5 Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Public Speaker
If you’re reading this, you probably struggle or are challenged with public speaking and are here for some wisdom and guidance. Well, you’re in the right spot!
I get it, speaking in front of a crowd can be intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be if you prepare, practice and get comfortable with yourself.
I’ve grown to enjoy public speaking and here are some tips I’ve learned and developed over the years to overcoming any fear, anxiety or intimidation of being a highly effective public speaker.
1. Let Your Personality Shine
It is critical your speeches are in your voice. If you sound natural your audience will feel more of a connection with you and your message will resonate more. Whether you use humor, inspiration, or even anger in your delivery, make sure it is genuine.
If you attempt to speak in a way that seems professional, but is not your authentic self it will feel weird to you, and disingenuous to the audience. Want to work on your professional brand? Check out our recent posts on How Branding Yourself Can Revitalize Your Job Search and Using Canva To Create Your Own Branding.
2. Act Confident
If you are not confident with speaking, people will take notice, so you need to leave your timidness backstage. It’s ok if you’re scared or nervous, but you need to pretend you are fearless.
Try thinking of public speaking like acting: it does not matter how timid or shy you are, when you go on the stage you need to adapt a character that is confident and self-assured.
Faking it until you make it really does work in this case- it did for me!
If you want to practice this a little bit consider starting with small networking conversations. Becoming Empowered In Your Networking Journey is a great way to boost your confidence to take on the main stage.
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3. Eye Contact
While you’re speaking look around the room and make eye contact with as many people as possible to draw their attention in. However, do not stare- this can be creepy and uncomfortable for your audience.
Also, do not make eye contact with anyone whose persona makes you nervous- this will make you nervous and throw off your speech or presentation, instead find friendly faces in the crowd.
Eye contact is also a great way to make the audience feel like you are speaking with them directly, which will draw more attention and make your speech much more effective.
4. Be Expressive!
Use your face and body language to show emotions. Just make sure they make sense with your topic and are genuine.
5. Do NOT Be Hard On Yourself
It is ok if you are nervous, or even if you have no idea what you are talking about (but seriously, unless you’re doing improv do the research), you need to go out there and perform your best.
Being an expert does not make you a great speaker, and being a great speaker does not make you an expert. Just HAVE FUN.
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Meet The Writer!
Hello my name’s Whitney! I’m a professional and creative writer ( blogging, news, screenplays, etc.). I graduated with degrees in Political Science and Global Studies. My areas of focus are non-profits and human rights, but I love to write and help people in any way possible! I encourage you to check out my writing and connect with me on LinkedIn.
