Manrina Rhode explores how dental professionals can overcome public speaking fears, offering practical tips to help you communicate with confidence.
With extensive experience as a conference speaker and director of prestigious dental networks, Dr Manrina Rhode understands the challenges of public speaking. Despite her accomplished background, she recognises the nerves and self-doubt that can hold healthcare professionals back from sharing their expertise.
Why public speaking matters
Public speaking is a powerful tool for professional growth. As dentists, we each have unique knowledge to share, from clinical techniques and practice management to technological innovations and strategies for maintaining wellbeing in our demanding profession.
The key to a compelling presentation is passion. Select a subject that genuinely excites you. This doesn’t have to be a complex clinical procedure, it could be your digital workflow, smile design approach, or techniques for managing professional stress. The most engaging presentations come from speakers truly invested in their topic.
Presentation techniques that work
Forget reading verbatim from slides; the magic happens when you tell stories. Use your slides as a framework, then weave personal experiences around them. Movement is crucial, use hand gestures, walk around, and keep your audience visually engaged. Think of it like creating a dynamic reel: constant, subtle movement keeps attention focused.
Keep your presentation simple. Incorporate your personal brand with your logo and colours. Aim for about one slide per minute of speaking. The real magic? Practice. Film yourself on your phone, watch it back, and critically evaluate your performance. Ask a colleague to provide feedback, their fresh, honest perspective can be invaluable.
The bigger picture
By sharing our knowledge, we’re not just building our personal brand, we’re serving a profession we’re proud of. We’re expanding the pool of shared wisdom, breaking down the barriers that can prevent talented professionals from sharing their unique insights.
Ready to transform your professional communication?
Interested in developing your public speaking skills and professional potential? Discover Dr Manrina Rhode’s mentorship programme here: Mentorship | DRMR
This article is sponsored by DRMR.
