Big Speech Coming Up? Read These Top Public Speaking Tips First!

Out of all the fears in the world, public speaking is found in the top five. It’s even more scary than death for some people. Because public speaking is so frightful to so many, advance preparation is key. Use the following information to help you with your public speaking.

Time your speech. This allows you to edit the speech if necessary to keep it at the right length. If your speech isn’t long enough, you’ll have time to do some more research to lengthen it. Also, don’t rush through your speech when it comes time to give it.

TIP! Know the length of your speech. Doing this allows you to make sure you stay within the time frame given to you.

Utilize a timer to determine the length of your speech. This way, you’ll be able to edit it if need be. Add more to your speech if you have the time. It is important not to rush through your speech.

Practice your speech as much as you can. Practice it frequently, and make adjustments as you see fit. Be sure to master your pace and breathing. Insert spaces into your speech that allow for interruptions, such as applause. Practice the speech with any equipment you plan to use.

TIP! Practice your speech frequently once you have it memorized. Tweak your speech if you need to.

Know your speech through and through. Once you have your speech memorized, then the delivery method you choose can be worked on. By memorizing your speech ahead of time, it also gives you confidence to ad lib parts of it while you are on stage.

Know the audience that you are speaking to. If there is a way, find things out about some individuals in the audience. If possible, greet them as the enter the room and ask their names. Having a feeling of familiarity with some audience members can make the whole presentation or speech feel more friendly.

TIP! Be aware of who your audience really is. If at all possible, find out who the people are in the crowd.

It is very important to prepare well so that you can make a positive impression on your audience. Know what you’re going to say. Support your statements with facts, when necessary. Jot down notes of anything you’ll be conveying so you can scan over them while giving your speech. Try practicing this speech until you know it by heart. Good preparation permits you to enjoy a feeling of confidence when you deliver your speech.

Focus on the truth when speaking in public. Before you give a speech, make an outline. Make sure that your story has a specific beginning, middle and ending so that your ideas are related better. If you relate the story to something personal or some other event that truly happened, your story will be more natural.

TIP! Tell a true story if you want to become an effective public speaker. Outline your story before your speaking engagement.

Practice your speech as much as you can. This will give you the chance to adjust your speech as necessary. Consider your pace and breathing. Make sure there are pauses between key points so that people can react with applause. It is also advisable that your speech is practiced in the place you plan on giving it.

Learning how to breathe properly can help you relax before speaking in public. Controlling your breathing will reduce your level of stress. Use a count of four to breathe through the nose, and then a five count to breathe through the mouth. Repeat this set six times to enhance your calm.

TIP! If public speaking makes you nervous, use deep breathing techniques. Deep breaths that are taken slowly in and out can calm you.

Make sure you have a good understanding about your topic when you’re preparing your speech. This will help you to become more comfortable. Then you can hone in and discover your personal point of view in order to prepare an effective speech. You’ll know your prep was worth it when your audience is engaged enough to participate eagerly in a Q&A session.

Practice really does make perfect. Watch and listen to yourself speaking to see what you can do to make your speech better. However, it is best to practice before loved ones, so they can give you constructive advice.

TIP! Practicing is the most important part of speech preparation. Practice the speech in a mirror to see what you can do better.

Public Speaker

When speaking to the public, it is important that you always dress properly for the occasion. Dressing up a little will help to give you confidence. Men should consider wearing a necktie when possible, as it does direct audience eyes to the face and head so they focus on your speaking.

TIP! Dress well, even if you are speaking at an event that is casual. If you look and feel sharply dressed, your speaking will reflect it.

As mentioned earlier, the fear of public speaking is among the top five everyone has, and some even fear public speaking more than they do death. However, don’t let fear rob you of the opportunity of becoming a dynamic public speaker. Use the tips you’ve just been given, and you will become an effective and confident public speaker.

Stay away from alcoholic drinks prior to speaking. You may think that it will help you loosen up and be more confident, but it can have quite the opposite effect you want. You don’t want to risk forgetting what you want to say just because you decided to have a drink or two prior to your speech.

TIP! Don’t drink alcohol before a speech. It may appear to be a good idea, but it really isn’t.