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How to Speak Confidently in Public

Last Updated: April 15, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Deb DiSandro . Deb DiSandro is the Owner of Speak Up On Purpose, an organization dedicated to improving and teaching public speaking. Deb has over 30 years of experience as a national speaker and has presented at the Erma Bombeck Writer’s Conference and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. She was awarded the National Speakers Association Member of the Year 2007 and has been published in Writer's Digest, Daily Herald, Women's Day, and Better Homes & Gardens. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 787,731 times.

Speaking in public is a fear for a lot of people, whether it's giving a speech, a toast at your friend's wedding, or being called on in class. Fortunately, you can make speaking in public less anxiety inducing by following some of these types. It may never be your favorite thing, but you'll be far less likely to throw up in front of your audience.

Preparing to Speak

• Preparation is key. Take your time when you are planning your speech to make sure that it flows naturally and logically. You'll also need to make sure that you know how you're coming across while giving the speech and heighten your good qualities while downplaying the less good qualities.
• Even if public speaking is something like having to answer a question in class, you will still need to make sure that you know your subject. This can help you feel and present as more confident, which will make a good impression on your listeners.

• Speak from your diaphragm. This will help you to project clearly and loudly so that your audience can hear you without seeming like you're straining or shouting. As an exercise, stand up straight and put your hand on your abdomen. Breathe in, and breathe out. Count to 5 on a breath and then 10 on a breath. You'll feel your abdomen start to relax. You want to be breathing and speaking from that relaxed state.
• Modulate your tone. Figure out what the pitch of your voice is. Too high? Too low? Going into registers only dogs can hear? Relaxing, standing in a comfortable (but upright) position and breathing properly will help you find a more comfortable and more pleasant tone.
• Avoid throat breathing and upper chest breathing, as these both can add to your anxiety and tighten up your throat. In consequence, your voice will sound more strained and uncomfortable.
• Chewing gum for a few minutes before giving a speech will increase blood flow to your brain, making it easier to focus and concentrate. Opt for a sugar-free variety so you don't create a spike in your blood sugar, and be sure to spit it out before you give your speech. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

• Try to speak more slowly and more carefully than a typical conversational tone. Make sure that you allow for pauses between different ideas, or especially important themes, so that your audience has time to understand and reflect on what you just said.
• Practice proper articulation and pronunciation. Articulation is when you're pronouncing sounds. Focus especially on enunciating these sounds: b, d, g, dz (j in jelly), p, t, k, ts, (ch in chilly). For pronunciation, you want to make sure you know how to pronounce all your words and that you've practiced pronouncing the more difficult ones.
• Eliminate the 'um's and placeholder words such as "like." When public speaking, these words make you sound as if you don't know what you're talking about. If you need to gather your thoughts, you can always pause — doing so will appear deliberate.

• To give a speech, you'll need to either have some sort of note cards or outline. Or you can do it from memory, if that is something that you do well (don't try this if you aren't super confident you can do it).
• You don't need to write down every single thing on your note cards (leave a little room for improvisation), although it can be helpful to make notes of things like "pause after this information" or "remember to breathe" so that you actually remember to do those things.

• Write out your speech over and over. This method helps you to remember the speech. The more you write it out, the easier it will be to recall it. Once you've written it multiple times, test yourself on how well you remember it. If there were parts you couldn't remember, write those specific parts over and over again.
• Break your speech down into smaller parts and memorize each of those parts. It is really hard to memorize an entire speech in one go. The best thing to do is memorize it in small chunks (start with each bullet point, and then move up to memorizing your 3 different main points, etc.).
• Practice your speech as you walk through your home. Begin in the entryway and recite your introduction. Move to the next room as you begin the body of your speech. Continue moving through your home as you progress through your speech. Then, do it all over again. Moving into each room will remind you of the part of your speech that corresponds with that area, helping you to memorize the words.
• Use the loci method. Break down your speech into paragraphs or bullet points. Visualize a picture for each bullet point (like imagining a Harry Potter if you're talking about J.K. Rowling's influence on children's literature). Determine a location for each of the points (like Hogwarts for Rowling, a meadow for Stephenie Meyer, etc.). Now you'll progress through the locations (you fly on a broomstick from Hogwarts to the meadow, for example). If you have multiple things to say about each specific point, then put them in specific places around the location (like a point about Harry Potter's popularity in the Main Hall, or the effect she had on revamping the genre in the Quidditch field).

• Before you give your speech, interview 3-5 people who will be in the audience, if possible. This works best if you will be speaking to a specific association or group. Ask if there are any buzzwords relating to their industry or group that you can incorporate into your speech.
• Humor is a great way to loosen yourself and your audience up. There's usually a type of humor that fits most public speaking situations (but not always!). It's good to start off with a little humor to lighten the atmosphere and give the impression of confidence. Telling a funny (and true) story can be a good way to do this.
• Figure out what it is you're trying to get across to the audience. Are you trying to give them new information? Rehash old information? Are you trying to persuade them to do something? This will help you focus your speaking around the main point that you want to get across.

• Try to visit the space you'll be speaking in and practice there. This will give you greater confidence because you're more familiar with the area.
• Video your practicing and find your strengths and weaknesses. Although it can be daunting to watch yourself on video, it's a great way to see where your strengths and weaknesses are. You'll notice what your nervous physical tics are (shifting from foot to foot, running your hands through your hair) and you can work on eliminating them or keeping them to a minimum.

Honing Your Message

• An informative speech's main purpose is to give facts, details, and examples. Even if you are trying to persuade your audience, it is still about the basic facts and information. [8] X Research source
• A persuasive speech is all about persuading your audience. You will employ facts, but also emotion, logic, your own experiences, etc. [9] X Research source
• The purpose of an entertaining speech fulfills a social need, but often uses some of the aspects of an informative speech (like a wedding toast, or an acceptance speech). [10] X Research source

• Start your speech by giving your main, overarching idea, and the 3 (or so) main points you have to support and elaborate on it. Your audience is going to remember your opening and your closing better than they remember any other part of the speech.
• Aim to connect with your audience and comment about them in your opener. Keep in mind that the speech is about benefiting your audience, not about you.
• Open it in a way that gets your audience's attention right off the bat. This means offering up a surprising fact or statistic, or asking a question and blowing your audience's preconceptions out of the water.

• Have one overarching idea. Ask yourself what are you trying to get across to the audience? What do you want them to take away from your speech? Why should they agree with what you're saying? For example: if you are giving a lecture on national trends in literature, consider why your audience should care. You don't want to just spit facts out at your audience.
• You'll need several main points that back up your overarching idea or point. The best number is usual 3 main points. For example: If your overarching idea is that national children's literature is becoming more diverse, have 1 point showing the new trends, have a second point showing the reception of this new diversity by the public, and a third point talk about why this new diverse children's fiction matters.

• Use striking adverbs and adjectives. You want to enliven your speech and your audience. For example: instead of "Children's literature offers a range of diverse perspectives" say "Children's literature offers a new range of exciting and diverse perspectives."
• However, avoid overusing adverbs and adjectives. It's often better to choose a concrete verb, like trudged, than to use and adverb and a verb together, such as “walked slowly.” When using adjectives, ensure they support the noun. It's more impactful to say the man's skin was as worn as leather than to say he was an old man.
• Use images that make your audience sit up and take notice. Winston Churchill used the phrase "the iron curtain" to describe the secrecy of the Soviet Union. Striking images linger in your audience's consciousness (as seen by the fact "the iron curtain" has become a household phrase).
• Repetition is also a great way to remind your audience why your speech is important (think of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I had a dream..." speech). It hammers home your points and makes it so they can't forget the overarching theme.

• Use short sentences and short phrases. These can be used for great dramatic effect. For example the phrase "never again." It is short and to the point and packs a powerful punch.
• Keep in mind that you should vary the sentence lengths, rather than only using short sentences. Your speech will flow better if there is variety in it. And, rambling sentences can be useful if they have a purpose, such as expressing a stressful situation you encountered.
• You can also use short, pithy quotes. Lots of famous people have said funny, or powerful statements in a very short amount of space. You can Try to make your own or utilize ones that are already in place. For example: Franklin D. Roosevelt said "Be sincere; be brief; be seated."

Speaking in Public

• Rid yourself of adrenaline by doing a few jumping jacks, lifting your hands above your head, or clenching and unclenching your hands several times. Take 3 deep, slow breaths. This will clear your system and get you ready to breathe properly during the speech.
• Stand confidently in a relaxed and upright posture, with your feet shoulder-width apart. This will trick your brain into thinking that you're confident and make it easier to give the speech.

• Smile even if you feel like hurling (especially if you feeling like hurling). This will help trick your brain into feeling confident and at ease.

• Tell a story. Part of your performance is giving the speech or speaking like you're telling a story. People love stories and it will make it easier for them to connect with you, even if you're talking about something factually based. use your overarching theme or subject as the basis of the story. Why should the audience care about your topic? What's the point? [17] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source
• Try to have a balance between your rehearsed speech and some spontaneity. People don't want to sit there and watch you mumble through your note cards. It's a good idea to give yourself space to expand on your subject free of the note cards and to add a few side stories to give interest.
• Use your hands to help you make points. You don't want to be flailing about onstage, but neither do you want to be standing stock still while you talk. It's good to use controlled gestures to make points as you speak.
• Vary your voice while you're speaking. Your audience will be asleep in 10 seconds flat if you only speak in one long monotone. Get excited about your subject and show that in your inflections.

• Look at your audience. Mentally split your room up into sections and make eye contact with one person in each section on a rotational basis.
• If you have time, ask your audience questions during your speech. You could open up each different section of your speech with questions that people can answer before you show them your information. It will make them feel as if they are part of your speech. Keep in mind that this could be distracting, though, so you may want to stick with rhetorical questions.

• Take a drink of water if you find yourself whipping through your speech. It will help give your audience a second to catch up and it will let you take a moment to slow down.
• If you do have a friend or family member in the audience, arrange a signal with them so they can let you know if you're going too fast. Glance their way occasionally throughout your speech so that you know you're on track.

• Make sure that your audience knows why this subject is important and why they should have this information. If you can, end with a call to action. For example: if you're giving a speech about the importance of art classes in schools, end by giving your audience something that they can do about the fact that art electives are being cut.
• End with a story that illustrates your main point. Again, people like stories. Give a story of a way this information benefited someone, or the dangers of not having this information, or how it specifically relates to your audience (people are more interested when things are about them).

Sample Persuasive Speeches

Sample Informational Speeches

Expert Q&A

• Listen and watch great public speakers and try to analyze what is it that makes them successful. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Don't be embarrassed by your faults. Demosthenes was a prominent orator in ancient Athens even though he suffered from speech impediments. A good public speaker can overcome these difficulties. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• If you truly believe in the message you are delivering, your confidence will shine through. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

• Watch what you eat before you're about to do public speaking. Dairy products and highly sugary products can make it difficult to speak, because of the phlegm they generate in your throat. Likewise, highly smelly goods (like garlic or fish) should be avoided so you don't asphyxiate your audience. Thanks Helpful 61 Not Helpful 4

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://crln.acrl.org/index.php/crlnews/article/view/19102/22119
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4449949/
• ↑ https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/student-life/10-public-speaking-tips/
• ↑ https://openpress.usask.ca/rcm200/chapter/types-of-speeches/
• ↑ https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/
• ↑ https://libguides.murraystate.edu/COM161/speeches
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/chapter/18-1-understanding-entertaining-speeches/
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/structuring-speech
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/chapter/13-2-using-language-effectively/
• ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/02/tips-speaking
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/speech-anxiety
• ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/speaking_with_confidence_go_ahead_and_smile
• ↑ https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder/treatment/conquering-stage-fright
• ↑ http://hbr.org/2013/06/how-to-give-a-killer-presentation/ar/1
• ↑ http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/quiet-the-power-introverts/201107/10-public-speaking-tips-introverts

About This Article

To speak confidently in public, prepare a topic and outline, memorize it, and stick to it. Keep the outline brief and to the point so it’s easy for you to remember and for your audience to follow. To make sure your audience will be able to hear you, practice speaking with your diaphragm so you speak more loudly and clearly. Then, practice speaking very slowly and enunciating so it is easier for people to understand you. For more tips on preparing for and giving public speeches with less anxiety, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Better Public Speaking

Becoming a Confident, Compelling Speaker

By the Mind Tools Content Team

Whether we're talking in a team meeting or presenting in front of an audience, we all have to speak in public from time to time.

