Delivering a speech can be scary, especially if you are not a pro. Know that you aren’t alone. Most folks are uncomfortable talking to an audience. There are several things to make it easier to speak in public. Read on to learn the public speaking keys to success.
Utilize a timer to determine the length of your speech. This will help you make any edits and time your speech appropriately. If you need to fill in more time, look for more pertinent information on the topic. Pace your speech so that the audience can keep up with what you are saying.
Learn the material the best you can. Even when you memorize your speech, it is good to know facts, figures and even jokes and stories related to your topic. It is possible to work them into your speech as you get a feel for your audience. They can also help you when it comes time for the audience to ask questions.
Public speaking needs to be taken seriously. You can’t just get up and speak and expect that everyone will hang on to your every word automatically. You have to work at getting attention and work hard to keep it. This is a performance, which means that you will have to work hard in order to get the results you want.
Know the audience that you are speaking to. If it’s possible to know, learn about some of the specific people that will be there. If it’s possible, try greeting them as they arrive and take the time to learn their names. Having a feeling of familiarity with some audience members can make the whole presentation or speech feel more friendly.
Familiarize yourself with the venue where you will speak. Understand the distance your voice can travel. If there is equipment you’ll be using, learn about it before the speech. If there are visual aids, learn to use them. Make eye contact with the audience as much as you can.
If you accidentally forget to touch on a point during your speech that isn’t mandatory, don’t stop. The whole speech might be messed up if you feel like you have to go back and correct something. In addition, others are unlikely to recognize the omission if you don’t draw attention to the issue.
If you use a timer, you can accurately gauge the length of your speech. This will allow you to edit your speech to keep it within the necessary time constraints. If you need to fill in more time, look for more pertinent information on the topic. It is important not to rush through your speech.
Use deep breathing techniques to assuage your anxiety with regard to public speaking. You can gain control of your nerves by taking several deep breaths before you go onstage. Inhale and count to four, then exhale and count to five. Repeat this six times and you will soon feel so much calmer.
Dress appropriately for any speech you’re giving. If you feel that you look good, you’ll tend to talk better, as well. For guys, a neck tie can be vital. A tie helps audience members’ focus to the speaker’s face. That helps keep people tuned in for the entire talk.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages prior to giving a speech. This is not the best idea that you can put into practice. It would be pretty awful to be all set to make your speech and then realize you forgot everything you were going to talk about because the alcohol has clouded your thinking.
If you are prepping, practice a lot and memorize what you need to prior to speech day. When you have memorized the speech, you should then work on delivery. Memorize it and you will feel more comfortable with it.
Note Cards
Note cards can be useful. While you should have your speech memorized, you should carry a set of note cards with you to the podium. You don’t have to have the speech in its entirety before you as you stand at the podium, but your key points should at least be jotted down.
Do not apologize to your audience when you are on stage. Chances are, your audience doesn’t even notice. If you make mistakes, correct them and move on. You don’t need to apologize for anything.
The key to a good speech is preparation. Know exactly what you are going to say. Educate yourself on the topic, if you have to. Write down the things you plan on saying. Practice your speech a number of times until you have it memorized. Be prepared adds more confident while you’re speaking.
As you talk, make sure to project your voice. Bring some water to the podium if it’s allowed. Refrain from drinking carbonated beverages just before your speech occurs. Beverages such as these cause your saliva to thicken and can cause your body to produce excess mucous. You can also use a little bit of hot tea to relax your throat right before a big speech.
Before you give presentations, you should warm up the audience. This does not have to be a joke or amusing anecdote. You can bring up a quick story about your day, what happened on the way to the speech, or just something that the audience can relate to. You need to connect with the audience.
Never just “wing it” when it comes to giving an important speech. This idea is always a bad one, regardless of your level of passion or personal knowledge of a subject. You may be able to give a passing speech. Once you’ve done it, you’ll most likely regret the critical points you forgot to talk about.
Being prepared – understanding your topic is key. Keep to facts and other information that is directly related to your speech. Pay attention to how your audience is responding. It will also make you better prepared for any questions.
Make sure your head is in the right place. Feeling nervous is normal. Most people are nervous before they make a speech. Thinking negatively isn’t okay. If you feel you are going to do poorly, then chances are you will. Only tell yourself that you will do well and stay positive so that you can make your speech go well, too
If you want your speech to resonate with your audience, start it with a story. It can be something hypothetical, news-related, or a personal story. This will make you subject matter seem more human. Just make sure that your story does not offend in any way.
Now that you’ve come to the end of this article, you are more prepared than ever to engage in public speaking. The information you have just read is truly effective. Now you have the tools to properly prepare yourself to make a great impression. There is no reason to let a public speech make you feel any fear.
When making a speech, always face the audience. Keep your focus on what you are doing and not allow yourself to get distracted. If you want to engage your audience, you need to give them all of your attention.