speech on software engineering

A Guide to Public Speaking For Software Engineers

“Your technical skills are where they need to be, but you need to improve your communication.” - Your manager. This is one of the hardest pieces of feedback to hear as a software engineer. Why? Because you probably thought as a software engineer you can just speak code. But no. Only focusing on code can lead to a ceiling in your potential for growth and promotions.

Only focusing on coding skills causes you to reach a ceiling. Communication unlocks more potential. Inspired by Caleb Mellas’s post

⭐️ Main takeaways

While there’s a lot to communication, this post is focused on public speaking.

Specifically, we’ll cover:

• The most important areas to fix in your body language, wording, and tonality.
• How to create a presentation structure that keeps people listening to you.

The concepts here can be applied to:

• In-person & remote tech talks, demos, and technical direction presentations
• Leading meetings

⚠ Disclaimer: My advice is based on what has worked for me, but there are certainly exceptions. It will not apply to 100% of situations.

👤 Your body language

If you only take one thing from this section: Be open with your body language.

(1) Your eyes

There are 3 patterns you want to avoid:

• Staring at one person in the audience
• Staring at the slides
• Looking down

Instead, slowly rotate your head across the back of the audience and only look at your slides when you intentionally want the audience to look at the slides.

This gives you an aura of confidence and makes your audience feel like you are speaking directly to them, not your slides.

(2) Your posture

As software engineers, we have a tendency to hunch from sitting at the desk all day. To fix this you can try this before your presentation:

• Put your back to a wall, ensuring your shoulders and head are touching the wall.
• Stand up straight, look directly ahead, roll your shoulders back until it feels like you went too far, then let them naturally fall into place.

Having improved posture has these benefits:

• Your confidence will increase. Your nerves will decrease.
• The audience will be more engaged with you.
• Your voice will naturally project more.

(3) Your hands

One of the most difficult pieces to get down is what to do with your arms and hands. The good news is there’s only 1 thing you need to remember: Keep them open. Our most natural tendency due to nervousness is to close them off, interlock, rub them together, put them in our pockets, etc.

They are all closed body language behaviours.

From there, if you avoid closed body language, your only option is to do what you see other great presenters do:

• Calmly wave your arm in an open-palm position as you explain your point. Do what comes naturally though.
• Point with an open palm to something on the slide to focus on.

Still, there will be small things to improve, like ensuring you’re using both hands rather than just 1. But they’ll come with time. For now, just focus on being open.

Here’s a collage of Steve Jobs mid-presentation. In every image, his hands are never pointing down. They are always open.

Examples from Steve Jobs on what you can do with your hands during a talk. If you’re interested in more, check out this communication experts’ top body language mistakes to avoid .

🗣️ Your words

If you only take one thing from this section, it’s to project confidence . To this day, I still get nervous before presentations. I do at least 1 warm-up technique which helps ease my nerves and primes myself for speaking confidently though.

(1) Warm-up techniques for confidence

These are some things I do sometimes you might find helpful.

• Jumping jacks or push-ups. This helped me get my mind off of the nervousness, get blood pumping, and improve my focus. ‍
• A power roar. Find a soundproof area and shout. Yes, I did do this in my old apartment before presentations and it worked for me 😂. It helped release all the tension that I felt in my stomach. ‍
• Lowest effort: Expand your body!!! Before presentations, I’d find my body tightening up, my legs and arms crossing, and turning into a ball. Don’t let your body do this. Your body influences your mind. Expand your body, stretch, spread out, raise your arms above your head, anything. All of it will help you feel more relaxed. ‍
• [Recommended by friends] Breathing exercises. I personally use the other methods more, but it’s all about finding what works for you

Pro tip: Another thing I’d do the day of the presentation is talk to more people. When you exercise without stretching, what happens? You strain yourself.

So if you have a presentation that day, “stretch” by talking to people. If you’ve spent most of the day talking to people, the presentation won’t feel so different. Compare that to if you spent the whole day without talking to anyone, doing a presentation in front of an audience will be a big 0 → 100 jump.

Avoid speaking too quickly, too slowly, or at the same pace permanently . Be dynamic. If you stick to just one pace, you become monotone, which leads to your audience opening Slack, opening their phone, or sleeping 😴.

Should you speak SLOW or FAST?

To do this right, put your emotions into your presentation. Get excited about the parts you genuinely are most excited about. Your audience will feed off that energy.

One other tip is if you notice yourself using fillers like “um” or “uh” a lot—which remove clarity and authority, you can slow down your pace a bit because it could mean your mind isn’t able to keep up with the rate you’re speaking at. You can also try to pause instead of using the filler.

It’s common for engineers to speak too quietly or mumble. A tip here is to think of top speakers you look up to and how they sound:

• Tony Robbins
• Michelle Obama

You don’t need to be as good as they are, but at least match their volume. You can even have a go-to speech of theirs you watch beforehand to prime yourself.

