Not everyone is a natural public speaker. When you meet people, it’s easier to speak one-on-one with a person sometimes as opposed to addressing large crowds. It’s natural to feel nervous before giving a public speech or presentation. However, too much nervousness and improper speaking techniques can be detrimental to your presentation.
With enough practice, the following powerful public speaking tips will make you a natural public speaker in no time.
• Know your material well – If you aren’t prepared for speech/presentation, it will show. Know your material/topic well before you present. Know more about the subject than you actually use in your speech. You want to come across as an expert on the topic. Use personal anecdotes, humor (if appropriate) and avoid jargon – this will allow you to speak easily about your topic.
• Practice and more practice– Rehearse a few times in front of other people. Practice with the AV equipment you plan to use, especially if you give a PowerPoint presentation. Remember to pause and breathe throughout your speech, and practice with a timer (especially if you have limited time to speak).
• Know your room – Arrive early to the room so you can set up your projector, laptop, etc. Test microphones and visual aids to make sure everything runs properly before speaking.
• Personally greet your audience – Greet audience members as they enter the room. This will ease your nervousness and puts you on a friendly, personal level with audience members/guests.
• Use positive visualization techniques – Before giving your speech, visualize your speech running smoothly. Imagine yourself speaking in a clear, confident voice. Visualize your audience smiling and clapping loudly at the end of your speech.
• Relax and concentrate on your message – Relax and take a few deep breaths before you speak. Don’t focus on your anxieties and nervousness. Focus on your intended message and audience members. Remember that your audience/guests want you to succeed. Don’t ever apologize for your nervousness or glitches – the audience will never notice the problems.
• Gain public speaking experience – Take a public speaking class or join a professional speakers’ organization. If you don’t feel confident giving presentations, there are experts who can steer you in the right direction. The more speeches/presentations you give, the more confident you’ll feel speaking in front of large groups.
Avoid the following mistakes when giving a presentation/speech:
• Don’t copy other speakers’ presentation styles
• Don’t read your speech word-for-word
• Don’t speak in a quiet, monotone voice – use voice inflection (and enunciate words)
• Don’t stand in one place – work the room
• Be well-prepared and don’t make up your presentation as you go (you will make yourself look foolish and unprofessional)
• Don’t begin your speech by saying “Thank You” – start your presentation with a bang
• Don’t use other people’s stories – Personalize your speech by using your own experiences (using other people’s quotes are acceptable)
Remember that public speaking is a learned art and won’t happen overnight. With time and practice your presentations will sound both polished and professional.
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