“There are two types of speakers: those who get nervous and those who are liars.” — Mark Twain
Public speaking isn’t a soft skill anymore — it’s a survival skill. Especially for forensic supervisors.
Whether you’re briefing command staff, leading a crime scene unit meeting, testifying in court, or presenting at the scientific conference, your ability to communicate confidently matters. But what happens when you’re an introvert, and every one of those scenarios feels like a panic attack in slow motion?
You’re not alone. In fact, some of the most successful forensic supervisors we know identify as introverts. And guess what? They’re also some of the most compelling, trustworthy voices in the room.
In this post, you’ll learn real-world public speaking strategies designed for introverted forensic professionals. We’ll show you how to embrace your natural communication style, speak with confidence, and lead without trying to be someone you’re not.
Before you dive in, watch the featured interview from the Forensic Supervisor Success Summit! This episode of the Forensics Unfiltered podcast is a special one — it’s the full presentation, “An Introvert’s Guide to Public Speaking” with John Black from Black & White Forensics, originally part of our Forensic Supervisor Success Summit.
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Why Public Speaking Skills Mater for Forensic Supervisors
Let’s set the scene. You’re a forensic supervisor. You get promoted because you’re technically brilliant — but now you’re expected to run meetings, deliver briefings, and represent your unit to command staff. No pressure, right?
Except there’s one catch: You’re an introvert. And the idea of public speaking makes you want to crawl under the evidence table.
Here’s the good news: introversion is not a flaw to fix. It’s a feature you can leverage. Many introverts are:
- Deep thinkers
- Excellent listeners
- Thoughtful communicators
- Observant and prepared
All of those traits are exactly what make a great public speaker. You just need the right strategies to bring them forward.
How Public Speaking Shows Up in Forensic Leadership Roles
You might not be holding a mic on a TED Talk stage, but as a forensic supervisor, you’re expected to speak up and lead in a variety of high-stakes situations:
- Team meetings and case briefings
- Presentations to upper management or external stakeholders
- Department trainings
- Expert witness testimony
- Speaking at events, like scientific conferences
Each of these scenarios carries weight. But they don’t have to drain you. Let’s walk through how to handle them with less fear and more ease.
5 Powerful Public Speaking Tips for Introverted Forensic Supervisors
1. Preparation Is Your Superpower
If you’re an introvert, chances are you feel best when you’re prepared. That’s your edge — don’t fight it, lean in.
Here’s how:
- Create a simple structure: Use the “What, Why, How” formula:
- What am I saying?
- Why does it matter?
- How do I want them to feel or act afterward?
- Write bullet points, not scripts: Full scripts make it harder to sound natural.
- Practice out loud: In the car, on a walk, or in front of your dog. Hearing yourself is key.
- Anticipate questions: Think like your audience. What might confuse them? What will they care about most?
The more you prepare, the more your confidence grows.
Bonus: Recording yourself can feel awkward, but it’s wildly effective. You’ll pick up on pacing, tone, and filler words (e.g. um, uh, so, like, etc.) you wouldn’t notice otherwise.
2. Start Small and Build Up
You don’t need to speak at a conference right away. Try this instead:
- Run a short team meeting
- Share a win or a case update in a staff briefing
- Volunteer to co-present a training session
Small wins = momentum. You build trust in yourself with each repetition.
3. Focus on Service, Not Self
Introverts often spiral into “What if I mess up?” mindset. Let’s flip that.
Ask: Who needs this message? How can this information help someone do their job better, safer, or more accurately?
In the world of forensic science, your voice matters. Your insights influence investigations, impact justice, and keep your team aligned.
When you focus on service, the fear shrinks. It’s not about you. It’s about what you’re sharing.
4. Use Anchors to Stay Grounded
When the nerves hit (and they will), use physical and mental anchors to stay calm:
- Keep one hand on the podium or hold a pen
- Take strategic pauses to breathe, not to panic
- Look at friendly faces in the room
- Use note cards with key points — just don’t read from them
These small tricks help center you without making you stiff.
5. Recharge Like It’s Your Job
You can’t speak well if your energy is completely depleted.
Before and after a speaking engagement, try this:
- Block out downtime on your calendar
- Take a short walk or stretch break
- Listen to calming music
- Avoid back-to-back meetings
Speaking as an introvert is like running a marathon. You can do it—you just need recovery time after.
Let’s Debunk a Few Myths About Public Speaking and Introverts
Myth 1: Introverts can’t be good speakers.
Truth: Many world-class speakers are introverts. They succeed because they bring substance, not noise.
Myth 2: If I’m nervous, I’m not cut out for this.
Truth: Nervousness = caring. The key is learning how to manage the nerves, not eliminate them.
Myth 3: I have to change my personality.
Truth: You don’t need to be someone else. You just need to show up as you, with structure and support.
Quick Checklist for Forensic Supervisors Before Your Next Talk
Print this out. Stick it to your monitor. You got this!
1–2 Days Before Your Presentation:
⬜ Rehearse your presentation out loud (alone or with a trusted colleague).
⬜ Double-check your slide deck for typos, tech issues, or timing mismatches.
⬜ Write out your opening line and closing line — word for word.
⬜ Prepare a 2-minute version of your talk in case you’re short on time.
⬜ Set a reminder to breathe. Seriously. Deep breathing helps calm your nerves.
⬜ Pick out what you’ll wear — something you feel confident in.
Day of Your Presentation:
⬜ Get to your venue (or log on) at least 15–20 minutes early.
⬜ Do a tech check: mic, slides, internet connection, etc.
⬜ Have water nearby — hydrate often.
⬜ Take 3 deep breaths right before you start.
⬜ Remind yourself: You’re not here to impress. You’re here to help.
⬜ Smile (it makes both you and your audience more relaxed).
⬜ Have a backup note card with 3–5 anchor points in case you blank.
After Your Presentation:
⬜ Reflect: What went well? What would you do differently next time?
⬜ Celebrate the win — you did it!
⬜ Schedule a 30-minute solo recharge time if needed.
⬜ Send any promised resources or follow-ups while it’s fresh.
Final Thoughts from Black and White Forensics
At Black and White Forensics, we work with dozens of forensic supervisors every year through our academies, webinars, and podcast. And we hear it constantly:
“I’m great at my job… but public speaking terrifies me.”
That fear is valid. But it doesn’t have to rule your leadership journey.
You’re allowed to be a quiet leader. An intentional communicator. A grounded speaker who shows up with calm confidence.
Whether you’re presenting in your lab, teaching at the Forensic Supervisor Success Summit, or stepping into your first leadership role, you can speak with power—without pretending to be an extrovert.
It starts with preparation, intention, and permission to lead as you are.
Unlimited Access to Leadership Training for Forensic Supervisors
If you want to learn from John Black and other forensic leadership experts, get access to the 2023 Forensic Supervisor Success Summit Replay.
With the All-Access Pass, you’ll gain immediate access to John’s presentation, “Introvert’s Guide to Conquer Public Speaking,” along with 27 other expert-led sessions covering forensic supervision, leadership strategies, and unit efficiency. Don’t miss out—secure your access today!
👉 Purchase the full replay here
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills, improve forensic unit operations, and gain insights from top forensic professionals!
➡️ Want to hear more from John? Check out our post: What Forensic Consultants Wish You Knew About Your Case Reports. In that episode, John shares a completely different (but equally powerful) perspective on the importance of quality forensic documentation.
