Tips For Public Speaking

One of the things we as people fear the most is public speaking. However speaking in public is not the nightmare others make it out to be. It can be overwhelming, yes but also mastered. Public speaking can be as a simple as riding a bike. Here are a few tips and pointers for when it is your turn to address an audience.

First you should watch other people. Take a look around you and see how people like the President of the United States addresses the entire nation. Perhaps go to your public town hall and watch your local representatives address the locals. You can even look online for videos of public speaking. The second thing is to know your material. You can’t really talk about something you do not know. Also knowing your material can also cut down the amount of pressure or anxiety one may feel up on the podium. If you don’t know your subject matter then study and research the topic.

This now brings us to the next pointer, take notes. You can find examples of good written speeches online. These written speeches can have examples of notes and outlines. Not everyone writes a straight forward speech, they sometimes make an outline which maps out what they will talk about but they are left to fill in the gaps with their own knowledge.

Always rehearse your speech for a small audience. Don’t be afraid to give your speech a walkthrough or a trial and if you don’t have a small audience, then give your speech while standing in front of a mirror. Know your audience. This sixth pointer cannot be stressed enough. Know what form of jokes you can use with them and know if they are even interested in what you have to say. Be aware of your surroundings. Just know the location and be familiar with it.

Once you’re up on stage you’re going to want to open with an interesting quote or a fact. This usually sets the stage for your speech. It gains the attention of your audience and makes them want to know more. It is okay to use hand gestures while on stage as well as visual aids to help you drive across the point of aspects of your speech. However be careful not to overuse visual aids during your speech.

The final tip for you and your speech is to relax, dress properly, and remember the audience is on your side. Nine times out of ten those people sitting out there are here to hear what you have to say.

By: Mark J Gregory

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Mark Gregory is writing on behalf of Professional Presentations, who offer Presentation company and Presentation consultancy