Giving talks: The basics

It’s always a bit overwhelming when you are asked to speak in public, but there are some really basic things to support you to get through it and want to do it again!

Getting the Incredible Edible message out there is important to inspire people to believe in the power of small actions and how they can make a change to the world, perhaps by starting to volunteer for your group or just by choosing to buy a loaf of bread from the local baker on the way home. If you’ve got an audience of 20 people, just think about how many small actions your talk could generate!

But who will want you to talk?

It’s a question often asked and local horticultural groups, Royal Horticultural Society In Bloom groups, schools, colleges, local food and growing initiatives and others interested in Incredible Edible and change may be in touch to find out more about what you are doing in your community. There’s more information about seeking out opportunities to give talks in the Going deeper section.

1. The first thing to do is to make sure, as a group, you know who is and who is not prepared to get up and give a talk when asked. Whilst some of you will be happy talking in a meeting, for some the thought of standing in front of a room of people to talk is just too much, so have your designated speakers and allow them to practice on the rest of your group. See our Top tips for giving talks for some tried and tested advice.
2. The next thing to do is decide what you want to tell people and to prioritise this so that no matter how long you have to speak, top priorities and most asked questions are answered in the first few minutes of your talk. Most audiences will be keen to understand what the difference is between an Incredible Edible group and a community garden for example, so a potted history of the movement and spinning the three plates of community, business and learning, is important.
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3. It’s then important to make sure you explain how your group is addressing all those things within your community. Make sure you give yourself space to let people know how they can get involved and be incredible too and where they can find out more information.
4. And finally enjoy your talk! Remember you have been asked to talk to this group because they are interested in what you and your group are doing, and will be excited to hear your story.

If you want to be inspired about what giving a talk can lead to, then read this story from Incredible Edible Dunstable.