(4) Practice

This is well-known so I won’t focus on it too much, but practice . For big presentations, you can also record yourself or practice in front of a friend. It helps you with slight wording tweaks and most importantly, your confidence. Before your presentation, if you know you just need to repeat what you did while practicing yesterday, you’ll be much less nervous .

🎞️ Your content

I have a guide on this already , but I’ll provide a summary of the key points here.

(1) Add interactivity

One of the best ways to add interactivity is through “Question slides” or “Thought slides.” Make a slide that gets people to think about the topic before you teach them.

Let’s say your presentation is about how to be a good mentor.

A thought slide might say: “Think about the best mentor you ever had.” As it pops up, you say, “I want you to tell me if my advice today lines up with how they have mentored.”

A question slide might say: “What does good mentorship look like to you? What about bad mentorship?”

Getting them to think about this makes them interested in hearing what you have to say next and if it lines up with what they came up with.

When you’re presenting to a smaller audience (< 30 people), you can hear directly from the audience and increase the amount of times you do this.

Personal example: One way I added interactivity to a presentation was by asking everyone to close their eyes while I played an audio clip. It helped put them in the shoes of the people I wanted them to build more empathy for—customers who were blind and using a screen reader .

(2) Images > words

Go through every slide with words and ask if it can be replaced with an image. It’s true. Not every slide should be an image. In my experience, the best ones have been about 75% images and 25% words.

When you do use words on your slides, follow these rules:

• If it’s bulleted, try to use 3 or 5 bullets. Using 2 or 4 bullets doesn’t read as well.
• Consider making it a slide with just a single, big, centered sentence.
• Your bullets should be 1 line at most, 2 lines only sometimes, and never 3+ lines.

(3) How to structure the content

You might still be wondering how you put all of this together. There are a few popular frameworks you can follow as a software engineer:

• Problem-Agitate-Solution

Problem-Agitate-Solution is great for persuasion. You can use it to convince your team to adopt a new pattern or change a team process.

You start by concisely describing the problem, then “ agitate ” by talking about multiple pain points within that problem, and finally explain your solution .

Why it works: You jump straight into a problem people want to solve, hook their emotions by agitating, and then release the tension by providing a path forward.

An example of Problem-Agitate-Solution from my friend, Alex , from Taro

• Before-After-Bridge

Before-After-Bridge is great for stories after having made a change—like a tech talk, all-hands presentation, or advocating for a migration. It’s also a popular format in tech conference talks (“How we increased developer productivity by 2x at X”).

You describe the old state of the system ( before ), explain the current state of the system ( after ) and all the benefits, and then finally how you got there.

Why it works: Your audience understands why the system was what it was and the problems with it, they quickly understand and are impressed with the current or new state, but are curious how you got there. Afterward, you give them that payoff by explaining how you got from the old to the new.

• Topic-Why it matters-Information-Recap

This framework is best for informative presentations. You say your topic, tell the audience why it matters to them, tell them the information they need to know, then give a recap . See my LinkedIn explainer . I also used it for my presentation on accessibility and inclusivity at Gusto during our all-hands to 200+ people. Do this in combination with the interactive elements above and you’re set up for success.

Why it works: The audience is hooked by why it matters to them, the information is split into digestible sections, and they get a summary of takeaways to walk away with.

Body language : Keep it open

• Eyes: Rotate across the back of the audience. Don’t stare at slides ‍
• Posture: Stand up straight, roll your shoulders back, head held high. ‍
• Hands: Focus on openness and natural movements. Be aware of tics.

Speech : Focus on confidence

• Warm-up: Build confidence through a warm-up by doing light exercise, breathing techniques, a power roar, expanding your body, or talking to people. ‍
• Rhythm: Avoid being too fast, too slow, or the same pace. Keep it dynamic. ‍
• Tone: Think of famous speakers and how they vocalize. Try to mirror them.

Structure and content : Use a framework

• Interactivity: Use question and thought slides to get interaction. ‍
• Images > words: Use visuals as much as possible. 75% visual and 25% word slide is a decent target to shoot for depending on the presentation. ‍
• Structure: Use Problem-Agitate-Solution, Before-After-Bridge, or Topic-Why it matters-Information-Recap to present your content. There are others but these are my personal favorites and have worked well for me.

These techniques can take a while to master, and I certainly don’t have them 100% down either. My hope is that having this article to reference before your next presentation will get you one step closer to having a showstopper presentation.

This article was originally on Jordan Cutler’s newsletter, High Growth Engineer

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How to Nail your next Technical Interview

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How to Create An Elevator Pitch (Examples and Samples Included!)

Last updated by Abhinav Rawat on Sep 25, 2024 at 09:41 PM | Reading time: 19 minutes

Your team has finally developed an app strictly based on client requirements. As the final delivery deadline approaches, you start toying with an idea - a small change that would revolutionize the entire project management system! But your manager is the busiest man on this blue orb. He won’t listen for half an hour. “I’ll give you the next 60 seconds” is all he offers.

