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.
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:
