10 tips for Public Speaking

1) Overcoming your fear

Invite your public speaking fears to an intervention. Write down what makes you nervous and how you react. For example; placing your hands in your pockets – rather keep your hands occupied by using gestures or holding a clipboard with your speech.

2) Practice your gestures

What do your hands do when you talk? Make sure your hand gestures are used to describe experiences or objects in your speech or used to point at specifics of your presentation.

3) Body Posture is everything

Stand tall and professional when you talk. As soon as you walk into the room be aware that your body posture is comfortable and presentable. Do not slant your shoulders or lean onto the podium or board.

4) Eye contact

If you don’t use eye contact then your audience will not feel engaged in your speech. Scan around the room when presenting and use specific eye contact with most of your audience.

5) Make your voice sound interesting

Think of the top best speakers in the world – what do they all have in common? They all sound interesting. This has to do with tone of voice and which words you decide to emphasize. Highlight the keywords in your speech and make sure you emphasize those words with enthusiasm.

6) Less explaining more EXPRESSION

Summarize the main points of your speech and don’t use academic jargon and give lengthy explanations. Use simple vocabulary and well-constructed sentences that are justifiable to understand.

7) Practice and Pace

Pace yourself during your speech, don’t rush your sentences or speak too fast. Pause in between your sentences and make sure you are taking a breath after every sentence. Practice your speech and breathing techniques to ensure you do not rush your ideas.

8) Speak from life experience

Use examples and stories of your experience of the topic being presented. The personal approach to your presentation will help your audience relate to the topic more if you keep them connected with a story.

9) Begin on an interesting note

Start your presentation with an interesting idea. It could be a statistic, statement, famous quote, a video or a picture. You can even start your introduction by asking the audience a question related to your presentation.

10) End off with an empowering sentence

Your audience will only remember your conclusion the week after you present, so end off on a happy note – an empowering sentence that will make your audience feel like they gained inspiring knowledge from you.