How do you make such a busy man listen to your groundbreaking thoughts on the project?

A man in despair would grab every chance to have a chat with the leader, even in the elevator.

Initially, that right there was the idea behind crafting an elevator pitch.

Since then, it has grown to become one of the most crucial means of communication in contemporary lives.

So, are you ready to “pitch perfect?”

Let’s not beat around the bush any further then.

What’s an elevator pitch?

In its most straightforward meaning, an elevator pitch is a short introductory speech you present during a job interview, a career fair, sales pitch, online profiles, etc. Its primary purpose is to convince the listener to have another conversation with you to crack the deal.

Consider an elevator pitch as your 140-word tweet, based on which the listener will evaluate whether to further have a chat with you. It is usually the first thing that an HR or hiring manager will ask you during a job interview.

Thus, it needs to be a thorough, yet concise analysis of you, your academics and career so far, your accomplishments and contributions to the field, and what makes your skillset the perfect fit for the organization.

Why are they important?

Elevator pitches can make or break the day.

An elevator pitch can be one of the best icebreakers you could ask for and sits perfectly at the top of your cover letter. While developing an elevator pitch , since you also control the narrative, you can emphatically present what you have to offer as an individual to the organization, and what roles or opportunities you expect from your next employer.

In the current scenario of virtual interactions, an elevator pitch can also be a curated answer to the dreaded “ tell me about yourself .”

For such a simple problem, finding the perfect blend of adjectives to throw in a few short breaths can become too anxious a task.

While you talk about your qualifications and aspirations during an interview, your employer will be assessing you and determine if you are, in fact, a qualified addition to an esteemed organization’s umbrella.

Thus, it becomes imperative that you find the perfect words representing you as an individual and leave the best impression in the minds of the hiring manager. Pay immaculate attention while writing an elevator pitch , similar to how attentively you would write and debug codes for a program.

When should you use an elevator pitch?

Developing an elevator pitch and keeping it ready at all times, means that you never run out of ideas on what to speak about when the next opportunity presents itself. At conferences, networking meets, or even in an elevator, a solid pitch enlightens your new contacts about your skills and vision for success.

You may very well end up being the first consideration that pops up in their mind if you leave a lasting impression. An unblemished elevator speech should keep the listener desiring for more, which increases the chances of a hiring manager calling you back for a second chat.

“Hey, can you tell me more about your idea at our headquarters tomorrow, say, at 11?”

Wouldn’t you just love to hear that?

Crafting an elevator pitch is probably the best career advice you will ever get!

An elevator pitch can be used for virtually anything, from landing a new client or investor to getting your desired job or promotion. It can be used as your TL;DR to introduce yourself at a career fair or a virtual job expo, online profiles, and professional association programs.

What to say in an elevator pitch?

The internet is already filled to the brim with interview preparation webinars and mock classes repeating the same cliché suggestions, i.e. keep it short and simple, take your time, state the facts, etc.

While these tips for an elevator pitch are definitely essential, they do not scream unique at all.

So, do you know how to write an introductory speech that will have no match in the market?

• Know your audience and cater to them

“Customers buy for their reasons, not yours.” – Orvel Ray Wilson

Had it been an informal setting, your introductory speech would have contained personal details such as your favorite color, and if you are a dog or cat person and the likes. In an interview, you need to modify the approach and write an elevator pitch that caters to the requirements of the organization and present yourself as the best fit for the role.

• Share your skills

“When you are a weird geek, the way to sell yourself is to show your skills.” – Temple Grandin

Imagine you drop off your CV from the 20th floor of a building and are on your way out. DING! The elevator opens on the 17th floor and inside is Jennifer, the hiring manager of the organization that you applied for just this morning.

Since both of you are on the way out, how will you create a long-lasting impression, such that Jennifer does not forget your face?

While she will most likely not remember your face, an effective way would be to share your name and flaunt your skillset. If Jennifer recognizes the keywords that she is looking for in an interviewee, it is highly likely that she will search and take a look at your profile later.

• Mention your goals

“It is the size of one’s willpower which determines success.” Unknown

Eyeing a managerial role at a company with the vision to lead a team of dedicated expert engineers to great heights?

While crafting an elevator pitch , mention your goals and aspirations outright, and make sure that you don’t settle for a role below the progression you demand.

• Be persuasive

“Persuasion is not a science but an art.” – William Bernbach

To make a potential employer believe in your skills, you need to have confidence in yourself. The way you speak and what you vocalize should be a display of your poise so that the manager believes that you are up for the throne you demand.

• Be positive and flexible

“Be stubborn about your goals, but flexible about your methods.” - Unknown

It is highly likely that the new job role will come with added responsibilities, some of which you were probably not expecting when you applied. In addition to exhibiting your technical skills and non-essential abilities, you need to show a positive attitude in accepting new duties.

When creating an elevator pitch , show that you are quick to adapt and learn new techniques, and grow as an employee to take on more challenging roles.