We can do this well or we can do this badly, and the outcome strongly affects the way that people think about us. This is why public speaking causes so much anxiety and concern.

The good news is that, with thorough preparation and practice, you can overcome your nervousness and perform exceptionally well. This article and video explain how.

Click here to view a transcript of this video.

The Importance of Public Speaking

Even if you don't need to make regular presentations in front of a group, there are plenty of situations where good public speaking skills can help you advance your career and create opportunities.

For example, you might have to talk about your organization at a conference, make a speech after accepting an award, or teach a class to new recruits. Speaking to an audience also includes online presentations or talks; for instance, when training a virtual team, or when speaking to a group of customers in an online meeting.

Good public speaking skills are important in other areas of your life, as well. You might be asked to make a speech at a friend's wedding, give a eulogy for a loved one, or inspire a group of volunteers at a charity event.

In short, being a good public speaker can enhance your reputation, boost your self-confidence , and open up countless opportunities.

However, while good skills can open doors, poor ones can close them. For example, your boss might decide against promoting you after sitting through a badly-delivered presentation. You might lose a valuable new contract by failing to connect with a prospect during a sales pitch. Or you could make a poor impression with your new team, because you trip over your words and don't look people in the eye.

Make sure that you learn how to speak well!

Strategies for Becoming a Better Speaker

The good news is that speaking in public is a learnable skill. As such, you can use the following strategies to become a better speaker and presenter.

Plan Appropriately

First, make sure that you plan your communication appropriately. Use tools like the Rhetorical Triangle , Monroe's Motivated Sequence , and the 7Cs of Communication to think about how you'll structure what you're going to say.

When you do this, think about how important a book's first paragraph is; if it doesn't grab you, you're likely going to put it down. The same principle goes for your speech: from the beginning, you need to intrigue your audience.

For example, you could start with an interesting statistic, headline, or fact that pertains to what you're talking about and resonates with your audience. You can also use story telling as a powerful opener; our Expert Interviews with Annette Simmons and Paul Smith offer some useful tips on doing this.

Planning also helps you to think on your feet . This is especially important for unpredictable question and answer sessions or last-minute communications.

Remember that not all occasions when you need to speak in public will be scheduled. You can make good impromptu speeches by having ideas and mini-speeches pre-prepared. It also helps to have a good, thorough understanding of what's going on in your organization and industry.

There's a good reason that we say, "Practice makes perfect!" You simply cannot be a confident, compelling speaker without practice.

To get practice, seek opportunities to speak in front of others. For example, Toastmasters is a club geared specifically towards aspiring speakers, and you can get plenty of practice at Toastmasters sessions. You could also put yourself in situations that require public speaking, such as by cross-training a group from another department, or by volunteering to speak at team meetings.

If you're going to be delivering a presentation or prepared speech, create it as early as possible. The earlier you put it together, the more time you'll have to practice.

Practice it plenty of times alone, using the resources you'll rely on at the event, and, as you practice, tweak your words until they flow smoothly and easily.

Then, if appropriate, do a dummy run in front of a small audience: this will help you calm your jitters and make you feel more comfortable with the material. Your audience can also give you useful feedback , both on your material and on your performance.

Engage With Your Audience

When you speak, try to engage your audience. This makes you feel less isolated as a speaker and keeps everyone involved with your message. If appropriate, ask leading questions targeted to individuals or groups, and encourage people to participate and ask questions.

Keep in mind that some words reduce your power as a speaker. For instance, think about how these sentences sound: "I just want to add that I think we can meet these goals" or "I just think this plan is a good one." The words "just" and "I think" limit your authority and conviction. Don't use them.

A similar word is "actually," as in, "Actually, I'd like to add that we were under budget last quarter." When you use "actually," it conveys a sense of submissiveness or even surprise. Instead, say what things are. "We were under budget last quarter" is clear and direct.

Also, pay attention to how you're speaking. If you're nervous, you might talk quickly. This increases the chances that you'll trip over your words, or say something you don't mean. Force yourself to slow down by breathing deeply. Don't be afraid to gather your thoughts; pauses are an important part of conversation, and they make you sound confident, natural, and authentic.

Finally, avoid reading word-for-word from your notes. Instead, make a list of important points on cue cards, or, as you get better at public speaking, try to memorize what you're going to say – you can still refer back to your cue cards when you need them.

Pay Attention to Body Language

If you're unaware of it, your body language will give your audience constant, subtle clues about your inner state. If you're nervous, or if you don't believe in what you're saying, the audience can soon know.

Pay attention to your body language: stand up straight, take deep breaths, look people in the eye, and smile. Don't lean on one leg or use gestures that feel unnatural.

Many people prefer to speak behind a podium when giving presentations. While podiums can be useful for holding notes, they put a barrier between you and the audience. They can also become a "crutch," giving you a hiding place from the dozens or hundreds of eyes that are on you.

Instead of standing behind a podium, walk around and use gestures to engage the audience. This movement and energy will also come through in your voice, making it more active and passionate.

Think Positively

Positive thinking can make a huge difference to the success of your communication, because it helps you feel more confident.

Fear makes it all too easy to slip into a cycle of negative self-talk, especially right before you speak, while self-sabotaging thoughts such as "I'll never be good at this!" or "I'm going to fall flat on my face!" lower your confidence and increase the chances that you won't achieve what you're truly capable of.

Use affirmations and visualization to raise your confidence. This is especially important right before your speech or presentation. Visualize giving a successful presentation, and imagine how you'll feel once it's over and when you've made a positive difference for others. Use positive affirmations such as "I'm grateful I have the opportunity to help my audience" or "I'm going to do well!"

Cope With Nerves

How often have you listened to or watched a speaker who really messed up? Chances are, the answer is "not very often."

When we have to speak in front of others, we can envision terrible things happening. We imagine forgetting every point we want to make, passing out from our nervousness, or doing so horribly that we'll lose our job. But those things almost never come to pass! We build them up in our minds and end up more nervous than we need to be.

Many people cite speaking to an audience as their biggest fear, and a fear of failure is often at the root of this. Public speaking can lead your "fight or flight" response to kick in: adrenaline courses through your bloodstream, your heart rate increases, you sweat, and your breath becomes fast and shallow.

Although these symptoms can be annoying or even debilitating, the Inverted-U Model shows that a certain amount of pressure enhances performance. By changing your mindset, you can use nervous energy to your advantage.

First, make an effort to stop thinking about yourself, your nervousness, and your fear. Instead, focus on your audience: what you're saying is "about them." Remember that you're trying to help or educate them in some way, and your message is more important than your fear. Concentrate on the audience's wants and needs, instead of your own.

If time allows, use deep breathing exercises to slow your heart rate and give your body the oxygen it needs to perform. This is especially important right before you speak. Take deep breaths from your belly, hold each one for several seconds, and let it out slowly.

Crowds are more intimidating than individuals, so think of your speech as a conversation that you're having with one person. Although your audience may be 100 people, focus on one friendly face at a time, and talk to that person as if he or she is the only one in the room.

Watch Recordings of Your Speeches

Whenever possible, record your presentations and speeches. You can improve your speaking skills dramatically by watching yourself later, and then working on improving in areas that didn't go well.

As you watch, notice any verbal stalls, such as "um" or "like." Look at your body language: are you swaying, leaning on the podium, or leaning heavily on one leg? Are you looking at the audience? Did you smile? Did you speak clearly at all times?

Pay attention to your gestures. Do they appear natural or forced? Make sure that people can see them, especially if you're standing behind a podium.

Last, look at how you handled interruptions, such as a sneeze or a question that you weren't prepared for. Does your face show surprise, hesitation, or annoyance? If so, practice managing interruptions like these smoothly, so that you're even better next time.

Chances are that you'll sometimes have to speak in public as part of your role. While this can seem intimidating, the benefits of being able to speak well outweigh any perceived fears. To become a better speaker, use the following strategies:

• Plan appropriately.
• Engage with your audience.
• Pay attention to body language.
• Think positively.
• Cope with your nerves.
• Watch recordings of your speeches.

If you speak well in public, it can help you get a job or promotion, raise awareness for your team or organization, and educate others. The more you push yourself to speak in front of others, the better you'll become, and the more confidence you'll have.

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How to speak with confidence in public

November 8, 2022 - Dom Barnard

An estimated 75% of adults suffer from a  fear of public speaking . When stress hormones are released we may behave differently – frequently, our minds go blank, our voices become harder to control, we may visibly shake etc.

Even professional public speakers have to deal with nerves but they have techniques to cope. In this article, we discuss ways of speaking with confidence in public.

Preparation and organisation

Be prepared and organised for your presentation because this increases your control and less things can go wrong. For example:

• Visit the venue and room you’ll be presenting in beforehand
• Ensure you print any materials you need at least the day before
• Create cards to use as cues
• Prepare for technical faults, such as, having a back-up in case a video does not play
• Arrive early for your speech
• Practice repeatedly

Read our  Checklist for Before and After a Presentation

Positive mental imagery

Visualise delivering your presentation confidently and successfully as this will reinforce your confidence. Really imagine being there and use all of your senses to form the imagery. If you find that your visualisations are negative then challenge these scenarios by drawing on previous experiences of successful communication. Substitute the negative imagery with more realistic imagery.

Managing nerves

Remember that you haven’t been invited to present for the purpose of being ridiculed – the audience wants to hear you speak. Plan for  managing your nerves  by:

• Avoiding consuming too much caffeine beforehand as this is a stimulant and can leave you feeling more nervous and shaky.
• Preparing music or a podcast that you can listen to on the way to the presentation.
• Find a mindfulness exercise you’d feel comfortable doing as you travel to the venue.
• Master controlled breathing beforehand so you can engage in this right before going onstage.
• If you have time, engage in exercise beforehand. Exercising releases endorphins which reduce stress levels and make you feel better.
• Recognise that it’s unlikely that the audience will know that you’re feeling nervous – you do not look as anxious as you feel.

During the presentation, if you notice that you’re speaking too quickly then pause and breathe. This won’t look strange – it will appear as though you’re giving thought to what you’re saying.

You can also  strategically plan some of your pauses , such as after questions and at the end of sections, because this will give you a chance to calm down and it will also give the audience an opportunity to think and reflect.

Pausing will also help you  avoid filler words , such as, “um” as well which can make you sound unsure.

If you’re very familiar with the content of your presentation, your audience will perceive you as confident. Practicing tips:

• Don’t just read the presentation through – practice everything, including  your transitions  and using your visual aids.
• Stand up and speak it aloud as though you were presenting to an audience.
• Ensure that you practice your body language and gesturing.
• Practice in front of others and  get their feedback .
• Film yourself presenting and watch it back.
• Freely improvise so you’ll sound more natural on the day. Don’t learn your presentation verbatim because you will sound uninterested and if you lose focus then you may forget everything.

Confident body language

You’ll notice that professional public speakers look relaxed and confident, they talk slowly and make positive body movements. To appear confident:

• Maintain eye contact  with the audience
• Use gestures to emphasise points
• Move around the stage
• Match facial expressions with what you’re saying
• Reduce nervous habits
• Slowly and steadily breathe
• Use your voice aptly

For more details, read our  8 Elements of Confident Body Language

Grow your confidence with  interactive practice exercises , on skills such as public speaking, impromptu speaking, giving feedback, and more.

Use your nervous energy

It can be difficult to hide your nerves so another way of dealing with this is to emphasise your emotions. This means conveying the emotions you’re explaining/you felt at the time, for example, the disappointment you felt at a failure or the excitement you felt at a finding. The emotion you display will hide your nerves.

