Public speaking does not come easy to everyone. To those people, getting up on a stage and making a speech can be a nightmare. Here are three basic tips which can help you become a good public speaker:
Tip #1 – Write your own speech
First, pick a topic that is of interest to you. Next, ensure that you write it and not someone else. It is important that you know exactly what you are talking about, and understand it. If you do not, then you will not be able to communicate it well enough with your audience. When delivering your speech, make it personal; make it interesting for your audience. Use a few stories, jokes, colloquial language – all of which will make the speech more audience-friendly. Remember not to overstep the mark – and turn it into a comic routine, instead of a speech.
It is important that you have a draft of your speech. This will not only give you an idea regarding the flow of the speech, but also helps you organize your thoughts, giving you an inclination of what to say.
Tip #2 – Practice
Once you have your speech written down, start practising it like there is no tomorrow. First practise it in front of a mirror, paying attention to facial expressions. Next, try it out on a few close friends or even family members. Get their feedback and then work on improving your delivery based on what they say.
You could also video yourself, and then watch it. You are your worst critic, and this way, you will be able to pinpoint exactly what you are doing wrong. Ensure that your delivery is not monotonous.
Tip #3 – Audience awareness
Start off by greeting your audience. Make friends with them first, which only makes the task at hand easier for you, engaging your audience faster. Be pleasant to your audience, be comfortable and always make eye contact. Your body language and the way you speak is a key to keeping your audience captivated.
