Ruan Schutte
In conversation with Ruan Schutte (Conference Speaker, Innovation Specialist)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/idea8/
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The main points from our conversation:
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Authenticity is Key – Be yourself on stage. Audiences are drawn to genuine speakers, so avoid imitating famous figures like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk. Speak as you naturally would in conversation.
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Preparation and Practice – Structure your talk before diving into slides. Practise out loud, record yourself, and refine your delivery. Arrive early at venues to familiarise yourself with the environment.
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Overcoming Nervousness – Even experienced speakers get nervous. Manage anxiety by breathing, engaging with the audience, and making small jokes to ease tension.
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Start Small and Experiment – Gain confidence by speaking in workplace meetings, recording short videos, and volunteering for small engagements. Treat each talk as a learning opportunity.
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Continuous Learning and Growth – Improve by watching experienced speakers, studying storytelling techniques, and refining your style over time. The more you speak, the more you grow.
About our conversation:
Public speaking is often seen as a daunting skill, especially for technology professionals who may be more comfortable working behind the scenes than standing in front of an audience. However, effective communication is a crucial skill for any professional looking to share their knowledge and influence others. In a recent discussion between Johan Steyn and Ruan Schutte on The Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum, valuable insights were shared on how aspiring speakers can develop confidence and impact in their presentations.
Embracing Authenticity
One of the most important lessons in public speaking is to be yourself. Many new speakers feel the pressure to imitate well-known figures like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk, but audiences respond best to authenticity. As Ruan Schutte pointed out, the way you speak on stage should be the same as how you speak in everyday conversations. Authenticity fosters connection, credibility, and trust, making it easier for audiences to engage with your message.
The Power of Preparation
Confidence in public speaking does not come from talent alone—it comes from preparation. Ruan highlighted that before he even begins working on slides, he structures his talk by mapping out key points and refining his narrative. He often starts by brainstorming ideas on a whiteboard and then builds a clear story around them. Practising aloud, recording himself, and rehearsing in front of a mirror are all part of his preparation process.
Arriving early at a venue is another essential preparation step. Walking around the stage, understanding the room layout, and even making connections with the technical team can reduce anxiety and help a speaker feel more comfortable before stepping in front of an audience.
Managing Nervousness
Even experienced speakers feel nervous before stepping onto a stage. Johan admitted that despite years of speaking, he still experiences nerves before every presentation. The key is not to eliminate nervousness but to manage it effectively. Techniques such as deep breathing, light movement before speaking, and making small jokes to ease into the talk can help regulate anxiety. Engaging with the audience before a presentation, such as greeting attendees or asking them questions, also creates a sense of familiarity and comfort.
Starting Small and Building Confidence
For those new to public speaking, the best approach is to start small. Speaking in workplace meetings, volunteering for short presentations, or recording brief videos can help build confidence. Ruan encouraged aspiring speakers to embrace opportunities, even informal ones, to gain experience and improve their communication skills.
A great way to begin is by sharing insights on projects within your organisation. By talking about work you are passionate about, you naturally become more comfortable and engaged in your delivery. Over time, these smaller experiences build a strong foundation for larger speaking engagements.
Continuous Learning and Improvement
Public speaking is a journey of continuous learning. Watching other speakers, studying storytelling techniques, and experimenting with different styles all contribute to growth. Looking back at past presentations can feel uncomfortable, but it is an essential part of the learning process. As Johan noted, even seasoned speakers cringe at their older presentations, but improvement comes from experience.
Public speaking may seem intimidating, but with preparation, practice, and a commitment to learning, anyone can develop the skills to share their knowledge effectively. The most important step is to start—because every speaker begins as a beginner.