Speak slowly

When you’re nervous you may rush through your presentation and finish too quickly. This makes it obvious to the audience that you’re nervous, it’s probably frustrating for them to listen to and watch, you’re not taking the time to connect with them and it’s likely that you’re making mistakes.

Try speaking at a speed that feels uncomfortably slow because it’s likely that’s the correct speed.

• Average Speaking Rate and Words per Minute

Connect with audience from the start

The first five minutes are vital for engaging the audience and getting them to listen to you. Consider telling a story about a mistake you made or maybe life wasn’t going well for you in the past – if relevant to your presentation’s aim.

People will relate to this as we have all experienced mistakes and failures. The more the audience relates to you, the more likely they will remain engaged which will increase your confidence.

• How to start a presentation effectively

Friendly faces

Find a member of the audience that is: engaged, nodding or smiling in each section of the room. When you find yourself becoming uncomfortable you can move your eyes to the friendly face in that section.

Identify and challenge your excuses

Write down the thoughts you have when you avoid speaking in a meeting or when you reject delivering a presentation. These thoughts will identify what you’re specifically afraid of, such as, worrying the audience will judge you as incompetent.

This negative inner dialogue reduces your confidence and makes you think you can’t speak in public. Challenge these thoughts by looking at evidence of your successful communication and recognise how unrealistic the thoughts can be.

Focus on your message

When you’re presenting focus on what you’re saying and why this message needs to be delivered to the audience. This will keep you connected with your speech and will prevent you from being distracted by, for example, an audience member falling asleep or your evaluation of how the presentation is going. Instead you’ll be connecting to the listeners who finding your presentation valuable.

Create a stage persona

It can be tempting to imitate favoured public speakers but it’s better to work out what your characteristics as a speaker are and then amplify these. To develop a confident stage persona ask yourself:

• What are my best characteristics as a speaker? E.g. Am I empathetic? Humorous? etc.
• What are my features as a speaker? E.g. Do I gesticulate a lot? Am I energetic? Do I stick to the script or do I improvise? etc.

More experienced and confident public speakers use humour in their presentations. The audience will be incredibly engaged if you make them laugh and it lightens the mood which will make you feel more comfortable. But caution must be exercised when using humour because a joke can be misinterpreted and even offend the audience.

Only use jokes if you’re confident with this technique and it’s suitable for the situation. Making fun of yourself is usually a safe way of using humour and it cultivates trust because it’s more relatable to the audience.

• Udemy course on becoming  Funnier at Public Speaking

Be prepared for mistakes

Mistakes happen all the time but reacting awkwardly can make the audience feel uncomfortable. It’s better to laugh at yourself so consider preparing one-liners to fall back on if you do make a mistake. Having this back-up can make you feel more secure.

Recognise the positives afterwards

After delivering a presentation it’s typical of some people to only focus on the negatives of the presentation. By doing this you’re ignoring the positives even though there were probably more of these compared to the amount of negatives.

Acknowledge these positives and write them down so you can remind yourself in the future and challenge your negative predictions.

It’s important to accept that you’re probably going to be nervous when you present but most people experience this feeling and it doesn’t ruin presentations. Have confidence in what you’re saying and convert your nerves into something helpful.

You won’t develop your confidence if you don’t push yourself and if you avoid uncomfortable situations.

• Presentation Skills

Essential Strategies to Boost Your Public Speaking Confidence

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In today's globalized world, the ability to communicate effectively in public is more than a mere skill – it's an indispensable part of personal and professional life. Public speaking is a multifaceted art that integrates aspects of communication, personal development, and leadership. It's a powerful tool for making an impact, whether in a boardroom, classroom, or community gathering.

This article aims to unravel the intricacies of public speaking and provide you with essential strategies to boost your confidence and effectiveness as a speaker. We'll explore the psychological aspects, practical techniques, and the profound impact mastering public speaking can have on your life.

Whether you're a seasoned speaker looking to refine your skills or a novice facing the fear of your first public address, these insights will equip you with the tools to stand confidently on any stage.

The Psychology of Public Speaking

Understanding the psychology behind public speaking is crucial in mastering this skill. For many, the mere thought of speaking in front of an audience can induce anxiety and fear. This fear often stems from a natural human response to being the center of attention and the perceived risk of negative judgment or failure. However, by understanding and addressing these psychological barriers, we can transform public speaking from a source of dread to an opportunity for empowerment.

The first step is recognizing that anxiety about public speaking is a common experience. It's not a reflection of your abilities or worth, but rather a normal reaction to a high-pressure situation. The key is to shift your mindset from one of apprehension to one of opportunity. Public speaking allows you to share your ideas, influence others, and make a meaningful connection with your audience.

Developing a growth mindset is essential in this journey. Instead of seeing public speaking as a fixed ability that you either have or don't have, view it as a skill that can be developed and refined over time. This perspective encourages a focus on learning and improvement, rather than on the fear of making mistakes.

In the upcoming sections, we'll delve into practical strategies, including the use of positive affirmations, audience analysis, and effective practice techniques, to help you harness the power of psychology to your advantage in public speaking.

Audience Analysis: A Key Life Skill

Understanding your audience is a critical aspect of effective public speaking and an invaluable life skill. Tailoring your message to the interests, needs, and expectations of your audience can significantly enhance the impact of your speech.

Start by researching your audience

What are their demographics? Consider age, gender, cultural background, and professional status. This information can guide your language choice, examples, and overall tone.

What might be their general interests or concerns regarding the topic? Align your content with their interests and address any potential concerns they might have. This alignment shows that you are attuned to their needs and perspectives.

Assess Their Level of Knowledge on the Subject: Understanding the audience's familiarity with your topic is crucial. This helps in pitching your speech at the right level, avoiding overly technical jargon for novices or oversimplifying for experts.

Consider Their Expectations and Objectives : Why is the audience attending your speech? Are they seeking information, motivation, entertainment, or skills? Tailoring your speech to meet their expectations will make it more impactful.

Analyze the Context and Setting: The environment in which you're speaking can influence audience behavior and receptiveness. A formal conference setting might necessitate a different approach compared to a casual workshop.

Understanding the cultural, social, and educational background of your audience can guide you in choosing the right language, examples, and even humor.

Additionally, consider the context of your speech. A business presentation requires a different approach than a community talk or an educational seminar. Be mindful of the setting and purpose of your speech and adapt accordingly.

Audience analysis also involves being attentive and responsive during your speech. Pay attention to the audience's reactions – are they engaged, confused, or indifferent? Use this real-time feedback to adjust your delivery, pace, and even content if necessary. This adaptability not only shows respect for your audience but also strengthens your connection with them, boosting your confidence as a speaker.

The Art of Practice

Practice in public speaking is not just about repetition; it's an art that involves refining your message, delivery, and presence. Effective practice is about creating a connection between you and your content, as well as between you and your audience.

Begin by breaking down your speech into manageable parts. Work on each section individually, focusing on clarity of message, appropriate pacing, and engaging delivery. It's beneficial to practice in varied environments and settings, as this prepares you for the unpredictability of live speaking scenarios.

Use tools such as video recording to review your performance. This can provide insights into your body language, voice modulation, and overall presence. Be your own critic, but also seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors. Constructive criticism is invaluable in refining your skills.

Remember, practice is more than preparing to get it right; it's preparing to not get thrown off when things go wrong. It's about building resilience and adaptability, essential traits for any skilled public speaker. Embrace every opportunity to speak as a chance to practice, learn, and grow.

Managing Nerves: A Crucial Aspect of Personal Development

Feeling nervous before a public speaking engagement is natural, but effectively managing these nerves is key to a confident delivery. Here are strategies to help:

Identify Your Nervous Triggers: Understanding what specifically makes you nervous can help in developing targeted strategies to address these triggers.

Deep Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing to calm your mind and reduce physical symptoms of nervousness. Techniques like the 4-7-8 breathing method can be particularly effective.

Visualization Techniques: Visualize yourself delivering a successful speech. This mental rehearsal can boost confidence and reduce anxiety.

Positive Self-Talk: Counter negative thoughts with positive affirmations related to your speaking abilities.

Physical Warm-Up : Light physical exercises or stretching can help release tension and nervous energy.

Practice Regularly : The more you expose yourself to public speaking, the more familiar and less intimidating it becomes.

Accept Nervousness : Recognize that some level of nervousness is normal and can even add a positive energy to your delivery.

By incorporating these techniques into your preparation, you can transform nerves from a hindrance into a tool that enhances your public speaking performance.

The Role of Positive Affirmations in Skill Development

One of the most transformative strategies in mastering public speaking is the use of positive affirmations . These are powerful, concise statements that, when repeated, can reprogram your mind to believe in your capabilities and worth. The principle behind affirmations is rooted in the idea that our thoughts influence our actions. By nurturing a positive mindset, we can significantly enhance our confidence and performance.

Begin by crafting affirmations that resonate with your public speaking goals. Phrases like “I am a confident and persuasive speaker” or “I engage my audience with ease and enthusiasm” are great examples. These affirmations should be stated in the present tense, as if they are already true.

The key to making affirmations work is consistency. Integrate them into your daily routine. Repeat them during your morning ritual, in moments of doubt, or right before a speaking engagement. Over time, these affirmations will shift your internal narrative, changing how you perceive yourself and, consequently, how you perform on stage.

But remember, affirmations are not just magical phrases; they are most effective when paired with action. Use them as a foundation for real practice and skill development. As you reinforce your belief in your abilities, ensure you're also honing the technical aspects of your speech and delivery.

Engaging Your Audience: Beyond Public Speaking

Audience engagement is the cornerstone of memorable public speaking. It transforms a monologue into a dynamic conversation and makes your message resonate more deeply with your listeners.

To effectively engage your audience start by:

Incorporating storytelling into your speeches.

Stories create emotional connections and make complex topics more relatable. Use anecdotes, personal experiences, or relevant case studies to illustrate your points. This not only makes your content more engaging but also more memorable.

Incorporate questions

Pose rhetorical or direct questions to provoke thought and encourage audience participation. This technique keeps your audience mentally active and involved in your presentation.

Incorporate visual aids

Use slides or props, to support your message. These tools should complement, not overpower, your speech. Use them to highlight key points and maintain audience interest.

Remember, engagement is a two-way street. Pay attention to your audience's body language and feedback. Adjust your tone, pace, and content accordingly to maintain a connection with them throughout your speech.

Public speaking is more than a skill—it's an art that encompasses deep personal growth and connection with others. Throughout this article, we've explored a range of strategies to enhance your public speaking confidence, from positive affirmations and audience analysis to the art of practice and engagement techniques. We've also touched on the importance of embracing technology and learning from real-life examples.

Remember, mastering public speaking is a journey. It's about continuous learning, adapting, and evolving. Every opportunity to speak is a chance to refine your skills and grow. Embrace the challenge, celebrate your progress, and know that with each step, you're not just improving your ability to speak in public, but also enriching your personal and professional life.

Public speaking is a powerful life skill, one that opens doors to new opportunities and experiences. By applying the strategies discussed, you'll be well on your way to mastering the stage and speaking with confidence and impact.

About the Author

Innertune offers an app for daily affirmations to empower your life. Change your life and feel empowered with just 5 minutes of listening per day.

Continue to: Coping with Presentation Nerves Top Tips for Effective Presentations

See also: Five Reasons Why Singing Lessons Will Be a Game Changer for Your Public Speaking Efforts How to Improve your Public Speaking Skills 7 Public Speaking Tips For Introverts

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How To Speak With Confidence - Reclaim Your Voice

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How to Speak with Confidence & Captivate Your Audience

Do you ever look at someone – a public speaker, a politician, even a friend– and think “wow, they are confident?” 

Confidence is a trait we admire in others and grieve the absence of in ourselves. While some people are born with innate confidence and charisma, the rest of us are left wondering how they sound confident so naturally.

But, the great thing about confidence is that it’s a skill that we can all easily acquire.

As all the best public speakers and politicians and friends know, confidence is as much about appearance and image as it is about feeling confident within one’s self. So where better to start honing your confidence than in your own voice, one of the most important tools you have to give others a good impression of yourself?

