Public speaking is more than just standing in front of a crowd and talking; it’s a skill that can open doors to some exciting and rewarding opportunities.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a thought leader, an industry expert, an academic, or an aspiring public speaker, mastering the art of public speaking can be a game-changer for your success.
But how do you achieve this level of mastery? Stay tuned as we uncover practical tips to enhance your public speaking skills and elevate your presence on stage.
In this article, we’ll explore 30 actionable public speaking tips to help you become a more confident and effective speaker, regardless of your experience level or industry.
What are public speaking skills?
Before we jump into listing some public speaking tips, let’s clarify what we mean by “public speaking skills.”
Public speaking skills encompass a range of abilities and techniques that enable individuals to effectively communicate and deliver presentations or speeches to an audience.
These skills go beyond just speaking in front of a group; they include the ability to engage listeners, convey ideas persuasively, and inspire action. Public speaking skills also involve mastering various aspects of communication, such as body language, vocal delivery, and content organization.
In short, developing public speaking skills is about becoming a confident and compelling communicator who can engage and influence an audience of any size.
Why are public speaking tips useful?
If you’re reading this article, chances are you don’t need any convincing on why public speaking is such an important skill to develop.
But for those of you who think public speaking skills are only useful for people who plan to speak on stages, think again!
The truth is that public speaking skills are useful for anyone – regardless of your career, interests, personality type, or goals.
Here are some ways public speaking can benefit anyone:
- Career Advancement: Whether you’re a corporate executive, an entrepreneur, or a student, strong public speaking skills can help move your career forward. Effective communication is a highly sought-after skill in the professional world, and those who can articulate their ideas confidently are more likely to stand out in interviews, meetings, and presentations. By honing your speaking skills, you can increase your chances of landing job opportunities, getting promotions, and achieving success in your field.
- Leadership Development: Strong leaders possess the ability to inspire and motivate others through their words and actions. Public speaking skills are essential for effective leadership, as they enable individuals to communicate vision, rally support, and foster collaboration among team members. Whether you’re leading a business, a nonprofit organization, or a community initiative, improving your speaking skills can enhance your ability to influence and lead.
- Personal Growth and Confidence Building: Overcome the fear of public speaking. It will have a transformative effect on your confidence and self-esteem. By mastering speaking skills, you can gain the confidence to express yourself, share your ideas, and converse with others more effectively.
- Networking and Relationship Building: In today’s digitally connected world, in-person and online networking and relationship-building are essential for personal and professional success. Public speaking provides valuable opportunities to connect with others, share insights, and establish credibility within your industry or community. You can check out our articles on leadership masterminds or female conferences for more places to connect with like-minded individuals.
- Advocacy and Social Impact: Public speaking skills are important when advocating for causes, raising awareness about important issues, and driving social change. Whether you’re advocating for environmental sustainability, promoting diversity and inclusion, or championing human rights, effective communication is key to amplifying your voice, garnering support, influencing public opinion, and effecting real change.
Regardless of your background or aspirations, investing in developing speaking skills can be a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth.
And you can start by implementing these public speaking tips!
30 Public Speaking Tips
We’ve organized these public speaking skills into before, during, and after sections.
By categorizing them this way, you can pick and choose which tips you can take action on today, depending on where in the process you are for your speaking event.
Use these tips BEFORE your public speaking gig
#1 – Know Your Audience
Take time to research and understand your audience’s demographics, interests, and expectations. Tailoring your content to resonate with your audience will make your presentation more engaging and relevant.
#2 – Practice Regularly
Practice your speech multiple times before the actual presentation. Rehearse in front of a mirror, record yourself, or practice with a friend or colleague to gain confidence and refine your delivery.
#3 – Focus on the Message
Clarify the main message or takeaway you want your audience to remember.
Start by identifying the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it. Use simple language and examples that your audience can relate to.
Avoid going off on tangents or including unnecessary information that may dilute your message. By staying focused on your main idea, you’ll be able to better connect with your audience.
#4 – Prepare Visual Aids
If you plan to use slides or visual aids, ensure they complement your message rather than distract from it. Keep visuals simple, concise, and visually appealing to enhance understanding and retention.
#5 – Manage Nervousness
Acknowledge and embrace nervous energy as a natural part of public speaking. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, or progressive muscle relaxation to calm your nerves before stepping on stage.
#6 – Rehearse Timing
Time your presentation to ensure it fits within the allotted timeframe. Practice pacing yourself and allow for pauses to emphasize key points or allow audience interaction.
#7 – Warm Up Your Voice
Warm up your vocal cords and practice vocal exercises to improve clarity, projection, and vocal variety. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and prevent dry mouth during your presentation.
#8 – Visualize Success
Visualize yourself delivering a successful presentation with confidence and poise. Positive visualization exercises can help boost your confidence and mental readiness for the upcoming event.
#9 – Dress Appropriately
Choose stage attire that reflects the tone and formality of your presentation and makes you feel confident and professional. Dressing appropriately will help you feel more comfortable and project a polished image to your audience.