Remember, your employers don’t want a hard-working shell. They want a vision for success and an insatiable hunger for business expansion in you.

What NOT to say and do during your elevator speech?

Here are some things you should RELIGIOUSLY AVOID while crafting an elevator pitch !

• Don’t speak too fast

It is true that you only have a few seconds to present the best version of yourself in front of the employer. However, refrain from speaking too fast while trying to cram a debate session into your introductory speech. Otherwise, you may end up saying something that you hadn’t originally intended.

• Avoid useless banter

A slow yet detailed introduction sounds way more convincing than rambling on and on about a story that has no connection to your skills or what you bring to the table.

Avoid rambling about a childhood vacation that you took one time, or one herculean task you performed at your previous job.

Instead, maintain composure and show versatility in your skills. Remember Jennifer we talked about? She’ll will be captivated by the aura of confidence you emanate.

• Don’t be robotic

Avoid speaking robotically with a monotonous tone and a frown on your face. Instead, show enthusiasm about the conversation and be approachable for a further sit-down. Refrain from using too many technical terms; you don’t want to give the impression of a walking Wikipedia.

Tips to seem enthusiastic during an interview

- Probe and interact with your interviewer

- Be active

- Compliment the company’s latest achievement

- Be ready to respond

• Don’t restrict yourself to a single elevator pitch

Tying into the concept of gauging target audience, prepare more than one elevator pitch. Depending on the situation and organization that you apply, vary the content in each introduction speech, highlighting different skills and career highlights befitting the situation. But remember, whatever you say must be authentic.

• Not speaking something at all

It doesn’t matter if you have an excellent introductory speech if you do not say anything at all. Now that you know the Do’s and Don’ts of crafting an elevator pitch, let’s take a look at how to make an introductory elevator pitch with some examples.

How to write and deliver an elevator pitch?

• Introduce yourself

Remember Jennifer on the 17th floor? You left a killer impression on her and showed that you perfectly fit the role that the organization is looking for in an individual. She goes back to her desk, only to remember that you never introduced yourself with your name.

Your introduction should ideally contain your name and a brief pleasantry if the situation calls for it. Sometimes, that’s all you need to begin a conversation.

“Hi! I’m Roger. Nice to meet you.”

• Summarize what you do (in a few seconds)

Next, move on to a super crisp summary of your current responsibilities and add relevant information such as your background, key strengths, and work experience. Sell your skills rather than focusing on your educational laurels (those are best reserved for the CV).

“Hi! I’m Roger. Nice to meet you. I currently build <thing app="" interface=""> for <the company="" industry="" you="" are="" in=""> to <effect benefits="" of="" what="" you="" do="">. Along with that, <add relevant="" experience="" or="" education="">.”</add></effect></the></thing>

• Explain what you want

Mention out-and-out the opportunities that you are looking for in your next job. This is an excellent opportunity to display your virtues, and why you would fit perfectly in the company. You can ask for a job opportunity, an internship if you are a student, or simply contact details as well.

“Hi! I’m Roger. Nice to meet you. I currently build <thing app="" interface=""> for <the company="" industry="" you="" are="" in=""> to <effect benefits="" of="" what="" you="" do="">. Along with that, <add relevant="" experience="">. I think that your company produces some amazing <products> that help people in <industry relevance="">, and I’d love an opportunity to implement my expertise in your company.”</industry></products></add></effect></the></thing>

• Finish with a call to action

Finally, end the pitch by stating what you want out of the conversation. If you are looking for a job, ask for an interview opportunity. If you are an intern, ask about the internship opportunities and how to secure a position.

“Hi! I’m Roger. Nice to meet you. I currently build <thing app="" interface=""> for <the company="" industry="" you="" are="" in=""> to <effect benefits="" of="" what="" you="" do="">. Along with that, <add relevant="" experience="">. I think that your company produces some amazing <products> that helps people in <industry relevance="">, and I’d love an opportunity to implement my expertise in your company. Can you review my resume and set up a call to discuss upcoming opportunities in your company?”</industry></products></add></effect></the></thing>

Looks good?

Attention! There is no hardbound rule that says you need to stick to the order presented above. Be creative. Maybe give your name with the CTA at last or skip the summary and tell a hooking story about some great use of the codes that you developed.

How to make an introductory elevator pitch?

There exists no magic formula for crafting an elevator pitch , or an omnipotent template that you can use in every situation. That being said, an impactful elevator pitch should answer three basic questions about you as a professional.

Question 1 : Who you are or what industry are you in?

Question 2 : How do customers benefit from you or how can your skills be best utilized in the organization?

Question 3 : What sets you apart from the competition?

After you have given intensive time and thought to what you want to include in your sales pitch, here are some pointers that will help you rewrite your thoughts into the perfect introductory speech!

• Grab their attention

Let’s go back to your meeting with Jennifer. It is highly likely that she has already seen a ton of job applications for various posts throughout the day, with a stockpile more still waiting on her desk. How do you grab her attention so that she selects you over some other names?

