Many people experience varying degrees of anxiety when speaking in front of a large group or audience. It could be a wedding, a school project or a staff meeting. From the boardroom to the classroom, managers, teachers and students alike need to be able to speak confidently in front of a group of people. There are numerous tips and tricks that will make a novice speaker seem like a pro. Here are 11 quick tips to improve your public speaking:
Preparation Know your subject matter, how long you will be speaking for and who will be in the audience. This information will help you plan your speech or your pitch accordingly. Come up with 1-3 questions that your audience may ask you so that you can answer them with ease and confidence.
Material & Technology Arrive early to ensure the room or auditorum where you will be speaking is set up according to your needs. If you are planning on using an overhead or LCD projector make sure one is set up and test it to ensure it is in working order. Have handouts and materials ready at least 30 minutes minutes before the start time of your presentation.
Greeting Greet your audience with a smile and a few words about who you are and what you will be speaking about. An initial greeting sets the tone for your speaking event.
Body Language Body language is a very effective communication tool. Stand with your shoulders back and head held high to convey a sense of confidence. Put people at ease by smiling and looking at the audience. Make eye contact when people ask you questions or when addressing a participant.
Fidgeting Avoid distracting behavior such as holding and clicking a pen, crossing and uncrossing your arms, pacing back and forth, or staring at the floor.
Tone of Voice Your tone of voice will set the tone for your entire speech. How you are saying something is just as important as what you are saying.
Volume Many times, when a speaker is nervous he or she will speak quickly, quietly and into the floor. Speak clearly and at a deliberate pace. Make sure that people in the back of the room or auditorium can hear your every word. If you need a microphone request one prior to the start of your speech.
Pace & Enthusiasm Pace yourself! Rushing through a speech will have a negative impact on your performance as a public speaker and will make your audience feel as uncomfortable as you are. Slow down, project your voice and look at your audience. If you smile, they smile! Remember, an audience will mirror your enthusiasm or lack thereof.
Practice Take time to practice your speech in front of family and friends before the big event. If you feel too nervous or embarrassed practicing in front of others then practice in front of the mirror. Take the opportunity to run through your speech. It will put you at ease and boost your confidence.
Keep on Going If you make a mistake just keep on going! As a professional you have to continue even when you made a blunder. Consider it a learning opportunity and move on. Once you have completed your presentation you can then make corrections and fine tune your presentation for the next group or audience you will be presenting to.
Feedback If you are looking for further improvement, you can ask someone you trust to attend your speech or sit in on your seminar, pitch, meeting etc. Have them evaluate and review your performance as a public speaker.