If the prospect of making a speech causes you to panic, do not fear. By getting an education on the right ways to beat your fears, you might end up loving the process of speaking in public. Pick up some helpful hints by perusing the tips below.
Know the length of your speech. This allows you to edit the speech if necessary to keep it at the right length. Do more research to add some more material if you’re short. In addition, make sure that you don’t speak too quickly when delivering your speech.
Make sure you know your material completely. Even when you memorize your speech, it is good to know facts, figures and even jokes and stories related to your topic. It is possible to work them into your speech as you get a feel for your audience. They can also be used to make the speech stronger or to answer audience questions.
Know your material inside and out. Keep to facts and other information that is directly related to your speech. You can include theme if you think your audience is receptive. In addition, you can rely on them during the question and answer period or during follow-up conversations.
Always face your audience during your speech. Don’t turn your attention elsewhere. Since you want the audience to engage in what you are saying, you need to get their attention.
Focus on the truth when speaking in public. Make an outline of your speech prior to beginning your speaking engagement. You need to include a beginning, a middle portion and a definite end to the story you tell. If you stick to the truth, it will be easier to make your story flow well.
Make sure you understand your topic before preparing your speech. Do some broad research that gives you all sides of the topic at hand. Make notes of this and use it in your speech. You’ll know your prep was worth it when your audience is engaged enough to participate eagerly in a Q&A session.
If you are anxious about public speaking, practice deep breathing techniques. First, take a deep breath and hold it for about three seconds. Then exhale very slowly. Do this a few times, and you’ll see that it does help. Breathe in for four seconds and then breathe out. Do this six times to calm yourself down.
Keep going if you accidentally omit a certain sentence from your speech. Do not pause to go back, it might set you off course. In addition, others are unlikely to recognize the omission if you don’t draw attention to the issue.
Get to know your audience before the speech. As they come into the area, smile at them and perhaps greet them personally. This will make the audience members more receptive to your speech.
Do not drink alcohol before you give a speech. You may think that you will be more relaxed. Do not step up to the podium with liquor in your blood or you might make some terrible mistakes.
Do not distract your audience with too many props. It should enhance your statements. Visual aids should not overwhelm the message you are delivering. Use quality aids to help you make key points. Make them colorful but not too distracting.
To speak well, you must have a thorough understanding of the topic at hand. Pick something to talk about that you have personally experienced and are truly interested in. Keep a conversational tone, you are are sure to impress the audience with what you know.
Establish a relationship with the audience prior to making your remarks. That does not mean that you open with a joke. You can mention that something happened on the way to the event if you think the audience will connect with it. This is helpful when establishing a connection with your listeners.
Make the audience like you before you give your speech. Give them a big grin. Giving off such positive energy will instill public interest in your speech.
Think positive thoughts. If you are nervous, that’s fine. Everyone feels this way before a speech. But, thinking negatively isn’t fine. If you feel you are going to do poorly, then chances are you will. Believe that you will give a great speech, and you probably will.
Rehearse your speech every day. If you can give your speech “in your sleep,” you’ll feel much more confident when you get on stage. Even if your speech is memorized, it’s still worth bringing some notes when you actually deliver the speech. You may draw a blank and the notes can help jog your memory.
Carefully monitor the speed you use to deliver your speech. If you are nervous, you may be tempted to speak too quickly. On the other hand, if you slow your speaking rate down too much, then your audience will become bored and distant. Practice the pace of your speech to get it right.
Most people would do anything to avoid public speaking. That said, there are several ways to make it much easier. Apply the above guidance often, and you may find you actually like to speak publicly.
If there is a public speaker that you admire, watch tapes of their delivery. You can pick up some helpful tips. Try identifying what makes them compelling. Analyze their habits. Look at their methods and, perhaps, learn about the person themselves.