‘Choose your words carefully.’

While you cannot tell a compelling story in your intro, a confident start, a firm handshake , or an interesting question should also do the trick. This also neatly ties into the second point, which is…

• Spark curiosity

Intrigue is the way salespersons captivate prospective buyers.

Your CV already contains your academic achievements and work experience (if you are looking for a promotion), so there is no point in repeating them while writing an elevator pitch .

Instead of the features, focus on the benefits. Use the art of storytelling to make sure that your listener gets interested in you.

• Summarize your current job description( again, in just a few seconds)

In addition to the technical know-how, a summary of your education background and job description should also be part of your coding interview preparation .

Your current responsibilities define your stature in the corporate world. The best way to convey your capabilities is by expressing how well execute your present roles. Expressing your obligations also paves the way to mention the responsibilities you expect at your job, thereby asserting your future goals.

• Be ready for additional questions

If you have successfully grabbed the attention of the listener and stated your responsibilities and ambitions, you’re halfway there. Be prepared for any follow-up question based on what you say and keep intriguing answers ready for those as well.

The follow-up questions are more likely to be job-oriented if you exhibit competence in your introduction. If you are unsure about what problems may be thrown your way, make sure that you have the basics covered and then look online for technical interview preparation tips and tricks.

• Be open to future sit-downs

On the off chance that you deliver an elevator pitch in an informal setting, make sure that you end your speech with a mention of your contact details. For a commercial location or if you are a business owner, keep a business card ready.

A business card is often the first impression of you or your company, and having a business card ready asserts your professionalism and shows your preparedness for the interview/meeting.

Best elevator pitch examples

Example 1 : Front end software developer

“Hello! I’m Mary, and I am a front-end developer at XYZ working extensively on mobile applications. After majoring in computer science, I worked for a small start-up as a software developer and soon found myself specializing in front-end software development . I am willing to expand my horizons to projects looking for software support and consultancy, especially security firms.”

Example 2 : Java Developer

“Hi! I’m a Senior Java Developer with ten years of experience working in mobile banking infrastructure, which everyone has come to know and utilize, especially in online trading. I recently wrapped up my contract at XYZ, and I was overly excited when I learned about this opportunity opening at your company. I’m looking to accelerate my career in this line of work, hoping to lead my team of developers.”

Example 3 : Financial accountant

“Good morning! I am John, and I’m a financial accountant. I recently finished my master’s in Accounting from ABC University, after completing Business Administration at UG level. During my course, I gained some exciting work experience at a reputed consultancy firm. Now, I am ready to dive deeper, open to opportunities at SMEs in the financial sector.”

Example 4 : Student

“Hi! I’m Mike. I’m so glad you took some time out of your schedule to have a word. I’m currently a student at ABC university where I’m studying for my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management. Throughout my work experience, I have been relied upon as the one with detail-oriented and innovative ideas. I have always wanted to work in a sustainable environment, and that’s why I think I would make a great addition to your team.”

Elevator Pitch example for a student in event/job fair

“Hi! My name is Phoebe. I am a student majoring in software engineering at <university name=""> and am seeking an internship opportunity starting next month. I am interested in front-end designing and testing, which aligns well with the intern position in your team. I have completed several engineering projects through my course, and last semester, I interned at <company name="">. There, I designed and tested <field specific=""> prototypes. I then created summary reports based on the same.  Your team produces industry-leading products in the <field>, and I would love to be a part of your sustainable work culture. I’d love it if you went through my resume and considered me for an interview.”</field></field></company></university>

Elevator pitch template for small start-ups or entrepreneurs

While making an elevator pitch as an entrepreneur, you have the opportunity to be creative and present unique solutions that sets you apart from your competitors. Look up Simon Sinek’s ‘ Golden Circle of Marketing ’, and you will be able to gain the trust of your listener much more quickly.

You can follow the sample template as the foundation and then add your spices based on your approach to problems.

• Your name or your company name
• What your company does
• Why does your company deal with the said work?
• How your company/product has helped previous customers

Sample elevator pitch:

Hi! I’m Rachel, the founder of <company name="">. During my collaboration with hundreds of marketers, I quickly noticed that most of them hated creating summarized reports out of the data in their project board on Google Sheets, and it was not their priority either. My company has developed a tool that automatically pulls all the data on your project board and then creates an automated report in less than 60s. Would you be interested in learning more about our ingenious solution and make your workplace more efficient?</company>

Now that you know what’s an elevator pitch and how to craft one, here’s a piece of small advice to end this discussion. While it is an ideal practice to draft one in advance and practicing it multiple times, it should only come when the listener prompts you to speak.

If you craft an elevator pitch and then blabber the same one to everybody without comprehending the situation, you are essentially setting yourself up for downfall as you end up losing the value proposition.

Instead, maintain composure and deliver an interesting well-drafted speech when it’s actually time .

Get started with your technical interview prep without any further delay. Sign-up for our FREE webinar today!

