Most individuals do not go through life without having to speak to a crowd at least once. Whether you’re talking to your HOA, addressing a group of coworkers or making a speech in school, being a great public speaker can really help you to get your point across. This list of public speaking pointers will surely make you a better all-around speaker.
Time yourself to find out how long your speech is. You can then edit your speech so it does not extend past the time allowed. If it is not long enough, add a bit of meat to it. Also, never rush through your speech.
If you want to impress your audience when giving a speech, you must practice and prepare beforehand. Have an idea of the message you are trying to get across. Do your homework to back up your statements, if you must. Write down the things you plan on saying. Also, remember to memorize your words so you look professional while speaking. Being prepared can raise your confidence level.
Sometimes, people will not follow what you are speaking about. It is up to you to grab their attention and hold on to it. Think of this as a performance, and that means you need to work harder to get the reactions you are looking for.
Understand the material thoroughly. Even if you memorize your material, it’s helpful to know other aspects of your topic that are not included in your speech. If you have time, you can add in some of these things throughout your speech as needed. It will also make you better prepared for any questions.
When delivering a speech, always face your audience. Do not let yourself get distracted by things in the area. Remember that you need to get your point across, and you won’t do this unless you let your audience know your attention is on them.
Once you memorize your speech, then practice it over and over. Repeated practice sessions can help you make key adjustments. Pay attention to your speed and to how you breathe as well. Insert spaces into your speech that allow for interruptions, such as applause. Use the equipment you are going to use for the speech to practice if you can.
When addressing an audience, face them during every word of your speech. Don’t get distracted by whatever else is happening. You must command the attention of your audience.
Know your topic. Have a broad understanding of the topic, so you can cover it from every angle. Write down bullet points of everything you want to cover, and be clear and concise so that you can refer to it as needed during your speech. It will be worth it when you find the audience asking questions.
No matter what kind of mistake you make, simply forge ahead. If you go back in time to try to cover something that isn’t fully necessary, you could find yourself becoming confused and lost in the speech entirely. Also, people will notice it more if you backtrack.
If you are like millions of other people who experience anxiety before giving a public speech, brush-up on your deep breathing abilities. Breathing in deeply and exhaling fully prior to starting your speech helps control your nerves. Use your nose to inhale to a count of four, and then exhale with your mouth to at least a count of five. Do this six times, and calm will be yours.
One method to improve your effectiveness when speaking in public is to relate a true story. Outline your story before your speaking engagement. You need to include a beginning, a middle portion and a definite end to the story you tell. Be sure you use true life events in order to sound really authentic.
Practice really does make perfect. Try recording yourself giving the speech. Listen back to the tape to identify any areas of weakness. Practice for friends and family to get advice.
Before you begin your speech, make sure you have already engaged the audience. Smile and shake hands when you enter. Your audience is sure to show great interest if you have a good attitude.
You should practice your speech regularly. Doing so will increase the confidence you have, as you will be very familiar with the material. Even if you’ve memorized your speech, bring some notes along with you on stage. They can be a real help if you’ve forgotten a section and you need to get back on track.
Try some deep breathing exercises to get over nerves when speaking in public. You can gain control of your nerves by taking several deep breaths before you go onstage. Breathe through your nose and count to four, then exhale counting to five. Do that five times total, and you’ll be amazed at how you feel!
Practice your speech until it’s perfect. Try practicing in front of mirrors, using hand gestures, and facial expressions for making points. Test out your speech on your loved ones. They will help with your weak spots.
Note Cards
Note cards are great tools for speeches. Though memorizing your speech is always wise, keeping a written copy on hand is also smart. You don’t need the whole thing written down, but having your main points on note cards can help you avoid leaving out the important points in your speech.
No matter the venue, always look your best. If you feel and look sharply dressed, it will reflect in your speaking. Male speakers should think about wearing a tie, because it generally draws attention to the mouth area.
If you feel nervous or feel you are failing, never let it show. You may think your audience knows you are nervous; however, most of the time the audience will not even realize it. Should you make an error, simply correct it and keep going. There is no need to apologize.
Prior to making a speech, get the audience on your side. You don’t always have to tell them a joke to accomplish this. You can mention about something that happened to you on your way to the venue, that you think your audience can identify with. It’s a smart way to create a strong first impression with the crowd.
When you make a public speech, it’s often a good idea to find a connection with those you’re speaking to by relating a story to them at the beginning. You can use a story spawn from your personal experiences, a current event, or even a hypothetical scenario. A story should immediately draw in the audience, playing on their empathy. When making your story, avoid anecdotes that some might find offensive.
Try not to drink booze before speaking. You might think it will make you bolder, but it is a terrible idea. Do not step up to the podium with liquor in your blood or you might make some terrible mistakes.
It is not necessary for you to be a talented orator or a politician to be able to make an effective presentation or speech. Your confidence, preparation and speech-giving know-how are critical to your success. You might even find that applying these tips improves your life in other ways.