pictures from your event!