Many people want to get better at public speaking. If you’re one of them, here are some tips to help you feel more confident when presenting to a group.
Public speaking is a key skill because it’s useful in almost every industry. But it’s also something many people fear. The good news? With a bit of practice, anyone can become a confident and effective speaker.
Whether you’re sharing findings with your team or pitching ideas to potential investors, you can improve your public speaking skills. Here are 10 ways to start practicing today.
10 Tips to Boost Public Speaking
Here are 10 tips to help you start improving your public speaking skills.
1. Know your audience.
Knowing your audience can make you feel more at ease when presenting. It helps you tailor your message to their interests and understanding, maybe even using a bit of humor to lighten the mood.
Start by figuring out how much your audience knows about your topic. This will guide how much background information you need to provide and whether you should keep things more formal or relaxed.
As you present, pay attention to how the audience is reacting. Be ready to adjust your approach to keep them engaged and connected throughout your talk.
2. Practice, practice, practice.
Even the best speakers need practice to do a great job. Try giving a mock presentation before your actual speech. This helps you see if your information is organized and makes sense.
You can start by practicing out loud to yourself or in front of a mirror, but it’s even better to rehearse with a supportive friend, co-worker, or family member. They can give you feedback and help you feel more confident.
3. Use feedback to your advantage.
Whether you’re practicing or actually presenting, it’s really helpful to ask for feedback. This kind of constructive criticism can give you specific tips to improve your future presentations.
If your friends mention that you use fillers like “umm” or “you know” too often, try not to take it personally. Use their feedback to get better next time and be sure to thank them for their valuable input.
4. Make it your own.
Connecting with your audience is easier when you let your personality shine through. Whether you’re naturally funny or empathetic, show who you are while sharing your message. Just make sure your humor fits the occasion and adds to your presentation.
If you’re using a PowerPoint, don’t just read from the slides. Use images or videos to make your points come alive. And, remember to include your contact info at the end so people can reach out to you later.
5. Connect with a personal story.
Personal stories or anecdotes can make your presentation more engaging. TED Talk speakers often kick off with a short story from their childhood or a personal experience. This helps them connect with the audience, show their passion, and establish their expertise.
To add a personal touch to your presentation, choose stories that relate directly to your topic.
6. Make eye contact.
Making eye contact with your audience can actually help you feel more relaxed. It lets you gauge if they’re following along or if you need to explain something further. Practicing your speech or presentation in advance can make it easier to maintain eye contact.
Effective communication often depends on body language. By shifting your gaze around the room, you can keep your audience engaged and boost your own confidence.
7. Use the stage to your advantage.
Before your presentation, get familiar with the space where you’ll be speaking. Test your PowerPoint to ensure it works with the equipment provided. Check out how the room will be set up and find out if there are any time limits, whether people will be eating during your talk, and what type of microphone you’ll be using.
Once you’re on stage, make the most of the space. Move around to make eye contact with different parts of the audience. Pay attention to your body language—let your arms hang naturally, stand tall with good posture, and don’t forget to smile.
8. Calm your nerves.
It’s totally normal to feel nervous during your presentation, even if you’ve prepared well. When those nerves hit, just take a deep breath. Nobody expects you to be perfect.
Instead of fidgeting with your hair or shoving your hands in your pockets, try to plan ahead for managing your nerves. Maybe get some exercise in the morning or do a quick five-minute meditation before you start speaking.
9. Record yourself speaking.
Co-workers and friends can give you valuable feedback, but you can also review yourself to see how you did. Set up your phone to record your speech and watch it later. You might notice some nervous habits or awkward phrases you didn’t realize you had. You could also spot ways to make your PowerPoint slides better.
If you’re presenting on Zoom, ask if you can record the meeting. Use this recording to see what went well and what you can improve for next time. Remember to stay positive and focus on how you can get even better!
Also Read: Effective Networking for Career Advancement
10. Make a lasting impression with a strong
Just as it’s important to grab your audience’s attention in the first 30 seconds of your presentation, it’s equally crucial to end strong. Here’s how you can wrap things up effectively:
- Call to Action: Encourage your listeners to take the next step or get involved.
- Memorable Quote: Share a quote that sums up your main point or inspires.
- Personal Story: Tell a personal story that shows why the topic matters to you.
- Summary: Recap the key takeaways to reinforce your message.
Don’t forget to thank your audience for their time. If you have a bit of time left, invite questions and answer them from the stage, or let them know they can follow up with you later.
The importance of developing your public speaking skills
Public speaking skills can really boost both your career and your everyday life. Here’s how getting better at speaking in public can help:
- Boost Teamwork: Improve your ability to work with others and build stronger teams.
- Share Ideas: Offer solutions and share your thoughts on work problems.
- Gain Respect: Earn respect from your employers and co-workers.
- Open Doors: Create connections that could lead to new job opportunities.
These skills aren’t just useful at work; they can also enhance your personal relationships by helping you communicate more clearly and effectively.
Improving your public speaking takes time, but the key to confidence is to push through the initial discomfort that comes with learning something new.
Next steps for success
Use these public speaking tips to help you confidently deliver your next presentation. Keep practicing and learn from people who are great at speaking in public to keep getting better.
Join a public speaking support group
Toastmasters International is a global nonprofit that helps people improve their public speaking and leadership skills. They offer a friendly environment where you can practice giving speeches and work through shyness and anxiety. With both online and in-person meetings, you can get support and build confidence in your speaking abilities.
Attend public speaking events.
If your town or city hosts events with speakers on different topics, take advantage of them. Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t when you watch others present. Think about why you liked or didn’t like the lecture based on the speaker’s tone, expressions, and body language. This can give you valuable insights for improving your own presentations.
Watch videos of effective public speaking.
Finally, you can get the same learning experience as in-person lectures by watching videos of great public speakers. TED Talks, for example, features a wide range of presentations on topics like science, entertainment, and business. Watch as many as you can, and let the best speakers be your mentors to boost your confidence and improve your public speaking skills.
Take public speaking classes.
Online public speaking courses are a great way to boost your communication skills from the comfort of your home or office. Check out courses like “Introduction to Public Speaking” or the “Dynamic Public Speaking Specialization” from the University of Washington. They’re designed to help you build confidence and master presentation skills.
Discover more from QuizHow
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.