Abhinav Rawat

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How to Craft an Engineer Elevator Pitch with Examples

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By Brooklyn Kiosow, Melissa Epifano

An elevator pitch or elevator speech is a succinct way to explain one’s goals and skills and why they stand out from the crowd and opens up a conversation with a focused, interested audience. 

It’s often used at the beginning of a job interview, as a base for cover letters, as an introduction at career fairs or at a networking event, or even when

happening upon an old friend that mentions an appealing job opening at their company. 

While they might sound simple on the surface, elevator pitches aren’t so easy to perfect. You want to pitch yourself in a unique but concise way, and there are a few things you should always try to include in your pitch. 

Once you have an elevator pitch memorized, you’ll be able to work it into a conversation with ease and keep potential employers interested. A well constructed elevator pitch becomes a handy tool and spoken cover letter at a job interview, networking event, career fair, or as a value proposition or unique selling point if you start your own business. 

Below, we’ve compiled a list of everything that makes a successful engineering elevator pitch as well as a template you can follow to get started.

The post  How to Craft an Engineer Elevator Pitch with Examples appeared first on  Thomasnet .

Public Speaking for Software Engineers: Speak and Be Heard

Public speaking, an age-old practice of conveying messages, ideas, or emotions to a large audience, has been an integral aspect of human civilization.

From the great rhetoricians of ancient Greece to the influential speakers of today, the ability to speak convincingly in public settings has been valued and nurtured over millennia.

In tech, public speaking emerges as a surprisingly crucial skill.

The ability to communicate effectively enhances the clarity of project discussions, facilitates smoother collaboration, and ensures that complex technical concepts are understood by a variety of audiences, including those without a technical background.

I'd honestly say it's essential not only in presenting and explaining your work but also in advocating for new ideas and technologies.

It plays a significant role during team meetings, technical reviews, and in the process of securing stakeholder buy-in on projects.

As you progress in your careers, especially when moving into leadership positions, public speaking skills becomes increasingly important. These skills are critical for motivating teams, articulating project visions, and communicating milestones to non-technical stakeholders.

The digital era also presents numerous opportunities for software engineers to share their expertise wider, through platforms such as technical blogs, online tutorials, and webinars.

Additionally, community engagement - through tech meetups, conferences, and workshops - requires the ability to convey technical knowledge in an engaging manner. Such interactions can not only bolster your professional network but also contribute to the collective knowledge of the tech community.

This articles delves into the rich history, techniques, and practices that have shaped the art of public speaking, hopefully offering some valuable insights for those aspiring to improve in all of the above!

A Brief History of Public Speaking

The roots of public speaking can be traced back to ancient civilizations. In Ancient Greece, oratory was an esteemed skill, essential in politics and public life.

Iconic figures like Demosthenes practiced speaking with pebbles in his mouth to improve his articulation, highlighting the lengths orators went to refine their skills.

Greek philosophers such as Aristotle laid the foundation for rhetoric , which is the art of persuasion, and has influenced the structure and style of public speaking to this day.[1]

Demosthenes (384–322 BC) , considered one of the greatest orators in ancient Greece, is renowned for his "Philippics," a series of fiery speeches warning against the rise of Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. (2) Despite being a great orator, Demosthenes actually had to over a speech impediment! And one of the most frequently recounted tales involves him practicing his speeches with pebbles in his mouth. This exercise was believed to strengthen his articulation. Furthermore, he would often practice by the seashore, striving to project his voice over the sound of the crashing waves, thereby developing his vocal strength. Before reaching the status of statesman, he was a logographer, which meant he wrote speeches for judges and politicians. This steeped him in Athenian law and politics. Despite his formidable eloquence, his staunch opposition to powerful figures led to a tragic end: fleeing retribution from Alexander the Great's regents, he took his own life. Marble statue of Demosthenes, a Roman reproduction of a Greek original circa 280 BCE, housed in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen.

During the Roman Empire, orators like Cicero furthered the art of eloquence, elevating the standards for effective public discourse.

The Roman forums served as platforms for open debates, discussions, and declamations, reinforcing the societal importance of articulate communication.

You find yourself standing in the heart of the Roman Forum, the sun casting long shadows between majestic pillars. As you ascend the grand rostrum, the murmurs of the gathered crowd fade, and all eyes turn to you. The weight of history bears down, and echoes of great orators past seem to whisper in your ear. With the vast panorama of Rome spread out before you and the attentive masses hanging on your every word, you take a deep breath and deliver a speech that will resound through the annals of time.

The Middle Ages saw the Church dominate public speaking, with sermons becoming the primary form of oral communication. Monastic schools and universities became centers for rhetorical studies, ensuring the continued importance of articulate communication.[3]

The Renaissance revitalized interest in classical rhetoric, laying the foundation for the modern principles of public speaking.

By the 19th and 20th centuries, the rise of democracy, education, and mass media transformed public speaking into a tool for social change, exemplified by speakers like Martin Luther King Jr. and Winston Churchill.