Why You Should Always Aim to Speak with Confidence

Consider some of the best speakers in the world. What makes them great? Is it their knowledge, their ability to communicate their message, their passion? Are they great at keeping their audience engaged? Are they good at storytelling?

While the answer to all of those questions is likely to be a “yes,” I’ll give you one of the most important characteristics that makes them all great speakers.

Their confidence.

Confidence is not a revolutionary concept. You probably didn’t faint from the shock upon hearing “confidence.” But the reason this is not surprising is that this is a well-known and very utilized characteristic in all leader types.

Most of the best public speakers excel in sounding confident. They understand that if they sound nervous or come off as timid or unprepared, their entire speech may feel inauthentic and uncredible.

They dedicate a significant amount of time to practice, a skill that helps them get rid of any lingering stage anxiety.  

So, if you aim to be a great speaker, you must speak with a confident tone and strong belief in yourself.

If you want your message to reach and stick with your audience, you must say it with confidence.

That’s the secret to how the world’s best speakers do it.   

10 Tips to Help You Find More Confidence When Presenting

As someone who has been a public speaker for over four decades now, I have learned a trick or two about how to give great presentations.

How to build confidence is a big one.

Here are some tips I have personally used that can help you develop more confidence in both your personal and professional communication.

These tips will help you present your report to your team or present your research at a TedTalk – with confidence. Utilize these tools next time you need to get your message across.

You will be happy you did.

One of the biggest keys to effective to building confidence as a public speaker is simply to practice speaking. You’ve heard the saying a million times: “Practice makes perfect” – but I am here to tell you that practice actually makes progress.

You will notice how much more confident and self-assured you sound as you go through your presentation again and again. 

Even if you believe your speech is perfect, practicing will help you feel more comfortable and certain in your delivery.

The more you practice, the more you build your confidence as a speaker. You can record yourself or practice with friends to get honest feedback. If you want to advance your public speaking skills even further, check out my blog on public speaking tips.

Plus, you may learn new things from one presentation to the next – things that could be helpful to incorporate into your next speech in order to deliver your message as confidently and effectively as possible.

Present to a Trusted Audience First

A great way to build confidence is by practicing in front of a trusted audience before presenting your message on the main stage. This allows you to get more comfortable speaking to an audience while getting honest and constructive feedback about your presentation.

By utilizing your network of friends, family, coworkers, and so on, you can run through your presentation without feeling nervous or worrying that you will mess up when it comes to presenting in front of your actual audience. This will allow you to practice your eye contact and body language for your performance.

Your trusted audience will act as a sounding board for how you can improve your presentation. They may express that you need to touch more on your important points, use a more confident voice, fewer filler words , more eye contact, fewer pauses, and so forth.

These comments can help you visualize your speech from the audience’s perspective and incorporate their feedback for the real thing.

Practicing in front of your trusted audience will help you feel more relaxed and confident. Public speaking can be scary, but don’t forget to take a deep breath and keep calm!

Believe in Yourself

A phrase that is displayed in many offices, homes, and Facebook walls – “Believe in yourself.” A common encouraging statement that is especially useful for confidence-building. In order to be great at public speaking, or anything else for that matter, you must believe in yourself, your message, and your abilities.

Believing in yourself applies to multiple facets. Firstly, you must believe in your message. This may be findings from research you have done or a new tool you hope to implement in your company – you must believe in whatever you are presenting.

You are the expert here, and people are looking to you for encouragement, advice, or knowledge. You must believe in what you are hoping the audience will believe in.

Secondly, you have to believe in your ability to deliver your message. Even if you are nervous or afraid, you must believe that you can do it.

Most great speakers will tell you that they were terrified when they first started presenting, but a trick they learned was, “fake it until you make it.” Is it your first presentation and you are freaking out?

Pretend it’s not! Imagine that you have done this a thousand times before and you’re a pro. Keep smiling, stay relaxed, smile, and just go for it – you can do it. And when you believe you can do speak confidently , you’ll sound more confident naturally to your audience.

If either of these criteria is not met, that will come through in your speech. You must believe in yourself in order to be confident and authentic in your presentation.

Stay Healthy

This tip may feel obvious, but your health is very important to your level of confidence

You know how it feels when you are sick; you are groggy, tired, congested, etc. You have a hard time focusing or being productive. You fall behind on tasks you need to complete.

That’s why keeping your health up is so important for your confidence (and your vocal cords!)

Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to make sure your voice and vocal cords are always “public speaker ready,” and well make you sound more confident.

Studies show that how hydrated you are has a direct effect on the sound of your voice—the more hydrated you are, the more clear and strong your voice sounds. That’s why whenever you hear a dehydrated character in a movie, their voice always sounds weak and raspy!

The key to staying hydrated and feeling confident in your voice is to not wait until right before your speech to start drinking.

Hydration takes time. Keeping yourself hydrated should start at least a couple of hours leading up to your speech – if not always! Staying hydrated ensures that your mouth and throat are properly lubricated so that you can speak articulately and smoothly. 

Staying healthy and hydrated will keep your mind and body sharp. If you stay hydrated, eat healthily, exercise, get a good night’s sleep, you will ultimately feel good. And feeling good is a great confidence booster!

The better you feel on the inside, the more confidence you’ll be able to muster up on the outside.

Seek Growth from Critique

You may give dozens of great speeches, but you will always remember the one that didn’t go as planned. You will dwell on it or even beat yourself up about it.

We tend to fixate on the things that went wrong, and that’s totally normal. How you grow from that experience will determine how much you will develop and succeed.

I’m here to tell you that even your mistakes can help you gain confidence. Even if something went wrong, there is no need to feel distressed or defeated. Instead, use that mistake as an opportunity for growth. It’s a perfect time to seek feedback and comments that can help you improve the next time.  Even the best thought leaders evolve over time, so don’t be afraid to listen to your criticism, you may just grow from it.

Usually, people will be encouraging about your speech. They will tell you what they liked and what kept them engaged. If they have a negative critique, do not take it personally.

Though it’s an initial ego-deflator, you can use negative critique as a vertical for knowledge and growth. Each comment will plant a seed in your mind that you can focus on for future speeches.

If your mistake was forgetting a line and looking panicked, you can practice how to stay calm in instances like that. You can also make sure to take more time to memorize all your important points the next time around.

Every point of critique is an opportunity to learn and grow. The more you view critique in that manner, the more confidence you can gain through every negative comment. 

Use Visuals

You know what they say: a picture is worth 1000 words.

Visual aids, such as pictures, charts, graphs, infographics, help engage your audience as well as reinforce your points. Considering 65% of the population are visual learners, visual aids can enhance the presentation and help them retain the information.

By including visual content, you’re increasing the percentage of people who will remember your message long after the presentation is over.

Visual aids help you emphasize your important points and keep your audience engaged. Especially if you are just starting out in your public speaking journey, having visual aids will give you something to lean on and divert focus to when you are nervous.

The audience’s attention will be at the screen for a moment, giving you time to take a deep breath and stay relaxed.

Once you feel confident as a speaker, you may not even need visual aids. You will feel comfortable and confident enough to speak to your audience without them.

Keep the Presentation Moving

The show must go on, right?

That’s what anyone who has ever been on stage knows to be true.

As much as we want to, we cannot control everything. Sometimes, things don’t go our way – there can be technical difficulties, venue issues, audience mishaps — whatever it is, being prepared for the uncertain can help you keep the show moving.

If you’ve ever seen a presentation go awry, you have noticed that a great public speaker will keep their cool and find humor in the situation.

Their body language will remain relaxed, they won’t lose their focus, they will keep smiling and holding eye contact with their audience, and find a way to make light of the situation. This type of engaging behavior will ease the awkwardness of the situation.

This type of level of confidence is gained through practice. You can enhance your public speaking by practicing your backup plan in moments when things aren’t going according to plan. Knowing how to handle a critical situation will help you feel more relaxed and confident throughout your entire presentation.

Even if you stumble, forget a line, experience a technical difficulty, or so forth, your ability to move the presentation along despite hiccups will demonstrate your confidence.

Keeping your presentation moving will show your audience that even though things don’t always go as planned, you remain confident and prepared for anything.

Avoid Filler Words

So, like… umm… yeah.

Filler words.

The um’s and uh’s and er’s that litter many of our conversations. Although these little words don’t add meaning to your statements, they do perform a function in conversations.

They allow you to take a second and think about what you’re going to say next. They let the person you are having a conversation with know that you’re not quite finished speaking yet, even if you’ve paused for a moment.

While typically acceptable in normal conversations, filler words can be detrimental to public speaking. Using a filler word may make it sound like you have forgotten what you’re about to say next. They break your audience’s attention from your message.

Instead of using filler words in your speeches, you should practice embracing the power of the pause.

All great public speakers are masters of the pause. They are comfortable with silences. When they are moving on to the next point or holding for dramatic effect, they take a deep breath, stay relaxed and keep smiling before saying anything. They know that the pause is a key part of good public speaking.

Since we use filler words so often, cutting them from your vernacular and replacing them with pauses may feel unnatural.

That’s why it’s so important to practice your presenting. Practice a few rounds of your presentation focusing heavily on the filler words. Once actively focus on the filler words, you will notice how much, or how little, you say them. Then, actively catch yourself in the moment and use a pause to replace it.

That pause will show your audience that you are confident in your speaking abilities, and keep them engaged in your presentation.

Experiment with Your Tone of Voice

Whenever you hear a great public speaker or storyteller, you notice how their tone and loudness fluctuate throughout their speech.

They use their tone to convey mood or emphasize an important point. They may use a lower, deeper tone when describing a problem. They will then switch to speaking loudly, in a higher, more optimistic tone when describing how the problem was solved.

This type of tone fluctuation allows them to influence the emotions of their audience and keep them engaged throughout their presentation.

The tone of your presentation should always match the subject matter you are discussing, which will add to you sounding confident during your entire presentation.

If you have a hopeful message, keep your tone light. If you want your audience to consider a serious topic, you can use a moodier tone. It’s all about playing up the important points in your message.

Practicing playing with tone can be a huge confidence booster. Even if you know the contents of your presentation like the back of your hand, you can utilize tone to create emphasis and intrigue where needed. Your audience will see you as more confident when you can get through your speech without making it feel like you read it from a paper.

Dress for Success

Look good, feel good, speak…even better!

Dressing for success means a few things in this situation: the way we dress in order to feel like our best, and how we should dress when presenting.

Let’s discuss dressing for ourselves first. As it turns out, the way we dress impacts how we feel about ourselves – even the way we judge our own abilities. In a 2012 paper by Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky, the idea of “enclothed cognition,” was studied. This study was to determine whether our clothes affect our thoughts

In one particular experiment, participants wore either a doctor’s coat or a painter’s coat and were asked to perform tasks. Those who wore the doctor’s coat performed significantly better at completing the task.

Wonder why that is? The research behind enclothed cognition suggests that it’s not so much about what we wear, but what we think about what we wear.

So even if you don’t have a doctor’s coat to throw on for your presentation, it is important that you wear the clothing that you feel the most comfortable and confident in!

Now we move into dressing the part. Even though your audience is there to listen to what you have to say, it’s very important to dress the part. While we now know how important it is to dress in something you feel comfortable and confident in, it must also align with the tone and theme of your presentation.

For example, if your presentation is about how to find balance in life, wearing a full-pressed suit may not be the best choice since the topic of the conversation is more casual and inclusive. You want to look and sound like you have found balance in your own life. A better outfit option for that speech could be a nice pair of slacks and a button-down.

If you are presenting something more formal and the event is corporate, a suit may be the way to go.

As long as you feel confident in that suit, of course.

Feeling good and looking the part when presenting will help you feel more confident and boost your stage presence. Just make sure that whatever you do wear is also comfortable to keep you worry-free during the presentation and will allow you to use body language naturally and without restriction or wardrobe malfunction.

Looking for the ultimate guide to public speaking, including everything from picking a speech topic to taking your public speaking international? Check out this blog on everything you need to know about public speaking.

With these tools, your ability to speak with confidence will grow exponentially. If you are looking for a course that helps you put these tips into action, check out my, “Speak Like A Leader,” course! Here, you will learn everything you need to know on how to use your words and your message to lead.

