In this article you will find some useful tips about public speaking.
Speaking in public can be scary, but it’s not that hard once you get used to it.
It’s just like anything else: Practice makes perfect.
The more you speak in public, the easier and more natural it feels.
Public speaking also comes with many benefits, like making you a more effective communicator and boosting your career prospects.
So don’t shy away from speaking in front of people — embrace this opportunity to grow as a person and as a boss or employee.
If you feel nervous about speaking in public, know that you’re not alone.
Many people feel that way before their first time speaking in front of an audience.
But with a little preparation and practice, almost anyone can become comfortable with public speaking.
What is a public speaker?
A public speaker is somebody who speaks face to face to a group of others, usually speaking to a live audience.
However, a public speaker can also broadcast their speech to a group through the use of technology.
The goal of a public speaker is to inform, entertain or educate their audience and is generally someone who is knowledgeable about a given topic.
A good public speaker will usually motivate their audience and inspire them regarding a certain topic.
Why is public speaking important?
Public speaking is an important skill to learn because it can make you a more effective communicator.
Public speaking allows you to have confidence when speaking to groups and can be a great asset in career roles managing people.
Over time becoming a good public speaker will allow you to express yourself more clearly, as well prepare you to become a better leader.
7 Tips About Public Speaking
- Know your material
- Practice, practice, practice
- Breathe and shake out the jitters
- Don’t try to be perfect
- Have a stage presence trick up your sleeve
- Calm public speaking nerves
- Ask for feedback
Tips About Public Speaking
Know your material
Before you head to the podium, it’s important to know your material backwards and forwards.
This way you’ll be able to focus on your message instead of getting caught up in your nerves.
If you’re presenting on a topic you’re not an expert in, find a way to get information that makes you feel confident about the subject.
If you’re in a situation where you don’t have the time to do in-depth research, don’t sweat it.
Focus on having a strong, clear message and you’ll be fine.
Are you presenting with a group?
Make sure everyone is up to speed on the topic.
This way, you can make more of your presentation about your group’s findings than your individual research.
Practice, practice, practice
One of the best tips about public speaking is to practice as much as possible in public.
Find a local Toastmasters club or an improv troupe and get involved in the activities of these organizations.
The more you practice speaking in front of people, the less scary it’ll feel.
You’ll also be more prepared for when you have to give a major presentation at work.
If you’re the type of person who needs written notes to remember what to say, feel free to bring them to the podium when you’re presenting.
But don’t depend on the notes in front of others.
Alternatively, you can use a presentation app to recall your points.
Breathe and shake out the jitters
Being nervous is a normal part of public speaking.
But there are a few things you can do to calm down the jitters.
Before you head to the podium, take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves.
It’s also important to stay hydrated while you’re speaking, so make sure you have a glass of water nearby.
When you’re up at the podium, shake out the jitters by moving your arms and legs.
If you’re feeling extra jittery, try doing a little vocal warm-up to get your voice warmed up.
Try repeating the vowel sounds of “e,” “eh,” and “oh” to get your voice ready for talking.
Don’t try to be perfect
Being perfect is impossible.
No one will ever think you’re perfect.
But you’ll definitely stress yourself out trying to reach this goal. Instead, try to be as authentic as possible.
The more comfortable you are, the better your message will resonate with your audience.
If you mess up or forget something, don’t freak out.
Just take a breath and keep going.
If you make a mistake, own it and explain what happened.
People respect authenticity and you’ll come off as a more relatable presenter.
Have a stage presence trick up your sleeve
If you have a trick that helps you feel more energized while presenting, go ahead and use it.
If you’re standing at the podium, try standing on your tiptoes or take on a power pose like Wonder Woman or Superman.
You can also use hand gestures to help your audience follow along with your presentation.
If you’re feeling nervous about your voice and having trouble projecting, try a simple breathing trick.
When you inhale, try to make the sound “ha.”
Then, when you exhale, say “hum.”
When you use this simple trick, it opens up your throat so you can speak more loudly.
Calm public speaking nerves
Nervousness can cause you to tense up, especially in your shoulders and neck.
To prevent these areas from getting tense, try massaging them regularly and practicing good posture when you’re not presenting.
When you’re actually up at the podium, make sure to roll your shoulders back and stand up straight.
Doing this will help you relax and will make you look more confident.
Ask for feedback
Before you give your next big presentation, ask a colleague for feedback on your last few practice sessions.
Ask them to be honest about what you did well and what you could improve.
And don’t forget to give feedback to your coworkers after they give a presentation.
Giving feedback can help you become more aware of your strengths and weaknesses as a public speaker.
Conclusion
Public speaking is a skill that you can learn, but it takes time, practice, and patience.
It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself and to remember that everyone was a beginner at one point.
While there’s no quick fix or one-size-fits all way to become better at speaking in public, there are a few strategies you can use to help you ease into being comfortable speaking in front of others.
If you have a speech coming up, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
Additionally, you can ease your nerves by practicing in front of a small group of friends or colleagues.
Finally, remember to breathe, shake out your jitters, and take care of your body so you can exude confidence when you’re up at the podium.