Barack Obama : The 44th President of the United States is known for his powerful and inspirational speeches. His oratory skills are characterized by a calm demeanor, deliberate pacing, and the ability to convey complex issues with emotional resonance. Obama's speeches, such as the one he delivered after winning the Nobel Peace Prize or his address after the Charleston church shooting, demonstrate his talent for blending the personal with the political.

Techniques and Tips for Mastering Public Speaking

The art of public speaking is not just about conveying information; it's about influencing , inspiring , and making an unforgettable impact on your audience .

I soon found out how important that was when becoming a coding Bootcamp Educator and needing to captivate my students during lectures that extend for up to two hours a time.

I wasn't always that great at it too! And had to really work on elevating my speaking prowess.

I quickly found that effective public speaking can be nurtured and cultivated with the right techniques and diligent practice.

Below are some insights I've found along the way.

Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is the cornerstone of effective communication. Before drafting your speech, research who will be listening.

• What are their interests, demographics, cultural backgrounds, and expectations?
• By tailoring your message to resonate with them, you ensure relevance and engagement.

For instance, a technical subject presented to experts would differ in depth and jargon from one presented to novices.

I'm an Educator at a coding bootcamp and when I teach newcomers to coding—a realm often seen as complex and intimidating—I tailor my approach to their novice perspective. Instead of diving straight into jargon and technicalities, I lean heavily on metaphors, drawing parallels between everyday experiences and programming concepts. This helps bridge the gap between the familiar and the unknown, making the learning curve smoother. By using relatable analogies and clear, straightforward language, I've found that students grasp intricate coding principles more easily. This is why it's important to know and adapt to your audience: by meeting them where they are, you can make even the most complex topics accessible and engaging.

Crafting Compelling Speeches: The Ethos, Pathos, Logos Framework

A well-organized speech is easier to deliver and more digestible for the audience.

• Begin with an introduction that grabs attention - this could be a startling fact, a poignant quote, or a compelling anecdote.
• Clearly state your main points and organize them logically.
• Each point should be substantiated with evidence, be it statistics, anecdotes, or expert opinions.

In Aristotle's seminal work, "Rhetoric," he proposes a triad of ethos , pathos , and logos as central to classical rhetoric and the art of persuasion.

Here's what they mean:

• Ethos (Credibility) : Ethos pertains to the speaker's character, credibility, and reputation. Aristotle believed that if an audience perceives the speaker as credible and morally sound, they are more inclined to be persuaded.

In today's digital age, ethos is reflected in personal branding, qualifications, testimonials, and endorsements. For instance, a doctor discussing medical topics would naturally have more ethos in that realm than someone without medical training.

• Pathos (Emotion) : Pathos revolves around appealing to the audience's emotions, values, and desires. By resonating with the listeners' feelings and aspirations, the speaker can create a bond and instill a sense of urgency or empathy.

Modern advertisers frequently employ pathos. Commercials might depict heartwarming family moments, exhilarating adventures, or narratives of personal triumph, all designed to evoke specific emotions and associate these feelings with the product or service being promoted.

• Logos (Logic) : Logos concerns the use of logic, reason, and evidence. A well-structured argument, supported by concrete evidence, facts, and logical sequencing, is more likely to convince the audience of its validity.

Academic papers, scientific reports, and judicial arguments heavily rely on logos. They present hypotheses or claims, back them with data or precedents, and use logical reasoning to arrive at conclusions. While "Rhetoric" was written in the 4th century BC, its principles, especially the ethos-pathos-logos triad, remain foundational in communication, public speaking, and persuasive writing. This is because these three pillars address the holistic nature of human cognition and decision-making. Ethos appeals to our trust in authority or expertise, pathos speaks to our human emotions and shared experiences, and logos satisfies our rational mind's need for structure and evidence.

In contemporary contexts, from political speeches to marketing campaigns, the most compelling messages often skillfully interweave all three elements. For instance, a politician might share a personal anecdote ( pathos ), cite economic data ( logos ), and highlight their years of service ( ethos ) in a single speech to persuade voters.

Consider how this might apply to a software engineer's impact in various settings:

Ethos : When interviewing or networking, start by highlighting your background and achievements in software development, such as significant projects you've contributed to or innovative solutions you've developed. Mentioning a successful project where your technical decision led to a marked improvement in performance or user experience can establish your credibility as an expert in your field.

Pathos : Don't forget to share a relatable experience of overcoming a challenging bug or the satisfaction of seeing your code come to life in a product used by many. This personal touch not only humanizes you but also creates an emotional connection with your audience, whether they are fellow developers, stakeholders, or non-technical listeners. It illustrates the passion and dedication behind the code, making your message more engaging and impactful.

Logos : When presenting a new tool, framework, or methodology, delve into the technical specifics—how it works, its benefits over existing solutions, and real-world applications. Include data, benchmarks, or case studies to support your points. This logical and evidence-based approach strengthens your argument and demonstrates a deep understanding of the subject matter, thereby enhancing your persuasiveness and the audience's trust in your expertise.

