Keys to Public Speaking

One way to overcome fear of public speaking is to be afraid and speak anyway. As stupid as this seems, it’s possibly the most reliable way to gain confidence in speaking. Be afraid, be nervous, be hesitant, but do it anyway. Gradually after a couple of attempts you will find that the fear does not exist any longer.

To sumarise the process lets have the points summed together:

1.Know the needs of your audience and match your contents to their needs

2.Know your material thoroughly. Put what you have to say in a logical sequence. Ensure your speech will be captivating to your audience as well as worth their time and attention.

3.Practice and rehearse your speech at home or where you can be at ease and comfortable, in front of a mirror, your family, friends or colleagues. Use a tape-recorder and listen to yourself. Videotape and review if possible

4.Know what your strong and weak points are. Emphasize your strong points during your presentation.

5.When you are presenting in front of an audience, you are performing as an actor is on stage. How you are being perceived is very important. Dress appropriately for the occasion.

6.Be solemn if your topic is serious. Present the desired image to your audience. Look pleasant, enthusiastic, confident, proud, but not arrogant.

7.Remain calm. Appear relaxed, even if you feel nervous. Speak slowly, enunciate clearly, and show appropriate emotion and feeling relating to your topic. Dont exaggerate.

8.Establish rapport with your audience. Speak to the person farthest away from you to ensure your voice is loud enough to project to the back of the room.

9.Vary the tone of your voice and dramatize if necessary. If a microphone is available, adjust and adapt your voice accordingly

10.Few add on tips are do not read from notes, maintain sincere eye contact. Pause whenever required-It gives both you and your audience time to relax and think.

11.Have handouts to be given this will help the audience remember your speec for a long time. if it is a visual representation make it a point that you dont look at the lap top always and lose eye contact with the audience.

12.Always feel free to answer any queries that the audience have, for that be sure of what you are speaking. To be a good orator firstly you need to be a good listener.

13.Last but not the least believe in your self that you can do it.