Tips to Becoming a Good Public Speaker

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Practice makes perfect! is a sentence that we use for a reason.  Without practice, you will never be a confident, compelling speaker.

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT

When you’re speaking, try to create an opportunity to engage your audience.  As a result, you will feel less isolated as a speaker, and everyone will be engaged in your message.

BODY LANGUAGE

Pay attention to your body language: stand tall, take deep breaths, smile, and look people in the eye.  Don’t stand on one leg or make unnatural gestures.

POSITIVE THINKING

Positive thinking can make a huge difference to the success of your communication.  To boost your confidence, use affirmations and visualization.

COPE WITH NERVES

Because crowds are more intimidating than individuals, consider your speech to be a one-on-one conversation.  Cope with your nerves.  Take deep breaths from your belly, hold each one for several seconds, and let it out slowly.

RECORD YOUR SPEECHES

Record your presentations and speeches whenever you have the opportunity.  By watching yourself, you can work on areas where you do not do so well.