If speaking in public has always frightened you, don’t worry – there are many people just like you. Actually, public speaking ranks right up there as a fear that many people share. You can control the situation and excel at public speaking, however.

You can’t speak before an audience and think that others will automatically know what you’re saying. You need to work hard to attract their attention and harder to maintain it. Since this is technically a performance, you have to work to get the desired results.

You cannot give a speech and automatically assume that everyone will follow what you say. It is up to you to grab their attention and hold on to it. This is actually a type of performance, and that means that you must work hard to obtain the desired results.

You should know your speech by heart. When you get to the point where you can give your speech at any moment, then you are ready to practice your overall delivery. This will help you to be relaxed in front of the crowd.

Know as much as you can about your material. Even when you commit your speech to memory, knowing jokes, facts and figures with regard to the topic is always helpful. Use them judiciously when you feel your audience is receptive. This can also reinforce your speech when answering questions or providing follow up conversations.

After you have memorized the broad strokes of your speech, practice often. This will allow you time to tweak the speech if needed. Yoiu can also practice good breathing techniques as you speak. Ensure your speech time can include time for interruptions, which will be applause, with any luck. If you can, go over your speech where you will be delivering it.

Make eye contact with your audience as much as you can. Never allow yourself to be distracted by anything else that is going on in the room. If you are distracted, your audience will be also.

One method to improve your effectiveness when speaking in public is to relate a true story. Outline your story before your speaking engagement. Make sure to incorporate a beginning, middle and an end for the best results. Base your story on an actual event to make your words seem natural and real.

After committing your speech to memory, practice it over and over. Try to get in at least one practice session a day for the entire week before giving your speech. Also refine your pace. Leave time for any interruptions, such as applause or laughter. If you can, practice your speech with the exact equipment you will have available at the time of your speech.

If you are anxious about public speaking, practice deep breathing techniques. Taking a few deep breaths and exhaling completely before you begin your speech will help you get your nerves under control. Inhale for a count of four, then exhale for a count of five. Repeat this set six times to enhance your calm.

Make sure you have a good understanding about your topic when you’re preparing your speech. Researching well lets you see all parts of the subject. Then, narrow in on individual points, and back them up with carefully crafted remarks. You will be better prepared when you have questions to answer.

Don’t drink alcohol before giving your speech. It might seem like it could help to embolden you, but it often works against you. There is nothing more frightening than being on stage in front of people and forgetting your words because of alchol intake.

Does public speaking scare you? Are your thoughts something that never get conveyed to the public because it makes you scared to speak up? Now that you have reviewed the advice contained in this article, there is no longer a reason for your voice to be silent any longer.

Get on your feet and practice any speech on a daily basis. This will help build your confidence when it comes time to deliver your speech. You should have notes with you, even if you have it memorized. This helps you quickly get back on track if you lose your train of thought during the speech.