Characteristics of an Effective Public Speaker

Here are some tried and true characteristics of an effective Public Speaker:

1. Confidence - In her degree to gain a Doctor of Philosophy degree, Caroline Wesson (University of Wolverhampton) studied the role of confidence in communication and its power to influence others. She noted that "A highly confident speaker is viewed as being more accurate, competent, credible, intelligent, knowledgeable, likable, and believable than the less confident uncertain speaker."

Have confidence in yourself and your subject - it will make all the difference.

2. Passion - No-one wants to listen to a lifeless, passionless speaker. Pick topics that you feel deeply about - topics that excite you. When your passion is authentic, you will not only be believable, you will also be enjoyable to listen to.

3. Creativity - Another way you can impact your audience is to be creative in your presentation. Find interesting ways to say and present your ideas...don't just talk - bring your listeners in to your speech with illustrations, demonstrations, humor, actions, personal examples, etc. Don't be afraid to make mistakes - step out of the box and allow your subject to give life.

4. Humor - Humor has the ability to take people further - much faster than by simply speaking. Humor draws people in to you and sets them at ease. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. There is a lot of truth that can be carried in a good joke 

5. Respect - 
• Respect your audience - always give them your best. 
• Respect yourself - always prepare well and fully step into the role God has given you. 
• Respect your speech - practice it until you can deliver it with confidence and excellence.
• Respect those leaders/hosts who invited you to speak - don't go longer than asked for; honor them as you begin.

6. Connect - It is so important to connect with your audience - many tools are at your disposal:
• Put the audience at ease through the opening of your talk 
• Eye contact - this make people know that you are speaking directly to them
• Use personal examples - let them know that you are one of them
• Use humor
• Tell stories - stories are so much better than facts
• Non-verbal language - don't stand stiffly like a board. Move around and use timely gestures and movements

7. Conclusion -Your conclusion can be the most important part - give your audience something to take away. Drive home your main points with effective use of succinct repetition. A powerful story that sums up your point is a fantastic way to conclude. Give your audience something to take home with them - something unforgettable that allows the speech to "live" in their hearts for some time.

Public Speaking Tips

Here are eight great tips that will improve your public speaking:

1. Prepare - A good speech takes thought and preparation. Both of these need an investment of time. Don't just throw something together at the last minute - it shows!

2. Think about your audience - Every audience is different. Think about what style of speech you are giving (humorous, motivational, informative, etc) and speak in a manner and at a level that will suit your listeners.

3. Learn from others - That's why Toastmasters is a great organization - you can learn from people who have done this dozens/hundreds of times. All of us can grow - don't be intimidated by the masters - learn from them and build your own skills.

4. Know your strengths and weakness - Don't try to be something you are not. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Build on the weaknesses and accentuate those things that will make you easy and interesting to listen to - for example, your story-telling, humor, eye contact, message.

5. Start strong - Make sure that your opening is "catchy." Use a powerful short illustration, a good, applicable joke, or a personal story - something that opens the audience up to you and gets their attention.


6. Practice - Go over your speech in front of a mirror or record it on your phone. Pay attention to the details of your pace and pauses. Time yourself so that you have a good idea how long you will go.

7. Relax - Some find this hard than others but it is super important. Your speed, voice and demeanor can be greatly affected by nervousness. BREATHE - take a few long deep breaths, listen to some calming music and smile a lot.

8. Be Passionate - Even if your subject does not require a loud, lectern-banging performance, you still need to bring your speech from a deep place of belief, integrity and passion. It makes you sound real - believable.

Don't be this guy:

Be this guy: