The art of public speaking is just that; an art. Therefore, you must consistently practice and hone your skill set in order to continually create that art. The following are some of the best tips for improving your public speaking.
Know your Audience
Even before you sit down to craft your speech, consider to whom you will be speaking. Learn as much about your audience as you possibly can. This will help you determine your choice of words, level of information, organization pattern, and motivational statement.
Look out for Feedback and Adapt in the Moment
The focus of your attention should always be on your audience. As you speak, be sure to gauge the reactions of the people in the audience. As you do, you may need to adjust parts of your message. If you get behind a podium and deliver a canned speech, you will certainly lose even the most invested listeners, so make sure you stay flexible and willing to adapt in the moment.
Learn to Use Your Voice
When you speak, your voice is your most important tool. Fortunately, you can learn to use that voice to be more effective. Slow down when you speak. When you speak slowly, you exude confidence, lend your words greater importance and so much more. Loud, confident, speaking is powerful and moving. When you speak very rapidly, your pitch increases, and your impact on the audience decreases. You also need to build vocal power. You can strengthen your vice by building your voice with exercises. For example, you can memorize a piece of poetry and recite it regularly. Every time you do it, change the emphasis on the words, thereby changing the meaning of the line itself.
Change your Perspective
You show up to be an effective speaker who has something to give, You know something, have seen something or have tried something that you want others to learn about. Don’t make it about you. You don’t need to include your contact info, credentials or resume. Remember that you are there for the audience. You are the giver and the audience is the taker. When you keep this as your perspective, you will encounter much more engaged audiences!
Speaking in front of a crowd is no easy feat. That is exactly why you need to practice your craft consistently. Know your audience before you give your speech. As you are presenting, be on the lookout for reactions and adapt in the moment. Learn how to use your voice in order to emphasize different words and lastly, make sure to keep your perspective right. You are there for the audience. Give them something they will walk away and never forget.