You’re not the only one who hates public speaking. Many people avoid it like the plague. Luckily, the advice that follows can help you have more confidence if you find the need to speak in front of others.
Preparation is key when it comes to making a good impression when speaking in public. Understand exactly what you are planning to say. Do research to support your statements if necessary. Have an outline of your speech on paper so you can refer to it while giving your speech. Take time to practice your speech beforehand until you know it easily and well. Being prepared will boost your confidence while delivering your speech.
Don’t assume that people will automatically know what you mean. You need to work hard to attract their attention and harder to maintain it. This performance requires working hard for your desired results.
When you are giving a speech, face the audience. Don’t get distracted by whatever else is happening. You must command the attention of your audience.
Time yourself to find out how long your speech is. This way, you can cut it down or add to it if needed. If you need to fill in more time, look for more pertinent information on the topic. Finally, don’t rush when speaking.
After you have committed the speech to memory, make sure you keep practicing. Practice often to tweak your speech as needed. In addition, practice breathing and controlling the pace of the speech. Make time for any interruptions that may happen. If you can, go over your speech where you will be delivering it.
If you plan to prepare in advance for a speech, try to memorize your remarks. When you can recite it easily, you can work more on how you will deliver it. Having it memorized ahead of time can help you learn how to comfortably ad lib when in public.
Know what you are talking about, inside and out. Do a lot of research so you have not only your point of view, but others as well. Narrow down exactly what you are going to say, and what specific topics you want to address, making sure that notes are kept with all the key points. A thorough presentation can pay off when you’ve got the audience asking questions.
During your preparation for the speech, it is vital that you have thorough knowledge about the subject you are speaking on. This will help you to become more comfortable. Then develop your specific perspective and craft your remarks in a concise, easily followed manner. When the time comes for the audience to ask questions, you will be glad that you prepared so thoroughly.
If possible, meet some of the audience members before your speech. If you can, find out who is attending the event. If possible, greet them as the enter the room and ask their names. Feeling comfortable and familiar with some individuals in the audience makes the process much friendlier.
Familiarize yourself with the room you will be speaking in. Find out how far your voice goes in the room without amplification. Practice using the equipment before the event. If there are visual aids, learn to use them. Know what the eye contact range is and what you need to do to perfect it.
Focus on telling true stories to help improve your public speaking. Make yourself a solid outline of the facts to base your speech on. There should be a beginning, middle and an end to communicate your ideas. Your story should be based upon a real event, as this will help ensure that your words are natural and authentic.
Are you someone who never participated in class because you dreaded public speaking? Have you kept all your great ideas to yourself because of your nervousness? Now that you’ve read these tips, you have no reason you continue your silence.
Know your audience when giving a speech. Find out if there is a microphone. Use the equipment to see how it works. Take advantage of the visual aids that are there, if any. Also, figure out how much eye contact you should make.
