Speaking to an audience

This is how you do it

Tonight I will address a sold-out hall (the big one, that is) of the Concertgebouw. I have been asked to give an introduction before the film music of A Single Man is played by the Metropole Orchestra.

For many people, a reason to lie under a duvet for a day or set up a vodka infusion to counter the tension, but I find it almost an outing.

Quite embarrassing to say about yourself, but I once promised that I would be honest with you, but I have no fear of the stage but a desire for it. In elementary school, there was a weekly closing where children could sing a song or do a dance, and instead of looking at her little child with affection, my mother really had to pull me off that stage.

“They just want to see if you can dance”

I would love to say that those things have changed, but at the annual company Christmas party, I am the first to sing a karaoke number. While I have been saying all day that I really don't do that kind of thing and that I am too old and too dignified for it. Ha. Let's just say it brings my colleagues a lot of fun, so whatever, I don't care.

Still, my absent fear of speaking to people also comes in handy in my work. When I applied for the editor-in-chief position at Marie Claire, I had to give a lecture in Paris. “They just want to see if you can dance,” said my Dutch boss. “It's important for this job.”

And I did a lot of dancing afterward. I hosted the Prix de la Mode of Marie Claire, the Prix d’Eexcellence de la Bbeauté (where I spoke to the audience in three languages like a female Ivo Niehe); I didn't shy away from it. Well, a little. Because liking it is one thing, it's always exciting. I'll share some points that will help you succeed too, bet?

A good dress is half the work

Don't underestimate the power of your outfit. Make sure your dress (or suit) has the appearance that fits your role éand your message. When I talk about how I started Amayzine, I choose a leather Gucci jacket, a fitted trouser, and super sexy shoes. If I host an award night, I opt for glam but not too flashy, because the attention should go to the winners and I present myself as the hostess. Tonight I will say something about Tom Ford and wear Gucci because he was the designer there before he directed this film. Anyway, you get me.

Adjust your hair to your outfit

Create a small mood board in your head and think about which look supports your message. Tear or screenshot some good hair- and make-uplooks and show them to your makeup artist. That's my next point.

At least book a hairdresser

That make-up you might still do it yourself (although I would also outsource that), make sure your hair is done. Someone else can do it a hundred times better, good hair is the best jewelry, and besides, you can think about your speech during that hour.

Prepare your speech, but not té

Think a few days in advance about what you want to say. Write down everything that comes to mind and then start cutting. Only what really contributes to your story remains. Is that done? Then you will unconsciously start to chew on your talk. In the car, in the shower, or a painter starts working on a canvas that's already been smeared. if you wake up at night. You will see that small jokes ’land‘ and that you feel where you can place the emotion.

Big lines

First, write out everything you want to say, then capture that in keywords. This way it becomes a personal story and you are not a reading robot. That's why I always decline the autocue offer. It has to come from my heart from through my mouth, not through a camera.

Keep cards with you

No matter how well you know what you are going to say, a black-out lurks. That's why text cards provide support. A tip; number the cards. I once dropped mine on the ground just before I had to go on, and then I got so nervous that it went wrong anyway.

Look at the people

I admit, this seems terrifying but if you really seek eye contact with your audience, they become people who listen to you. Basically, they are people who enjoy listening to you. You should keep that in mind. Otherwise, it really becomes a terrible affair.

Name your fear

If you stand there with spots on your neck and your knees are shaking; name it. It only makes you more sympathetic.

Take a sip

Do dose it because this can go completely wrong, but it helps me enormously to drink a small glass of wine before I say something. Unless it's at 10:00 in the morning, of course. Then I take a cup of chamomile tea.

Believe in yourself

You have prepared well, so what can happen? Try to enjoy it a little too. It's like bungee jumping: the jump is terrifying but the euphoria when it's over, there's hardly anything that can compare.