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About Brian Tracy — Brian is recognized as the top sales training and personal success authority in the world today. He has authored more than 60 books and has produced more than 500 audio and video learning programs on sales, management, business success and personal development, including worldwide bestseller The Psychology of Achievement. Brian's goal is to help you achieve your personal and business goals faster and easier than you ever imagined. You can follow him on Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest , Linkedin and Youtube .

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How to Look and Sound Confident During a Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Your audience will make up their minds about you in seconds.

How you look and sound during a speech or presentation are going to make a big impression on your audience. Within seconds, listeners will decide whether you are trustworthy, and they will do it based on your body language and vocal attributes. The good news is that there is plenty of hard evidence that explains how you can give the appearance of confidence and competence — even if you’re nervous or timid on the inside. To look confident, make eye contact, keep an open posture, and use gestures to emphasize your message. To sound confident, eliminate filler words, take time to pause before important messages, and vary your pace.

You’ve crafted the message and created the slides for your next presentation. Now it’s time to wow the audience. How you look and sound are going to make a big impression — and your audience will form opinions quickly .

• Carmine Gallo is a Harvard University instructor, keynote speaker, and author of 10 books translated into 40 languages. Gallo is the author of The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Greatest Salesman  (St. Martin’s Press).

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10 Tips for Improving Your Public Speaking Skills

Few are immune to the fear of public speaking. Marjorie North offers 10 tips for speakers to calm the nerves and deliverable memorable orations.

Marjorie North

Snakes? Fine. Flying? No problem. Public speaking? Yikes! Just thinking about public speaking — routinely described as one of the greatest (and most common) fears — can make your palms sweat. But there are many ways to tackle this anxiety and learn to deliver a memorable speech.

In part one of this series,  Mastering the Basics of Communication , I shared strategies to improve how you communicate. In part two, How to Communicate More Effectively in the Workplace , I examined how to apply these techniques as you interact with colleagues and supervisors in the workplace. For the third and final part of this series, I’m providing you with public speaking tips that will help reduce your anxiety, dispel myths, and improve your performance.

Here Are My 10 Tips for Public Speaking:

1. nervousness is normal. practice and prepare.

All people feel some physiological reactions like pounding hearts and trembling hands. Do not associate these feelings with the sense that you will perform poorly or make a fool of yourself. Some nerves are good. The adrenaline rush that makes you sweat also makes you more alert and ready to give your best performance.

The best way to overcome anxiety is to prepare, prepare, and prepare some more. Take the time to go over your notes several times. Once you have become comfortable with the material, practice — a lot. Videotape yourself, or get a friend to critique your performance.

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2. Know Your Audience. Your Speech Is About Them, Not You.

Before you begin to craft your message, consider who the message is intended for. Learn as much about your listeners as you can. This will help you determine your choice of words, level of information, organization pattern, and motivational statement.

3. Organize Your Material in the Most Effective Manner to Attain Your Purpose.

Create the framework for your speech. Write down the topic, general purpose, specific purpose, central idea, and main points. Make sure to grab the audience’s attention in the first 30 seconds.

4. Watch for Feedback and Adapt to It.

Keep the focus on the audience. Gauge their reactions, adjust your message, and stay flexible. Delivering a canned speech will guarantee that you lose the attention of or confuse even the most devoted listeners.

5. Let Your Personality Come Through.

Be yourself, don’t become a talking head — in any type of communication. You will establish better credibility if your personality shines through, and your audience will trust what you have to say if they can see you as a real person.

6. Use Humor, Tell Stories, and Use Effective Language.

Inject a funny anecdote in your presentation, and you will certainly grab your audience’s attention. Audiences generally like a personal touch in a speech. A story can provide that.

7. Don’t Read Unless You Have to. Work from an Outline.

Reading from a script or slide fractures the interpersonal connection. By maintaining eye contact with the audience, you keep the focus on yourself and your message. A brief outline can serve to jog your memory and keep you on task.

8. Use Your Voice and Hands Effectively. Omit Nervous Gestures.

Nonverbal communication carries most of the message. Good delivery does not call attention to itself, but instead conveys the speaker’s ideas clearly and without distraction.

9. Grab Attention at the Beginning, and Close with a Dynamic End.

Do you enjoy hearing a speech start with “Today I’m going to talk to you about X”? Most people don’t. Instead, use a startling statistic, an interesting anecdote, or concise quotation. Conclude your speech with a summary and a strong statement that your audience is sure to remember.

10. Use Audiovisual Aids Wisely.

Too many can break the direct connection to the audience, so use them sparingly. They should enhance or clarify your content, or capture and maintain your audience’s attention.

Practice Does Not Make Perfect

Good communication is never perfect, and nobody expects you to be perfect. However, putting in the requisite time to prepare will help you deliver a better speech. You may not be able to shake your nerves entirely, but you can learn to minimize them.

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About the Author

North is a consultant for political candidates, physicians, and lawyers, and runs a private practice specializing in public speaking, and executive communication skills. Previously, she was the clinical director in the department of speech and language pathology and audiology at Northeastern University.

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How to speak confidently in public: Virtuozo's top public speaking tips

Whether it's getting up in front of an audience of 1,000 guests or ten overworked employees, public speaking can be unnerving. Michael Weitz and Abigail Tenembaum, founders of Virtuozo, coach everyone from TED speakers to CEOs to express their message effectively.

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"It's like a musical instrument, everybody can learn with enough practice," says Tenembaum. This is their advice for getting your point across.

How to speak confidently in public

"One thing that is critical is knowing your key message," says Tenembaum. "It sounds simple but often articulating the idea in a concise way is the hardest thing." Once you understand your point, it will be easier to express it. Also understand who your audience is: a common mistake is to put yourself as the audience. Instead, think about who they are at that exact moment. "Even the same audience is different at 9am on a Monday than it is after a long day of presentations at 5pm."

Look at them, don't stare, but speak directly to them and check they are staying engaged. "A lot of people launch into their message and don't check back in with the audience until they're done," says Weitz, when instead your attention should be on them the entire time. "It's more than eye contact," he adds. "Make sure they're engaged, and if they aren't, adjust." That might mean throwing aside the PowerPoint , or adding in a personal anecdote if your message can go off-script.

Don't think about your words. "If you ask attendees of TED talks what drives them crazy, it's when speakers talk like they're reciting a memorised text," says Weitz. "They want the speaker to be speaking directly to them." Don't get bogged down trying to recall your talk word for word. "Remember, people don't know what you've prepared," says Tenembaum, explaining that people are impressed by passion, emotion and data. "They don't care about the words, they care about the meaning."

Words should not get in the way of your message. Don't use jargon: your audience will not relate to obscure language . "As an audience, we tend to notice written language as opposed to spoken language," says Tenembaum, so using words more at home in a textbook will isolate you. Speak slowly and assertively. "If you speak fast in a low voice, your impact will not be what it could have been." And practice; just reciting the beginning and the end will improve your presentation.

If you have a sudden memory lapse, don't panic. "Most people will put their foot on the accelerator," says Weitz. "But do the opposite, put your foot on the brake. Take a moment, take a breath. The audience will think you are making a dramatic point." As long as your eyes stay on the audience, and not the ceiling or the floor, they will be none the wiser. "You're in a different time zone from the audience," says Weitz, so 30 seconds might seem like minutes to you, but will breeze by for the audience.

When you pace up and down the stage it's distracting to the audience. "You need to give a nice clear signal that the audience can tune into," says Weitz. "And pacing around or meandering can take away from that strong signal." Instead, think about the key points you are going to make and move to emphasise them. "Turn to somebody else in the room after a key point to make it more dramatic," suggests Weitz, "or walk to a different part of the stage if you want a change of energy."

"Michael says that hands are the analogue version of PowerPoint," says Tenembaum. But you shouldn't plan your movements like you would your slides. "When we are explaining things our body will naturally make gestures that can enhance our communication abilities," says Weitz, "and that can enhance the way people understand things." Try not to focus too much on it; it's like breathing - when you think about it, it becomes irregular, but when you don't, it happens naturally.

"Everything sends a message," says Tenembaum. "Not just the words you're saying." So be aware of your body language as it can put a barrier between you and the audience. And if what you're saying conflicts with your body language, the audience will notice something is out of sync. "When we receive a message, we tend to lean more towards the body language," says Tenembaum. "If a manager tells his team he trusts them with his arms crossed, it's likely his message won't get through."

Make sure that your tone reiterates the point you are making. "Tone gives meaning," says Tenembaum. If you give a statistic - for example, sales went up by 35 per cent - the tone will reveal whether that is positive or negative. It can also switch up the tempo. "Our brain is an efficient machine that will try to save energy," says Tenembaum, "so it will go into power-save mode if it can." Bring variety to your tone, pace and the content to keep away from being monotone.

This article was originally published in WIRED magazine in August 2015.

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How to Give a Speech: 10 Tips for Powerful Public Speaking

When we start preparing to give a speech, it can be a nerve-wracking experience. It’s completely normal—most of us feel a combination of excitement and nerves when we’re about to take the stage.

However, with some strategic planning and practical advice, you can make sure your speech is powerful and effective. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to give a speech that will leave your audience engaged and inspired.

We’ll examine 10 tips to help you build a powerful speech, from outlining your points methodically to crafting captivating introductions . Whether you’re a beginner or experienced public speaker, these nuggets of wisdom will help you take your next speech to the next level. Let’s get started!

Quick Review of Key Points

Preparing ahead of time is the key to giving an effective speech. Make sure to structure your speaking points, rehearse your delivery, and be aware of the needs of your audience for maximum impact.

How to Prepare for a Speech

Preparing for a speech is an essential step to public speaking success. It can help to build your confidence, create content that reaches the audience, and reduce performance anxiety.

Although it can be time-consuming in the beginning, preparation will ensure less stress and more comfort during delivery. Here are some tips to consider when preparing for a speech:

Practice : Before delivering a speech, practice it out loud several times. This will allow you to gain experience in speaking without an audience and increase your confidence when you do have one.

Practicing also helps to identify awkward moments in the speech or any difficult phrases which then can be changed or removed altogether. Additionally, it helps you determine where to pause for effect. Research : Depending on the topic of the speech , research should be done beforehand to gather information that is relevant and interesting for the audience. It is important to get acquainted with the language typically used by audiences to ensure a clear understanding of what is being said.

Additionally, relevant statistics and stories concerning the topic are a great way to draw in listeners and make the presentation more engaging .

Know Your Audience : When preparing your speech, be sure to consider who will be listening. For instance, if giving a presentation at work, include industry jargon that members would understand and include relevant topics from publications that might be familiar to the employees.

On the other hand, if consulting business professionals in their field then technical language may be easier for them to comprehend than laypeople or students.

By gathering valuable information about the topic and getting comfortable with a speech’s content and delivery through practice, speakers will gain more assurance during their talk as well as respect from their audience.

Preparing beforehand not only gives insight into how to engage listeners but also encourages more meaningful conversations after the event. Now that we have discussed how to prepare for a speech let us move on to creating an outline which will provide structure during delivery.

Create an Outline

After determining the audience and purpose of your speech, the next step to effective public speaking is to create an outline .

An outline serves as a roadmap to ensure that your speech has a logical flow and contains all important points. It also can help keep you on track during the speech itself, allowing you to stay focused and organized.

When constructing an outline, consider drawing up both a main point and sub-points for each portion of the speech. Both should be relevant to the goal of the presentation and backed up by facts and research.

Brainstorming can help in this process; try grouping your ideas together in clusters to make sure you cover all possible angles.

Furthermore, writing out exact quotations or figures can prove beneficial in forming a cohesive argument. At this stage, it is also wise to decide where transitions, humor, stories, or other engaging techniques will be included.

While there are differing opinions as to whether outlines should be memorized or simply used as a reference while speaking, many agree that they should serve their purpose – not only articulate the main thoughts of the speech but also assist the speaker with maintaining focus and preventing distractions.

The debate between those who advocate for memorization versus casual consulting touches upon issues such as rehearsal time, risk of errors in delivery, ease of practice versus actual performance and more.

