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Although we are social animals, we often find it difficult to speak publicly. Maybe we fear what people say, or it’s just our shyness. The fact is that we feel psychological pressure while speaking in front of the public. Many of us had bad public speaking experiences, which undermined our confidence to speak further in front of an audience.
In this blog, we will talk about the top ten tips if you want to improve your public speaking skills. If you need more help, find a basic public speaking confidence course. Let’s discuss the tips one by one.
1. Being Nervous Is Ok
Being nervous is normal for anyone who speaks at a public podium. A professional speaker also feels pressure. Having a little bit of nervous energy is good. It makes us aware, which is beneficial for speaking in public. Don’t make this a big deal.
2. Focus on Your Audience
Most amateur speakers get engrossed with their speeches, while a professional speaker always focuses on the audience. Keeping an eye on the audience enables them to understand what the audience wants. It gives them an advantage over other speakers.
3. Prepare What You Are Going To Say
Always prepare what you are going to say in public. When you are prepared, you will have confidence. If you know the material, it will be easy to communicate better. Don’t mug up lines. You can chart down some important points if you want.
4. Take Feedback And Learn
Taking feedback from experts is necessary to excel in public speaking. Constructive criticism is good if you can learn and grow from this. You can enrol yourself in a public speaking confidence courseif you need professional help.
5. Use Your Style
When speaking in front of a large audience, don’t copy anyone else’s style. Try to create your style. Speak comfortably, and don’t hurry while speaking. Take your time and say what you want to say politely.
6. Don’t Be Stiff; Use Your Hands If Needed
Most speakers don’t use their hands or overuse them while speaking. Neither is good. One should not be stiff. Use your hand gestures when necessary. The measured hand gesture can emphasise the point you are making. Beware not to overdo it.
7. First Impression Matters
getting initial attention is good. Addressing the audience will increase engagement. Building a connection with the audience helps us dictate the tone and the mood of that place. Keep this in mind.
8. Don’t Just Read
While speaking in public, some people prefer to carry a synopsis of what they will say. Nothing wrong with that, but don’t read the entire thing. It will create a distinction between the speaker and the audience. You can carry the bullet points or create a PowerPoint presentation but try to speak around them without reading it fully.
9. Use Examples That Connect
Experienced speakers prefer using examples and analogy so that an ordinary person can also understand and connect with them. Try this in your speech too.
10. Finish With a Positive Note
Research suggests the beginning and the end of your speech are of utmost importance. Try to finish your speech on a positive note. You can be critical in your speech, but the end must give your audience a solution, a hope at least.
These are the top ten tips, according to us, that will help you gain confidence and be a much better speaker than you are now. Practice more to be as good as you can be.
