Having been involved in public speaking for some time, I decided I was ready for a new challenge: to start speaking and presenting in another language. As a long-term member of Toastmasters, my first step was to join the Experience French Toastmasters Club, and I was excited and eager to present my first speech. Over the years, I had given hundreds of speeches, but this would be my first in another language.
I was well-prepared, carefully checking my pronunciation and grammar. Memorisation has never been my strength, nor do I consider it particularly helpful when giving a speech. However, since I was presenting in French and not my native English, I decided to try it. Spoiler alert: it was not a good idea, and it only added to my anxiety.
My speech began well, but within a minute or two, I sensed my audience was struggling to stay engaged. Very soon, I had completely and irreversibly lost my connection with them. What happened, and why?
Complexity
My speech was simply too complex to deliver in a language I did not fully command. My French was not good enough, and as a result, I could not truly connect with what I was saying. This left my speech devoid of emotion because I was thinking in English and translating into French.
It was a well-choreographed collection of words that looked good on paper but lacked substance. I was essentially Google Translate. I had spoken for five minutes yet said very little, and more importantly, my speech failed to resonate with the audience. They were as happy to see my speech end as I was to finish it.
Emotion
While giving a speech in another language can be beneficial for building confidence, it is important to choose a topic you fully understand and can relate to. That emotional connection allows you to adapt when the audience loses interest, perhaps by adding humour or a personal story. I could not do that because I was not spontaneous in French.
Presenting in a second language became a catalyst for rediscovering the essential speaking elements Toastmasters has taught me over the years. People do not remember you for what you say, but for how you make them feel. My audience felt nothing because I felt nothing, and I therefore failed to deliver any emotion.
There are fundamental elements of engagement in public speaking, and when these are present, a speech in any language, whether in person or online, becomes memorable and leaves the audience wanting more.
What the audience sees
Visibility creates the first impression you give to the audience, and this impression is crucial.
Are you dressed appropriately? Clothes do not define a person, but people do make judgments based on appearance. Sloppy or inappropriate dress suggests you do not care about yourself or your audience.
Are you poised and confident? When giving a speech, you are the authority and must command attention. Slumped posture, nervous fidgeting, or standing too far from the audience conveys fear and lack of confidence. It suggests you would rather be elsewhere.
Do you use the space well? When speaking in person, ensure you are visible to everyone in the room. Online, centre yourself on the screen, use adequate lighting, and choose a background free of distractions.
Do you maintain eye contact? In my experience, it is difficult to maintain eye contact while using notes. I am not suggesting that notes should never be used, but if they are, maintain regular eye contact with the audience. Never read your speech.
Are your facial expressions and gestures visible? These are your nonverbal ways of communicating with the audience. Expressions should match your tone, such as smiling when telling a humorous story. Gestures should be visible and natural, not forced or exaggerated.
The way we present visually is vital because it shapes the audience’s first impression. Reflecting on my speech, I realised my focus was on my words rather than on how I was making the audience feel. Because I was not confident in my delivery, my focus shifted inward, towards myself rather than the audience.
What the audience hears
Equally important is what the audience hears. To communicate effectively, you must not only be heard but must also keep the audience listening.
Is your voice loud and clear? In person, ensure everyone can hear you; if not, use a microphone. For online presentations, use a headset or earbuds, and make sure the sound is free from feedback. In hybrid settings, both in-person and online audiences must hear clearly.
Consider your pace. Speaking too quickly suggests nervousness and makes it difficult for listeners to process your message. Speaking too slowly, however, can cause them to lose interest.
Vocal variety matters too. Adjusting your pace, pitch, and tone helps maintain engagement. For instance, speed up to convey excitement or slow down to emphasise a key point. Think of it like a roller coaster where the twists and turns make the ride memorable.
Pausing is another powerful tool. A pause allows both you and your audience to breathe and reflect. It gives time for ideas to sink in, prevents filler words, and adds dramatic impact when used intentionally.
What the audience feels
Finally, ask yourself: how do you want your audience to feel? A speech is not about the speaker; it is about the audience. It should deliver a clear and relevant message in an engaging way that leaves them satisfied.
My speech at Experience French became one of the most important I have ever given because it reminded me of the fundamentals of public speaking. It was not about proving I could speak another language; it was about connecting with my audience. Without that connection, even the most polished delivery falls flat.
I had fallen into the trap of speaking automatically, assuming my experience made me immune to mistakes. No matter how seasoned you are, everyone occasionally needs a wake-up call. Mine came in the form of that French speech, which failed the most important test of all: it failed to make my audience feel engaged.
Teresa Palmer is a member of Toastmasters International, a global non-profit helping people develop communication and leadership skills since 1924. The organisation has over 400 clubs across the UK and Ireland.