Don't forget to conclude your speech by reinforcing your main points and leaving the audience with a memorable takeaway or call to action.

Practice Makes Perfect

Even the most experienced speakers rehearse their speeches.

Practicing helps in refining content, perfecting delivery, and anticipating questions. Record your rehearsals to critique your tone, pacing, and body language. This repetitive process helps in internalizing the content, which allows for a more natural delivery.

Here are some actionable points to help guide your efforts:

Write and Rehearse : Before delivering, script your speech or at least outline the key points. Familiarize yourself with the content through repeated readings, ensuring you comprehend and internalize the message.

Mirror Practice : Stand in front of a mirror and speak. This allows you to observe facial expressions, gestures, and posture, refining them as you go.

Record and Review : Use your phone or camera to record your speeches. Playback helps in identifying areas of improvement, be it pacing, intonation, or non-verbal cues.

Feedback Loop : Present your speech to friends, family, or colleagues and actively seek feedback. They might offer insights or perspectives you hadn't considered.

Join Speaking Clubs : Organizations like Toastmasters offer a supportive environment to practice public speaking and receive constructive critiques.

Engage in Impromptu Speaking : Set aside times where you pick a random topic and speak on it for a few minutes. This enhances your ability to think on your feet.

Practice Breath Control : Engage in exercises that improve your breath control, ensuring a steady voice and aiding in stress reduction. Yoga and meditation can be beneficial in this aspect.

Vocal Warm-Ups : Just as singers warm up their voices, so should speakers. Humming, tongue twisters, and vocal stretching exercises can prevent strain and improve clarity.

Stay Updated : The best speakers are knowledgeable. Regularly read up on current events and diverse topics to build a vast reservoir of content to draw from.

Embrace Mistakes : Instead of fearing errors, view them as learning opportunities. After each presentation, reflect on what went well and what could be improved.

Engage with Visuals and Stories : Humans are visual creatures, and a well-designed slide or a pertinent image can significantly augment your message. Visual aids, however, should be used judiciously—avoid clutter and ensure that they complement your spoken words.

Beyond visuals, the power of storytelling cannot be overstated. Narratives captivate, make abstract concepts tangible, and foster empathy. Weaving personal stories or relevant anecdotes adds depth to your presentation and makes it relatable.

Mastering Delivery

Your voice and body are the primary tools in public speaking. Varying your pitch and tone keeps the audience engaged, while a controlled pace ensures comprehension.

Avoid monotonous delivery - instead, use emphasis and pauses strategically. Pausing can underscore a point, allow the audience to ponder, or give you a moment to collect your thoughts.

Non-verbal cues, like eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures, play a pivotal role in connecting with the audience. Being mindful of your posture and movements conveys confidence and authority.

Overcoming Stage Fright

It's common to experience jitters before facing an audience.

Recognizing that this anxiety is natural and often a sign of adrenaline can be comforting.

Techniques like deep breathing, grounding exercises, and positive affirmations can mitigate nerves.

Visualization , where one imagines a successful performance, can be a potent tool. Preparing for contingencies, such as technical glitches, can also instill confidence.

Lastly, engaging with the audience before the speech, perhaps through light conversation, can humanize them and alleviate the feeling of addressing a faceless crowd.

Some Thoughts from Me

Public speaking is more than an art; it's a powerful medium that has shaped civilizations, swayed public opinion, and transformed lives.

As you've seen in this article, the journey from the amphitheaters of Athens to the our current digital era underscores the enduring importance of effective and eloquent communication.

For those who aspire to master this craft, it is essential to understand its history, appreciate its evolution, and relentlessly hone one's skills..

...and as with any art, passion, persistence, and practice are the cornerstones of mastery in public speaking.

Get out there and talk to everyone. Talk to folks at meet ups. Raise your voice in group meetings.

Each speech, each audience, and each setting brings unique challenges and lessons.

With passion and perseverance, one can not only master the art of public speaking but also experience the profound joy of connecting with people and making a lasting impact.

References:

1 Aristotle. (1991). On rhetoric: A theory of civic discourse. Oxford University Press. 2. Demosthenes. (c. 351 BC). Philippics. 3. Murphy, J. (1994). Rhetoric in the Middle Ages: A history of rhetorical theory from Saint Augustine to the Renaissance. University of California Press. 4. Lucas, S. E. (2012). The art of public speaking. McGraw-Hill.

About the Author

Hello there, my name is Joe aka "JD" aka "Scribbio", and you've landed on my side hobby! I enjoy writing articles that help individuals launch new careers in tech.

When I am not blogging, I work as a Software Engineering Bootcamp Educator and consultant specialising in the .NET framework and web technologies.

I coded CreativelyCode from scratch and am working hard to make it the best resource possible for our users. You can learn more about this site on the About page .

If you'd like to submit your own article or have any questions at all, please contact me on LinkedIn.