Each side has valid arguments that should be weighed prior to deciding what type of approach best suits your needs.

Having a firmly constructed outline acts as a valuable tool when it comes time to deliver a powerful public speech. By actively utilizing this tactic, speakers may not only enhance their clarity and coherence, but also add structure and vibrance to their presentations.

Now that we have explored what goes into crafting an effective outline, let’s dive deeper into how we can best collect resources and research our topics for maximum impact.

Collect Sources and Research

Collecting sources and research is a crucial step for any public speaking engagement. It ensures that you have the necessary information to make strong points and back up your statements.

Before writing your speech, take time to research your topic to gain familiarity with different perspectives, facts, and counterpoints. This will help you to craft an argument that can stand up to scrutiny while also adding a breadth of knowledge to your speech.

Interviews can be a powerful source of evidence and anecdotes, so try to include one or two relevant interviews in your research process. Relying solely on secondary sources such as books and articles can lead to a narrow scope of understanding.

Interviews provide an opportunity to hear directly from an expert and create an interesting dynamic in your speech by adding personal experiences as well as commentary from a professional.

In research it is important to stay objective. Gather a variety of perspectives and be open-minded about their merits. Don’t forget to consider both sides of the argument when researching for your speech.

Doing this allows you to understand the opposing perspective and enables you to anticipate potential counter arguments from your audience.

By acknowledging them beforehand, you may increase the persuasive power of your speech by showing confidence in the points you make.

Once you have collected all sources, review them carefully and separate the most pertinent information from the less useful material.

Synthesising this information into concise yet impactful points is a critical part in delivering powerful talks without overloading your audience with too much data or going off track during your speech delivery.

Organizing Your Speech

Before you start putting your words together, it’s important to consider how the different parts of a speech fit together. By taking the time to organize the ideas in your speech , you’ll be able to deliver a presentation that is well-constructed and easy to understand.

One way to help with organizing your speech is to write an outline . An outline is like a map or plan that will provide you with a framework for each section of your speech.

Start by writing out your main points and then include additional details underneath each one. This will help keep your speech focused and provide direction for where you are going next.

Another approach for organizing your speech is known as the “inverted pyramid” method. This structure starts with your conclusion at the beginning of the speech, and then works backward by providing more explanation and detail as it moves toward the introduction.

This method can be helpful when speaking about topics that are unfamiliar to the audience since it doesn’t require them to wait until near the end of the presentation to learn what you’ve been talking about.

No matter which organization approach you choose, make sure to practice it before giving your speech so that you are comfortable with its flow. Lastly, remember that it’s ok to adjust things while you speak if they don’t seem or feel quite right.

Now let’s take a look at how we can use these organizing techniques to actually put our speeches together – starting with structuring our speech.

Structure Your Speech

Creating a strong structure for your speech will ensure that the audience stays engaged and understands your main points. As you are developing an outline, map out how you want to begin and end your speech.

Break up the information into smaller sections with either verbal or visual cues so that your audience can clearly see how you are transitioning between topics . Consider adding humor judiciously throughout your presentation as this could help engage the audience and lighten any tension.

The length of your presentation is also important. You will want to make sure that you include all of the necessary information without going over time.

Oftentimes less is more; if you can say it in five minutes why use ten? Make sure that you practice timed rehearsals so that you can gauge how long you’re actually speaking.

In contrast, avoid trying to pack too much content into one presentation as this could overwhelm both you and the audience. If needed, offer supplemental reading materials for those who may be interested in delving further into the subject matter.

Paragraphs can also be helpful when organizing large amounts of content within the body of your presentation. Utilizing paragraph breaks gives your audience a break and helps to highlight key ideas or summaries before moving onto a new topic area.

Finally, it is crucial to remember what your desired outcome is from the presentation; plan accordingly by ensuring that the beginning, middle, and end serve their respective purposes and adhere to that goal.

With careful deliberations, structuring a successful presentation can be achieved with relative ease.

Having established a solid structure for your speech, it’s important to focus on another key element: rehearsal. The next section will discuss the benefits of practicing before delivering a powerful public speaking performance.

Rehearse Your Speech

Rehearsing is integral to giving a successful speech. When you rehearse your presentation, you give your mind an opportunity to become familiar with the notes and concepts that you are presenting. It also increases your confidence and reduces anxiety or self-doubt.

In fact, studies have found that those who rehearsed their presentation had higher scores in public speaking performance and language proficiency evaluations.

When it comes to how much rehearsal is enough, opinions are divided. Some people believe that over-rehearsing can lead to a more robotic speech with less natural emotion and connection with the audience .

On the other hand, others argue that no matter how well-versed someone is on the topic, additional rehearsal time improves both the delivery of the speech and memorization of key points and facts.

Ultimately, it’s important to practice until you personally find the most comfortable level for yourself, as this will ultimately result in a more engaging delivery.

Finally, if at all possible, try to practice in front of a friend or colleague for honest feedback on any elements that need improvement before the big day. Rehearsal dedication may be tedious, but it results in big rewards on stage–enabling you to deliver your content with clarity, confidence, and poise.

With thoughtful preparation complete, it’s now time to step into the spotlight and give your speech!

Giving Your Speech

The key to success when giving a speech is to be well prepared and confident. Every individual’s preparation process will vary, but the basics should stay the same.

Start by studying your content, understanding the material and being able to repeat it in your own words. Clarify any potentially difficult points. Create visual aids like PowerPoint slides or handouts that supplement the key ideas in your speech.

Practice your public speaking skills with informal conversations with friends and family or rehearse it alone in front of a mirror. Use visualization; imagine yourself confidently delivering your speech. Consider addressing a practice audience if possible to become more accustomed to a live size group.

On the day of the event, arrive early and plan for any potential obstacles: What if my computer doesn’t work? What if I forget something? Allow sufficient time for setup and check-in.

When you are ready to give your speech, take some deep breaths, focus on the positives, and distract yourself from any anxious thoughts with positive affirmations. Remember you have prepared diligently for this moment, you are well prepared and you will succeed!

Start strong by engaging the audience immediately with an attention grabbing opening statement. Speak clearly and make sure that everyone can hear and understand your message.

Slow down and emphasize points as needed throughout your presentation. Be aware of pace, volume, and tone of voice: too fast/monotone can confuse/bore listeners while pauses add a dramatic effect that keeps their interest piqued.

Ultimately, giving a successful speech will depend on knowing your material well enough to speak confidently in front of your audience without hesitation or missteps.

When you do make a mistake (and they happen!) don’t panic – know that mistakes are inevitable but don’t be discouraged; get back on track as soon as possible and continue at the same energy level you had before the mistake occurred.

Having successfully given your speech, take a moment to reflect on what went well and what could be improved upon for next time before transitioning into the next step: mastering delivery.

Master Your Delivery

Mastering your delivery is the key to an effective speech. Without purposeful body language and careful emphasis on certain words , your speech may lack wow-factor and prevent listeners from tuning in. Following these simple tips can help you get started with delivering an engaging and memorable speech:

The most important part of delivery is practice. Rehearse and perfect your speech ahead of time – this allows for more natural flow and confidence during your presentation. It also helps to create pauses between sentences for clarity, emphasize key points, and not be too casual or stiff.

Practicing inflections and varying tones adds interest to your speech by keeping listeners’ attention.

Additionally, it’s important to project your voic e so everyone in the room can hear you; make sure you’re speaking loud enough but don’t feel pressure to shout or yell at any point unless that’s part of the atmosphere of the event.

It’s also crucial to maintain good posture while speaking – stand tall with both feet on the ground, keep your back straight, hold yourself up without gesturing too much or leaning against a podium if applicable.

To further engage listeners, use purposeful hand gestures as they help emphasize certain points and add visual interest – however, avoid overusing them as it can hinders communication.

Make meaningful eye contact with audience members throughout the presentation – otherwise you might come across as unenthusiastic or bored with what you’re saying which deters attention away from the content itself.

By mastering your delivery, you can boost the impact of your presentation considerably – providing a memorable experience for your audience that stands out from others’. As such, it’s worth investing time into practicing ahead of time until delivery feels comfortable and second nature.

Having said this, making use of visual aids such as PowerPoint slides can greatly improve the impact of a speech once delivery has been mastered – let’s look into that next.

Use Visual Aids

Using visual aids can help presenters express concepts more clearly and engage the audience.

Visuals are particularly useful when conveying complex information, such as data, trends, or statistics — they impart meaning at a glance. But some public speakers may wonder if visual aids can be distracting or unnecessary.

Even though visuals can attract attention away from a presenter’s verbal delivery, carefully designed visuals can actually support the speech and help provide clarity. If done well, visuals are effective for capturing an audience’s interest and helping them to better understand the content being presented.

For example, a graph or chart should relate to the points made in the speech and should be discussed in more detail during its appearance onscreen. The presentation can also include larger images that effectively reinforce the ideas conveyed in the speech.

Videos and sound clips are other powerful forms of multimedia that could be employed to make the speech more meaningful.

To ensure that visuals enhance the message of the presentation, key factors to consider include relevancy to topic, good graphic design or aesthetics, accurate size to prevent distortion or blurriness, and seamless integration into the keynote slides or printed handouts .

In this way, visuals offer an opportunity for presenters to demonstrate their creativity and keep their audiences interested in what is being said. Thus, used wisely and aptly, visuals can add tremendous value to speeches by presenting arguments more efficiently and driving home important points. Now let’s explore effective techniques for speech giving that will allow you to craft and deliver your speeches with confidence.

Effective Techniques for Speech Giving

There are a number of effective techniques for giving a speech that will help you deliver it with confidence and poise.

First, practice your delivery in advance. You should practice both in front of a mirror or recording device to check for any distracting habits such as talking too quickly or mispronouncing words.

Second, use simple, clear language and short, concise sentences. Avoid overly technical terms and jargon that may leave your audience confused.

Third, work to establish a connection with your audience by using appropriate facial expressions and hand gestures while speaking.

Fourth, utilize effective persuasive techniques such as presenting evidence, strong arguments supported by facts, personal anecdotes and vivid metaphors.

Finally, articulate an organized structure for your speech. Your speech should have an introduction, body and conclusion to clearly communicate the main point and provide the audience with the necessary context to understand it better.

While these techniques may sound intimidating at first, they can be learned over time with practice and will make all the difference in how successful your speech delivery is received by your audience.

To build on these skills further , the next section will provide tips on how to build confidence when giving a speech.

Building Confidence

Building confidence is key when giving a powerful speech, as it will enable you to deliver the speech in a more poised and credible manner.

To create this confidence , start by understanding that any hesitation or butterflies prior to your speech are completely normal and should not be feared. Instead, view them as natural states of anticipation for something exciting, knowing that you are about to give an amazing speech.

Next, understanding who your audience is and tailoring your speech to meet their expectations will help build your confidence.

Familiarizing yourself with their interests and knowledge on the subject matter ahead of time can equip you with the understanding needed to respond appropriately if questions arise or objections surface during the speech.

Further, practice is key when building confidence for a public speaking engagement . Rehearsing with friends or colleagues before hand will give you an opportunity to learn where problem areas are within the content of your speech, as well as help solidify your delivery by becoming more comfortable with each step.

Checking sound levels in the room you’re presenting in coupled with learning where exits/emergency locations are located within that space can also help alleviate stress levels and boost self-assurance while delivering the speech.

Finally, wearing comfortable clothing and dressing professionally adds an extra layer of confidence when speaking in public.

If possible, bring an additional outfit on hand during the presentation in case of spills or accidents that would require a quick change between sections of the talk. Having this back-up plan in place can aid in keeping peace of mind at ease throughout the speech.

In conclusion, building confidence prior to a public speaking event can mean the difference between a good and great delivery of your message.

By taking into account each of these tips you can ensure that this part of your preparation runs smoothly and sets you up for success when delivering powerful speeches.

With a well-crafted note card of talking points and strong sense of self-assurance, it’s time to start speaking with passion!

Speaking with Passion

As a public speaker, your audience expects you to engage not only with your words but also with your emotions. To share the most impactful message, it is important to speak passionately about your subject.

