Many people are scared of public speaking. This is something that most people tend to avoid. However, it’s not always possible to get out of making a speech. If you would like to better your public speaking skills and gain more confidence, you will find many great tips to help you improve this area below.
Feeling nervous before speaking in public is very common. To help overcome the fear of speaking in front of others practice the speech you will be giving several times in front of your family. This will allow you to work out any kinks in your speech. Additionally, this will give you the chance to speak in front of others.
You need to be properly prepared when you have a speaking engagement. Know what you want to say. Research if you need support for your statements. Use note cards to write out anything you will be saying so that you can look over them while speaking. Practice your speech a number of times until you have it memorized. You will be much more confident when giving your speech if you are properly prepared.
Know your surroundings. Take a few moments when you arrive to acquaint yourself with your surroundings. If you can arrive early, go to the podium and do a soundcheck before your audience arrives. If you have visual aids, practice using them while you are orientating yourself with your surroundings.
When you arrive at the podium take a deep breath and engage the audience with your eyes and smile. Take a moment to calm your nerves and use your nervous energy as a way to energize your speech. Allow your audience to feel your excitement for what you are talking about.
If you talk about something that really happened in your speech, it will make it more meaningful. Make an outline of your speech prior to beginning your speaking engagement. Make sure to incorporate a beginning, middle and an end for the best results. Be sure you use true life events in order to sound really authentic.
Never tell the audience that you’re sorry for being nervous or any other issue that comes up. Chances are they didn’t even notice in the first place. Even if they do, coming across as lacking in confidence detracts from your position of authority on your speech that you are making.
Take the time to research other important speeches. The internet has a wealth of recorded speeches so that you can observe how they do it. Focus on the qualities that you liked in their speech and emulate them. Look for qualities such as their ease in speaking, their humor and how they capture the attention of the audience.
Most everyone can learn to speak publicly. Having this ability is learned through good techniques and practice. The more practice you are willing to do can only help you become better at it. Keep this advice in mind whenever you are called upon to speak. It might be more fun that you anticipate.
