How To Be a Great At Public Speaking In 5 Simple Steps

Owning and managing your own business will bring several inevitabilities, alongside a number of responsibilities. You will be looked upon to provide motivation and inspiration, considered the hub of all knowledge, and expected to fix things when they go wrong – or at least introduce those who can improve matters. One other thing that will become inevitable is public speaking. Okay, so you’re used to briefing a small team, or even making speeches in front of members of the board, but how are you with addressing big crowds? Follow these five simple steps for more confident public speaking…

1. Plan ahead

Planning ahead is everything when it comes to public speaking. Prior to even thinking about your speech’s content you must establish your audience; are they experts or novices? You should also be prepared to address the size of your audience, and the occasion. These factors will probably alter the content, and delivery, of your key points. Research is essential, too; your audience will notice if you make a mistake. Finally, plan what you’ll say in the time allocated. The best speeches and talks are given by those whom know exactly what they want to say, and don’t take up everybody’s afternoon in doing so; clear, concise, and to the point – that’s a good speech.

2. Practice

Whether you ask a small group of trusted colleagues, or family members and friends, to listen to your speech, or stand in front of a mirror, it’s important to practice public speaking. Reading the words aloud will give you a good indication of what works and what doesn’t, as well as enabling you to see how long everything takes to be said. You may even think of a new point that needs to be made as you practice aloud, so make sure you have time to run through your words at least once or twice.

3. Read notes, or your script, prior to your speech’s delivery

You may have read your notes several hundred times in the last week alone, but taking a moment to glance through them before you get up on stage will reinforce everything that you want to say. Highlight key words and phrases if you need to, or make yourself flash cards; whatever you need to feel comfortable up on stage.

4. Address your nerves

Nerves. They happen to the best of us, regardless of how often we speak in public. If you’ve refrained from giving speeches until now because of crippling nerves, or you’d love to be able to give a talk without feeling nauseous, it’s time to take action. Now, there’s an old adage about imagining your audience naked before you take to the stage, but if you’re about to speak to a group of middle aged men that may do little to calm your nerves. Remember to stay hydrated, take a moment to breathe, use positive visualisation, and try laughing before you set foot in front of your audience. Being prepared (see step one) will also help you to strut your stuff with confidence, as will using the energy in the room to spur you on.

5. Engage with your audience

Regardless of how you’re feeling inside, it’s important to engage with your audience. This will help them to absorb the information you’re about to give, and also ensure they have a good time in doing so. Remember to use positive body language, such as eye contact and turning towards your peers, address your audience and acknowledge their presence, communicate clearly, and finish with a question and answer session if time allows; this is the best way to encourage interaction. If it’s appropriate, you may also wish to include a handout for the audience to take away with them; know your audience inside out.

Public speaking can be incredibly daunting, but also hugely rewarding – after all, if you’re giving a make or break speech to industry professionals, or introducing a new product or concept, you need your words to make an impact.