Doing so will make your speech more memorable and thereby more effective in convincing your audience of its legitimacy.

The power of speaking authentically with emotion lies in its relatability and connection. Showing feelings allows people to connect with you as a person rather than just a speaker. It opens the door to understanding through empathy and active listening .

Examples might include adding personal stories , telling jokes, or displaying your feelings openly during the delivery of your message.

However, not all topics lend themselves easily to expressing emotion. If the subject matter is overly complex or technical there may be less opportunity for emotional expression—but this doesn’t mean those conversations can’t incorporate emotion.

Even if faced with a difficult situation such as death or financial turmoil, emotions can still be conveyed in a respectful way that keeps audiences engaged.

Remember that how much emotion you show depends on the type of audience you’re sharing it with—using sensitivity when delivering passionate speeches helps avoid awkwardness or embarrassment for any attendees who may find opinionated language uncomfortable for whatever reason.

Striking the right balance between being straightforward and showing compassion takes practice, so take the time to develop a style that works best for you and improves upon each performance.

Finally, incorporating passion into a speech gives it life and makes it relatable and engaging—which are essential elements to speaking effectively.

Having passion means giving ourselves permission to take ownership over our stories, making them deeply personal in order to reach our goals and touch people’s hearts in meaningful ways. With that said, let’s move on to discussing how we should tackle dealing with challenges while giving a speech.

Dealing with Challenges

The process of delivering a speech can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. Difficulties can arise during the process that may threaten to derail your success. To ensure you are adequately prepared for these possible pitfalls it is important to consider strategies for proactively mitigating the risk of encountering these challenges. 1. Public Speaking Anxiety: Many people experience some form of anxiety when asked to speak in public. There are a number of techniques available to combat this fear and increase confidence, such as deep breathing exercises, mental rehearsal, positive self-talk and visualization of success.

Learning about the audience, creating an engaging presentation and using props or visual aids can also help reduce anxiety levels and create a better overall experience for both the speaker and the audience. 2. Unfamiliar Topics or Audiences: When presenting on unfamiliar topics or to an unknown audience it can be difficult to prepare effectively.

In this situation it is important to conduct research on the topic and familiarize yourself with the needs of your audience so that the content is tailored accordingly. It is also helpful to use humor or stories related to the topic in order to engage your audience and make them more receptive to your message. 3. Lack of Support: If you lack support from family, friends, colleagues or mentors, it can be difficult to push through difficult conversations or speeches without any additional motivation.

To overcome this challenge, seek out peer mentorship opportunities or find compatible online communities where people discuss similar topics or objectives. Here you can share ideas, provide feedback and learn from others who have experienced similar issues. 4. Time Constraints: One of the biggest challenges when giving a speech is managing your time effectively in order to deliver an effective message without going over allotted timeslots and boring your audience .

To successfully address this challenge try setting manageable goals for each section of your speech and practice regularly. Replicating real-time conditions as closely as possible will help you stay within time constraints when delivering your speech on the day itself. In conclusion, there are many potential challenges you may face when giving a speech or taking part in a public speaking event – but with proper preparation and practice they are easily managed if approached correctly.

With knowledge of techniques for dealing with such scenarios comes increased confidence when stepping up to the podium – further improving your chances of delivering an effective speech that resonates with your audience members.

Responses to Frequently Asked Questions

How should i end my speech to leave a lasting impression.

The best way to end your speech is by reinforcing your main point and summarizing the key takeaways. You should also encourage the audience to take action, whether it be to sign up for a newsletter, make a donation, or visit your website for more information. This final call to action will not only leave a lasting impression on the audience but will also help you achieve any goals you might have had when making your speech in the first place.

What techniques can I use to keep my audience engaged during my speech?

One of the best techniques for keeping an audience engaged during a speech is to keep it interactive . Ask questions throughout the presentation, as well as allowing for audience input and discussion. This can help to keep people’s attention and create a more engaging experience.

Another great tip is to use humor. Even if you don’t consider yourself a natural comedian, sprinkling in a few jokes here and there can break up the monotony of long speeches and keep people interested. Humor can also help to make points stick in people’s minds, making them easier to remember.

Finally, try to be enthusiastic about the content of your speech. If you show too much indifference or lethargic behavior, it will discourage your audience from paying attention and taking your message seriously.

Instead, be passionate about what you are saying so that the energy of your words carries into the room and engages your audience with excitement.

How can I use storytelling to make my speech more interesting?

Storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used to make any speech more interesting. Telling stories in your speech will help engage the audience and make your message stick. Here are some tips for using storytelling in your speech:

1. Choose stories that are relevant to your message and audience. Think about stories that will best illustrate the point you are trying to convey, or evoke emotions in your listeners. 2. Use vivid descriptions and visuals when telling your story. Be sure to include details such as setting, character descriptions, dialogue and plot points. This will help to bring the story to life for your audience. 3. Make sure the story you are telling has a strong conclusion or moral at the end. This will help add emphasis to your message and make it memorable. 4. Practice telling stories out loud before delivering a speech with them. Rehearsing will help you deliver your story more effectively and with more confidence in front of an audience. By using these tips, storytelling can be an effective tool to make any speech more interesting, engaging, and persuasive!

How can I prepare for my speech effectively?

Preparing for a speech effectively is essential to delivering an impactful and memorable presentation. Here are some tips: 1. Have a clear goal in mind. Before starting to prepare, ask yourself what the purpose of giving the speech is: what message do you want to convey? Defining this will help to structure your content and focus your research. 2. Research thoroughly. Make sure you understand the subject matter well, so that your delivery sounds confident and inspiring. Using facts and data will strengthen your arguments and make your talk more convincing. 3. Outline your speech. Make a rough outline of how you want it to go – from beginning to end – well in advance of the actual presentation. This will give you a strong foundation upon which you can craft an engaging talk with an effective narrative arc that keeps audiences interested and engaged. 4. Practice regularly. Rehearsing your speech out loud several times is key to ensuring that you know it well enough to feel comfortable when delivering it live in front of an audience.

5. Time yourself. Record how long it takes for you to go through your entire speech, so that you can adjust the length as needed before delivering it live – remember that most speeches should last no more than 10-15 minutes. 6. Identify potential questions from the audience and prepare answers before hand. Knowing ahead of time what kind of questions people may ask can help reduce the anxiety of not knowing what comes next, enabling you to stay confident when speaking in public. 7. Work on building up confidence levels before delivering a speech. Visualize yourself succeeding in delivering a great presentation; practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or positive self-talk; or use props during practice sessions such as water bottles or stress balls if needed to remain calm during the real thing!

What strategies can I use to reduce my anxiety when giving a speech?

1. Plan Ahead: Create an outline of your speech beforehand and practice it multiple times to become familiar with the content. Doing a trial run with the audience can also help you get used to speaking in front of people.

2. Visualize Success: Positive visualization is a great way to reduce anxiety before giving a speech. Imagine yourself confidently delivering the speech while feeling relaxed and composed.

3. Get Organized: Make sure you have all the materials necessary for your presentation, including notes, slides, etc., to reduce any additional stress that may come from not having what you need when you speak.

4. Take Deep Breaths: Before and during the speech, take a few deep breaths as this will help calm nerves and make sure your breathing is regulated throughout the duration of your presentation.

5. Speak Slowly: It is common to feel anxious while giving a speech and try to rush through it too quickly. Speaking slowly helps maintain composure while delivering your message effectively and clearly.

6. Pay Attention to Your Body: Your posture, stance, movements , facial expressions can all influence how confident you appear to your audience and how nervous you may be feeling inside. Check in with yourself frequently throughout the presentation and correct any tense body language or physical actions if needed.

7. Focus on the Audience: If you notice that your anxiety levels are growing as you present, shift your focus onto the audience instead of yourself as this will help refocus your attention away from negative thoughts that may arise from fear or insecurity.

8. Make Eye Contact: Establishing eye contact with your audience is a key confidence-builder for public speakers—it shows that you’re strong, engaged with them, and receptive to feedback or questions they might have regarding your speech topic .

9. Practice Positive Affirmations: Positive thoughts will boost your self-confidence as well as your mood which can help increase performance quality significantly during speeches or presentations in general—so don’t forget to tell yourself “you can do it!” several times throughout the day leading up to the event!

10. Seek Support of Friends & Family: Many experienced public speakers suggest seeking support of close friends & family members prior and during their speeches—not only does it allow helpful critique regarding content but it also creates a more comfortable atmosphere while speaking which can reduce pre-speech jitters drastically.

How to Speak in Public

You can do this. (Seriously.)

The larger the audience, the simpler your presentation should be. Ask yourself: What is the central question I am asking or answering? Make sure that nobody can miss the point you’re trying to make. Communicate your core insight in clear language at the beginning and end of the presentation.

Everybody needs an editor, and speeches are no different. Find somebody whose judgment you trust and pressure-test your talk with that person.

Create Visuals

“Keep it simple” applies to the presentation itself. For example, limit your words to a dozen per slide. Make sure the font is big enough to read from the back of the room. Let the audience read the text while you provide commentary. Use photographs, not clip art. Be clever.

Write for the Ear

Write your speech out in full beforehand to reduce the risk of any big flubs. Be sure that you are writing for the ear, with conversational words, phrases and sentence structures, as if you were speaking at a dinner party.

Practice enough that you can look up at the audience as often as possible. And don’t just practice alone. You want to get comfortable with your material in front of others.

Turn up your presentation style a few notches, not in terms of how loud you speak, but in terms of your personality. It’s your energy that people will remember long after the talk is done, not the specific words you said.

There is an invisible wall between you and your listeners. Many speakers make no effort to break it down. Gain respect from the start by making it clear that you are here for them and you respect their time and attention.

Illustrations by Timo Kuilder

Be Proactive

If things can go wrong with your presentation, they will. Prepare for all possible scenarios. What’s the AV set-up? Can you use the computer you practiced on? Did you check yourself in the mirror?

You’ve earned the opportunity to be invited to come share your thoughts. So be your best self and create some energy in the room (and maybe a bit of inspiration), and people will remember you long after you’ve left the stage.

How to Be Confident in Public Speaking: 9 Ways to Boost Your Confidence

May 1, 2024 | Blog

In the past, I had big dreams, but a lack of confidence in public speaking held me back in my career. I wanted to help a lot of people, work with interesting companies and share my ideas far and wide. I wanted to make a great living and have the freedom to work on projects I loved.⁠ ⁠

A fear of public speaking , networking and any kind of ‘putting myself out there’ used to be so exhausting and stressful to me that I’d often decide it wasn’t worth it.⁠ ⁠A fear of failure or rejection left me paralysed.⁠ ⁠And a sense that I wasn’t good enough made it hard for me to enjoy my work.⁠ ⁠

A few years ago I knew I needed to change if I wanted to play a bigger game, so I decided to work on my public speaking confidence and boost my self confidence .

It soon paid off.⁠ ⁠

I started putting myself forward for things instead of holding myself back. I started my podcast. I became more visible on social media. Pitched myself for PR. Started running live workshops to a couple of hundred people at a time. Doing talks for incredible companies like Stella McCartney and American Express. And networking and meeting more new people.⁠ ⁠ ⁠

Yes, the idea of standing in front of an audience can be daunting. But it is possible to overcome the fear and step into more confidence.

How to be a confident public speaker

If you’re looking to turn your nervous energy into a dynamic presentation, here are nine highly effective strategies to boost your confidence in public speaking.

1. Start with a funny story

Starting a speech with a funny story can be highly effective for several reasons. Firstly, it captures the audience’s attention right from the beginning, setting a positive tone for the rest of the speech. Humour also makes you seem more relatable and approachable, helping to break down barriers and foster a connection with the audience. Making others laugh will also put you at ease, reducing any anxiety and nerves.

2. Embrace Mindfulness Techniques

Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool to manage public speaking anxiety. Before your next speech, try a simple breathing exercise : take slow, deliberate breaths for a couple of minutes to centre your thoughts and calm your nerves. Research shows that such mindfulness exercises can significantly reduce stress.

