6 Amazing Speaking Tips That Will Make You an Outstanding Public Speaker
You may be like many of us who are more comfortable communicating by email or telephone than in person. Speaking to large or small groups, or even one-on-one, may intimidate or even frighten you. Yet good communication skills are vital if you want to be successful.
Like it or not, communication is something we have to do every day. Regardless of your audience, the timing, or the location, there are ways to be heard and get your point across.
Use these simple tips to dial-down the high anxiety, the cold sweat, and the stress to speak with confidence.
Make Eye Contact: Eye contact shows you are interested, engaged, and not afraid of your audience. However, eye contact can work against you because too little or too much is not good either—you’ll have to gauge your audience to see what they are comfortable with.
Maintain Good Posture: If you’re standing or sitting with strong posture, you project a sense of strength and instill your words with confidence, while slouching or poor posture can indicate weakness and insecurity.
Avoid Nervous Gestures: Pay attention to the things you might do if you’re nervous, such as touching your nose, playing with your hair, or fidgeting with something in your hands like keys or a phone. Avoid these gestures, as they can communicate a lack of interest or a fear of engagement.
Don’t Use Filler Words: If possible, try to avoid using words like “um”, “so”, “you know” and…”and.” These are words that we typically use in everyday conversation, but when you’re uncomfortable, shy, or unsure of what to say next, you might find yourself using these words or sounds more often.
Be Assertive: Practice saying what you need to say in a polite but clear way. Don’t be afraid to say what needs to be said. If you have trouble doing this, try practicing with someone you trust such as a friend or relative.
Breathe: Lastly, don’t forget to breathe. Breathing can help regulate your feelings and reactions. If you feel yourself getting panicky, focus on the sound of your own breath. Once you’re centred, you’ll be ready to interact with a greater degree of confidence.
Your Takeaway
Remember, businesses want people who can express themselves clearly and confidently, who are persuasive, and who are comfortable communicating their thoughts and ideas effectively.
The ability to influence other people and persuade them to accept your ideas, products or services is vital if you want to succeed.
The good news is that you don’t have to be a ‘people person’ to be an exceptional speaker.
Do you want to practice public speaking, improve your communication and build leadership skills? If so talk to me and, through Toastmasters, I’ll show you how easy it can be.