How to improve your public speaking skills?
0
0
0
0 
How to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills?
Public speaking is one of the most important skills you can possess as communication is key in all aspects of life. Knowing how to effectively engage an audience, be persuasive and captivate the room is a skill that can be developed and improved with effort and dedicated practice. Here are some simple tips to help you do just that.
Prepare
Before you start to deliver any type of speech, develop a clear, concise, and thoroughly researched plan on the topic of your speech and practice it many times before you even step up to the podium. Preparation is key for providing an effective speech.
Engage Your Audience
Make sure you make all your points relevant to your audience. Use stories, jokes, and anecdotes to the hook your audience. Also make sure to maintain eye contact with audience members, speak in a clear and confident voice, and avoid using filler words like “um” and “uh”.
Know Your Audience
Research the age range, career paths, and interests of your audience. This knowledge will help you tailor a relevant message that will strike a chord with your audience.
Tease Your Audience
Draw people in with a captivating introduction. This will set expectations and assure audience members that you know your stuff.
Be Conversational
Speak to your audience like you would speak to your friends. If you talk to your audience like they are your closest comrades, they will be much more likely to pay attention to what you have to say.
Practice
Make sure you practice your presentation as much as possible. It’s good to familiarize yourself with the flow and structure of your talk, how it will begin and end.
Know Your Message
Know your message and the points you need to drive home. Speak to your audience as if your message is something they should care about.
Be Confident
Nobody wants to hear a speaker who doesn’t appear to be confident in what they’re saying. Believe in yourself, your message, and the knowledge you are imparting.
Relax
Take a few deep breaths before you begin. Relax yourself by engaging in some physical activity or by speaking with friends. This will greatly reduce anxiety and help you feel more prepared.
Ask Questions
In order to make sure your audience is following you, it’s good to pause throughout your talk and ask the audience questions. This will create an interactive atmosphere and make sure people are paying attention.
Listen
Listening to your audience is key. Pay attention to their body language, facial expressions, and questions they may be asking. This will help you not only gauge the crowd’s reaction, but also help you tailor the rest of your presentation to fit the needs of the audience.
Public speaking is an invaluable skill that takes patience, practice, and dedication to master. With guidance and persistence, anyone can become an effective public speaker.
