Here are 20 tips that
could help you to improve on your public speaking
skills:
#1 Watch
the Experts
The best way to start
learning good speaking methods is by watching good speakers. Ten years ago, this
would have been more difficult, but today you can quickly find good example
speeches online.
#2 Know
Your Material
Before you give you
speech, do enough research to have a strong grasp of the subject matter. You do
not want to forget an important fact.
#3
Take Notes
Although you do not
want to read your entire speech off a script, writing down a brief outline will
help you stay focused.
#4 Rehearse
In Private
One of the most
important keys to giving a strong speech is the practice. Rehearse your speech
enough that you can (almost) say it in your sleep. Do it in front of a
mirror!
#5 Rehearse To a
Small Audience
After practicing by
yourself, give your speech to a small audience. After you finish, ask for
feedback on your performance. You can then use this advice to perfect your
presentation even more.
#6 Know
Your Audience
Your speech should be
carefully targeted to your audience. If you have to use terms that are
unfamiliar to them, you will need to give
the definitions.
#7 Know
Your Surroundings
Before you give you
speech, visit the place you will be speaking. If possible, you might even try to
have a practice run on location.
#8
Dress Properly
Depending on your
audience, you may need to dress formally or casually. In addition, dress in
layers to prepare for a wide range of temperatures.
#9 Relax
Almost everyone feels
nervous when speaking. Calm you nerves by pausing before starting you speech and
by channelling your nervous energy into enthusiasm.
#10 Start With an
Intriguing Question or Fact
Most audiences
subconsciously give the speaker 20 seconds to capture their attention. Engage
your audience quickly with an engaging question or
startling fact.
#11 Realize That Your
Audience Is On Your Side
Very rarely do
audiences want the speaker to fail. Most of the time, the audience will want you
to succeed. After all, who wants to sit through a
boring presentation?
#12
Use Gestures
Do not be afraid to
use hand motions. As long as you use them naturally, gestures will add to
your speech.
#13 Use
Visual Aids
In addition to
gestures, visual aids, ranging from high-tech Power Point presentations to
simple chalkboard diagrams, can help keep visual
learners interested.
#14 Do Not
Over-Use Visuals
Although visuals are
very useful, too much of a good thing can be bad. Use visuals sparingly and
tastefully. (Yes, your spectacular slide show transitions will distract and
annoy the audience.)
#15 Speak
With Conviction & Confidence
If you want your
audience to believe you, you have to first believe yourself. If you do not
believe your speech yourself, do not give that presentation in the
first place!
#16 Do Not Speak To
Your Notes
First-time speakers
are often tempted to talk to their notes. Instead, set yourself apart by
speaking to… surprise… your audience!
#17 Pauses In
Your Speech
Do not be afraid to
add silence to your speech. In fact, this quietness will help keep your audience
awake and focused on your topic.
#18 Add Humour and
tell Stories to Engage & Relate with Your Audience
Although too many
jokes can ruin your persuasiveness, the occasional humorous anecdote will add
levity to your speech and engage your audience.
#19 Don’t Apologize
For Nervousness
Some speakers feel a
need to apologize to their audience for sounding nervous. Don’t do this! Not
only does this mistake detract from your persuasiveness, but it will not be
useful information for your audience.
#20 Prepare a
Good Ending
Rather than mumbling,
“Well, I guess that’s it…” as you slowly back off the platform, plan a strong
ending. One ideal ending is a call to action. For instance, in speech about
blogging, I might end, “Now, go start your blog today!”
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