Unless your profession entails speaking in public, you probably find the idea of making a speech quite frightening. You certainly are not the only one. Many people are not relaxed when speaking in front of a crowd. However, there are some tips that can help you overcome this. Read on for tips to help you find success with public speaking.
Know the length of your speech. This way, you can cut it down or add to it if needed. Find more information if you need to make your speech longer. Never rush when you are delivering a speech publically.
Don’t assume that people will automatically know what you mean. You need to fight for their attention and respect. You will actually be performing, and that results in needing to do the work necessary to get people to care about what you want them to care about.
Memorize your speech before you do anything. Once you can recite your speech from memory at any point of day, then you can work on delivery. Having it memorized ahead of time can help you learn how to comfortably ad lib when in public.
Make sure your speech is memorized. When you can recite it easily, you can work more on how you will deliver it. Knowing your speech beforehand gives you that flexibility and allows you to be a lot more comfortable.
Make sure to understand what you are saying. While memorizing your speech is important, it’s just as important to know other facts and figures or even stories and jokes as they relate to your subject matter Use them judiciously when you feel your audience is receptive. Have a question session at the end of your speech.
The key to a good speech is preparation. Have a good understanding of what you are trying to say. Support your statements with facts, when necessary. Have an outline of your speech on paper so you can refer to it while giving your speech. Go over your remarks again and again until you have them memorized. Sound preparation lets you feel comfortable when the time happens that you must speak.
Practice your speech as much as you can. Practice it frequently, and make adjustments as you see fit. Also master breathing and pace. Leave a little bit of open space in case you’re interrupted, hopefully by a round of applause. If at all possible, practice delivering your speech utilizing the actual equipment that will be available at the time you make the actual speech.
Pay Attention
You need to be very comfortable with the subject of your speech. Conduct research so that you see all sides of an issue. Then develop your specific perspective and craft your remarks in a concise, easily followed manner. Your thorough preparation will pay off when your audience asks you questions.
While delivering your speech, look at your audience. Don’t turn your attention elsewhere. You want your audience to pay attention to you, so you need to pay attention to them as well.
Know who you’re speaking to. Try to find out the names of individuals who will be listening. Then, greet them as they enter the room. Getting familiarized with some of the audience can make the event feel friendlier.
Familiarize yourself with the venue where you will speak. How far will your voice carry or is there a microphone? Try out the equipment to see how it works. Learn how you can use any of the visual aids if they are present. Get an idea of how much range of eye contact you need to make.
Make sure you look good, even if the talk is an informal one. If you look and feel sharply dressed, your speaking will reflect it. Ties are great accessories for men to wear, as they help to bring the audience’s attention to a man’s face.
Practice deep breathing exercises if you are the type who is anxious when you speak in public. Before speaking, breathe in deeply and exhale fully several times to center and prepare yourself. Breath in and out very slowly, counting to four or five on each inhale and exhale. Repeat six times, and you will feel much calmer.
Avoid drinking alcohol before your speech. While it might seem wise, it can actually backfire. There is nothing more frightening than being on stage in front of people and forgetting your words because of alchol intake.
After reading the above suggestions, you should now have more confidence to take on your next speech. The previous advice should be helpful. Now you can make a good impression when you are called on to speak publicly. You probably are even looking forward to giving a speech now.
Make the audience like you before you give your speech. Always smile as they approach and try to shake some hands. The audience is sure to show appreciation if you have a great attitude.