2. Utilise Power Poses

Understanding the importance of body language and confident body language is key in public speaking, as it significantly affects how your message is received and your own confidence levels. Amy Cuddy’s famous research on power poses suggests that holding a pose that opens up your body can help you feel more confident . Before you take the stage or before a big presentation, spend a few minutes in a power pose—stand tall with your hands on your hips and your chin tilted upward. This could boost your presence as you speak, giving you more confidence. While the exact results discussed in Cuddy’s Ted Talk were not replicable, many people report feeling more confident after power posing.

3. Practice Vocal Variability

Think about how TV presenters or those with big social media followings speak online, with enthusiasm and a lot of variation in their voice. They’re far from monotone. Changing your pitch, tone, and volume can capture and hold your audience’s attention whilst making you sound confident. Practice speaking with variations in speed and volume; record yourself and listen to see how it impacts the delivery of your message. You could try doing some vocal warm up exercises like these to warm up your voice. La la la laaaa!

4. Master the Art of Pausing

Get comfortable with silences! Those that lack confidence often rush through their speech, trying to get it over with as soon as possible. Strategic pauses during your presentation can enhance understanding and retention for your audience. They give you gravitas. Use pauses after important points to let the information sink in, or to build anticipation before revealing key details. Emphasising key points with confidence is essential in retaining the audience’s attention and ensuring your message is heard. Pausing also give you a chance to take a deep breath, which also helps you to relax.

5. Develop a Pre-Speech Routine

Create a set routine before you speak in public: this might include reviewing your notes, practicing your speech once, or performing a vocal warm-up. Maybe there are relaxing essential oils you can inhale, or a certain song you can play to boost your confidence. Consistency in your preparation can make you feel more prepared and less anxious.

6. Engage in Mental Rehearsal

Visualise your public speaking event going well. Imagine yourself speaking confidently, your audience reacting positively, and you handling questions with ease. Sports psychologists widely recommend this technique to enhance athletic performance, and it can work wonders for public speakers too. This process can transform a nervous speaker into a confident public speaker, even introverts can become confident public speakers with the right mindset and preparation.

7. Record and Review Your Speeches

This may make you cringe, but it’s an important step. Recording your practices or actual performances can provide critical insights. From watching a video back of myself being interviewed on a podcast, I realised that I was making a weird claw with one of my hands, something I made a point of not doing in the future! Reviewing these recordings can help you notice patterns, such as unnecessary fillers or gestures, and improve upon them.

8. Seek Constructive Feedback

After practicing or delivering a speech, ask peers, mentors or audience members for feedback. Make sure it’s detailed and constructive, focusing on both strengths and areas for improvement. Reminding yourself of the positive feedback can help you to feel confident about your next speaking event.

9. Challenge yourself

When I was overcoming a fear of public speaking, I did things to purposefully go outside of my comfort zone. I did sober karaoke in a restaurant, and would challenge myself to always be the first to speak up or ask a question in a group. Organisations like Toastmasters provide a supportive environment where you can practice public speaking and receive structured, peer feedback. Regularly putting yourself in situations where you can practice in a low-stress environment builds familiarity and reduces anxiety. Participating in public speaking events are excellent ways to gain experience and observe effective techniques in action. You could also try improv classes or stand up comedy classes as ways to challenge yourself. Doing something outside of your comfort zone and seeing yourself survive builds confidence because you realise you are capable!

In Conclusion

Public speaking is a skill, and like any skill, it gets better with practice. By incorporating these advanced techniques into your routine, you’ll not only improve your speaking abilities but also increase your overall confidence. Avoiding common pitfalls that can cause you to lose confidence is crucial in maintaining the audience’s interest and doing your presentation confidently.

Remember, every speaker has room for improvement, so keep practicing and pushing your boundaries. Public speaking skills are invaluable, not only for career advancement but also for improving confidence in everyday life.

Public speaking courses like Speak Easy offer targeted strategies to overcome anxiety and become a more effective public speaker.

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General election latest: Farage challenged over 'offensive' comments; Labour vows to reignite one of PM's policies

Nigel Farage was challenged on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips about "offensive" comments about British Muslims, as he campaigns for Reform UK at the general election. Also on the show, the home secretary outlined a Tory proposal to reintroduce National Service.

Sunday 26 May 2024 11:46, UK

• General Election 2024

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General election called for 4 July

• PM vows to introduce National Service  | But no threat of jail time
• Labour pledges to reignite Sunak's proposed smoking ban
• Farage challenged on 'offensive' comments about British Muslims
• Starmer confirms support for extending voting age to 16
• PM agrees to take part in Sky News leaders' event on one condition
• Live reporting by Tim Baker and  Brad Young

Expert analysis

• Tamara Cohen: Farage's incendiary claims a question for Reform
• Adam Boulton: Why PM's big bet on security likely won't pay off
• Tamara Cohen: What Mail's front page means for campaign
• Sam Coates: Gove stepping down shows political winds are shifting

Election essentials

• Trackers: Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Subscribe to Sky's politics podcasts: Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more: What happens next? | Which MPs are standing down? | Key seats to watch | How to register to vote | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency's changing | Sky's coverage plans

As every, people from across the spectrum are commenting on the most recent announcements in the general election.

One interesting take comes from Chris Wilkins, who was a strategy director and speechwriter for Theresa May when she was in Downing Street.

Writing on X, he panned the National Service plan - saying that "the cynicism of selling a sop to older voters as some kind of pro young person policy is simply breathtaking".

A former Tory cabinet minister has warned Rishi Sunak he will hand the election to Labour if he makes "any more gaffes".

The senior Conservative told the Telegraph the prime minister needed to sharpen up and show "humility, not arrogance" on the campaign trail.

"We can't afford any more gaffes like the ones he's had, standing in the rain and getting in a muddle with the football," they told the newspaper.

"He's just got to sharpen up, his team has got to sharpen up."

The prime minister launched his campaign by calling an election in the pouring rain on Wednesday, leading him to joke he hadn't caught pneumonia and did not know what state his suit was in.

To make matters worse, protestors disrupted the announcement by blaring the D:Ream's hit single Things Can Only Get Better, widely associated with Labour's 1997 landslide victory.

The next day, Mr Sunak asked workers at a Welsh brewery if they were looking forward to "the football" - even though their team had not qualified for the European Championships.

A visit to the Titanic Quarter in Belfast invited a "sinking ship" comparison with his party's fortunes from a reporter.

And an image taken of him standing beneath his campaign plane's exit sign also drew derision from some commentators.

"We can't afford any more slip-ups, that's just handing it to Starmer," the Conservative minister told the Telegraph.

"He really needs to get out there, all guns blazing, very professionally but also get out and talk to real people, and not staged events. I want humility, not arrogance, and a sense that we're moving forward."

Since Rishi Sunak called the election on Wednesday, pollsters and surveyors have been taking the temperature of public opinion.

One example of this is by YouGov, who asked 2,072 people on Thursday and Friday for their thoughts on the upcoming vote.

They discovered that a greater proportion of people would be "disappointed" or "dismayed" with the prospect of a Conservative victory under Rishi Sunak than a Labour victory under Jeremy Corbyn in 2019.

Some 59% of those quizzed said they would be unhappy with Mr Sunak winning.

In 2019, 52% felt similarly about Mr Corbyn.

And in further bad news for the current prime minister, only 38% of people who voted Tory in 2019 would be happy to see them reelected.

Once again, immigration was the subject of election debate this morning, with James Cleverly claiming Labour plans to scrap the Rwanda scheme were "reckless".

Millions of pounds has been spent on the Rwanda deal without any deportation flights getting off the ground – and Mr Sunak has admitted they won't before the election.

We've since had updated figures on people arriving on small boats, after they surpassed 10,000 this year on Friday.

Another 227 arrived yesterday on four boats, government data shows, bringing the total to 10,397.

Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock has said if Labour was elected the party would "take the action required to tackle this chaos".

Amnesty International warned the figures were a "stark reminder that the government's flagrant attack on the rights to refugees is not only unlawful and immoral, it is ineffective even on its own terms", demanding the prime minister make safe routes available to tackle crossings.

Rachel Reeves, who is Labour's shadow chancellor, has ruled out increasing the two main levies on income.

Speaking to the BBC, she says that everything in her party's manifesto will have an explanation for where the money to pay for it will come from.

Ms Reeves added: "What I want and Keir [Starmer] wants is taxes on working people to be lower and we certainly won't be increasing income tax or national insurance if we win at the election."

The Labour Party has said it will raise some tariffs, with Ms Reeves saying: "We've made those commitments so VAT and business rates on private schools, private equity bosses being taxed properly on their bonuses, an extension of the windfall tax so the energy profits are properly taxed, ensuring non-doms pay their fair share of tax in the country they live in, and also cracking down on tax avoidance – which is costing our economy billions of pounds every year." 

Our political correspondent Tamara Cohen   has been giving her reaction to Nigel Farage's appearance on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips.

He was challenged by Trevor about his comments about British Muslims, having suggested there's a "growing number" of young people in the UK who don't subscribe to British values.

He pointed to pro-Palestine protests as an example.

You can read more of the pair's exchange in our 9.42 post .

Tamara says there will be "a lot of pushback" against Mr Farage's "highly incendiary claims" this morning.

But she says it's also a question for the leadership of his party, Reform.

Mr Farage isn't standing in the general election but has said he will campaign for the party, led by Richard Tice.

Sky News will be asking the leadership if Mr Farage's position is one it agrees with.

With the general election campaign officially under way, what better time to keep a close eye on the latest polling?

Trevor ends his show with his panel by discussing how parties like the Greens and Reform are faring.

As you can see, Reform is currently polling higher than the Liberal Democrats.

Meanwhile, the Greens have stayed pretty much level for the past view years.

Of course, it is hard to use these headline figures to projects seats won due to the quirks of our first past the post system - but it does help paint a broader picture.

The Sky News live poll tracker - collated and updated by our Data and Forensics team - aggregates various surveys to indicate how voters feel about the different political parties.

See the latest update below - and you can read more about the methodology behind the tracker  here .

Nigel Farage has revealed his "true colours as a nasty, race-baiting character", says Labour's Baroness Hazarika, following his interview with  Trevor Phillips .

"I am a proud Indian, Scottish, British, Muslim. I just swore my allegiance to King and country on the Quran.

"The idea that he perpetuates that Muslims can't be trusted, that Muslims are somehow dangerous, is so divisive."

She says he doesn't want to run for parliament because he would get called out.

"Nigel Farage is a political influencer. He has got no political solutions."

She says he got everything he wanted in Brexit and "things have only got worse".

The Conservative Lord Finkelstein says that as the son of a refugee family, he is "very nervous about people who think that they are in charge about what the values of the country are, rather than something that is subject to an argument".

"Dismissing an entire ethic group or religious background as being un-British is a really dangerous thing to do."

He said it is "good for the debate" that Mr Farage's impact has been "massively reduced" by the election being called before he could run.

Trevor Phillips  asks Nigel Farage why the Reform UK director is not running again to be an MP.

Mr Farage says he had a "six-month plan" to come back and campaign "full-time".

But the announcement of an election left him "wrong-footed" - and he came to the decision that he could not start from scratch and campaign in the six-week period allowed. 

Mr Farage denied he would need to back one of the two main party leaders, and instead wants to reshape the "centre right" of the UK's political scene.

He claims while Labour will end up in government, the Tories will not be the true opposition - instead pointing to Reform.

Trevor Phillips  puts migration figures to Nigel Farage, and the fact that people are increasingly travelling to the UK from non-EU countries, such as India and Nigeria.

"You're the father of the policy that produced this - that made EU migrants leave and increased the number of non-EU migrants," Phillips puts it to Mr Farage.

The Reform UK president says that is "the biggest load of cobblers I have heard in my life," before blaming Boris Johnson for the levels of migration.

Phillips: "Are you essentially denying that you have anything to do with the change in immigration even though the point of your whole [Brexit] campaign was to put it under our control?

"Boris Johnson used it."

Mr Farage says "that's absolute rubbish".

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