#10 – Arrive Early and Familiarize Yourself with the Venue
Arrive at the venue early to familiarize yourself with the surroundings, set up any equipment or visual aids, and address any last-minute concerns.
Being prepared and organized will help alleviate stress and ensure a smooth start to your presentation.
Use these tips DURING your public speaking gig
#11 – Maintain Eye Contact
Connect with your audience by making eye contact with individuals throughout your speech. This fosters engagement and establishes a rapport with your listeners.
#12 – Monitor Your Pace
Pay attention to your speaking pace during the presentation. Avoid speaking too quickly, which can make it difficult for the audience to follow, or too slowly, which may lose their interest. Aim for a steady and natural pace.
#13 – Emphasize Key Points
Use vocal emphasis, gestures, or pauses to highlight important points or key takeaways. This helps to reinforce key messages and ensure they resonate with your audience.
#14 – Adapt to Audience Feedback
Be receptive to audience reactions and adjust your delivery accordingly. If you notice signs of confusion or disengagement, clarify your points or shift your approach to better connect with your audience.
#15 – Stay Flexible
Be prepared to adapt to unexpected circumstances or interruptions during your speech.
In case of technical difficulties during your presentation, ensure you have a backup plan ready. Test all equipment beforehand to minimize the chances of issues arising. Familiarize yourself with the setup at the venue and have a contact person for technical support on standby.
If something goes wrong, stay calm and composed. Address the audience while the issue is being resolved or switch to a different part of your presentation. Embrace the unexpected and use it as an opportunity to showcase your adaptability.
#16 – Engage with Body Language
Use purposeful gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to enhance your delivery and convey confidence and enthusiasm.
Stand tall with your shoulders back to display confidence. Use hand gestures purposefully to emphasize key points and keep your audience’s attention. A smile can instantly make you more approachable and likable.
#17 – Monitor Your Tone
Pay attention to your tone of voice and vary it appropriately to match the content and mood of your speech. Use modulation to convey emotion, enthusiasm, or authority, and avoid speaking in a monotone.
#18 – Use Positive Reinforcement
Acknowledge and affirm audience participation, such as nodding in agreement, smiling, or responding to questions or comments. This encourages interaction and creates a supportive atmosphere.
#19 – Address Anxiety or Tension
If you feel nervous or tense during your speech, take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and center yourself. Remind yourself the value of your message to regain confidence and composure.
Avoid fidgeting or pacing back and forth on stage. If you tend to fidget, hold a clicker or a pointer to keep your hands occupied.
Additionally, focus on speaking slowly and clearly to help regulate your breathing and project confidence.
#20 – Manage Visual Aids Effectively
If using visual aids, such as slides or props, ensure they enhance rather than detract from your presentation. Control the timing and pace of visual cues to complement your verbal delivery and maintain audience focus.
#21 – Use Pauses for Impact
Well-timed pauses in your speech enhance the impact of your message. Pausing strategically can help emphasize key points, allow your audience to digest information, and build anticipation.
Pausing also gives you a moment to collect your thoughts and maintain control over your delivery. Remember, silence can be a powerful tool in public speaking, so don’t be afraid to embrace it.
#22 – Encourage Interaction
Foster audience engagement by inviting questions, soliciting feedback, or incorporating interactive elements such as polls or group activities. This encourages participation and keeps your audience actively involved in the presentation.
#23 – Stay Present and Focused
Maintain mindfulness and stay present in the moment throughout your speech. Focus on delivering your message with clarity and conviction, and resist the temptation to dwell on past mistakes or future anxieties.
#24 – Project Confidence
Project confidence and authority through your posture, demeanor, and vocal delivery. Stand tall, make purposeful gestures and movements, speak with conviction to command attention, and inspire trust in your audience.
#25 – End Strong
Conclude your speech with memorable closing remarks that reinforce your main message and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Summarize key points, offer a call to action, or leave your audience with a thought-provoking question or challenge to ponder.
Use these tips AFTER your public speaking gig (to improve your next one!)
#26 – Reflect on Your Performance
Take some time to reflect on your performance immediately after the event. Consider what went well and what areas could be improved. Reflecting on your experience can provide valuable insights for future presentations.
#27 – Seek Feedback
Reach out to trusted colleagues, mentors, or audience members for feedback on your presentation. Constructive feedback can help you identify strengths to build upon and areas for growth. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to refine your speaking skills.
#28 – Review Recordings
If possible, review recordings or footage of your presentation, as well as your Apple Keynote slides in conjunction with the recording. Watching yourself speak can offer valuable insights into your delivery, body language, and overall presentation style. Take note of any habits or mannerisms that may detract from your message and work on improving them for future presentations.
#29 – Evaluate Audience Engagement
Reflect on the level of engagement and interaction from your audience during the presentation. Consider which elements of your speech resonated most with them and which may have missed the mark. Use this feedback to tailor your future presentations to better meet the needs and interests of your audience.
#30 – Set Goals for Improvement
Based on your reflections, feedback, and observations, set specific goals for improvement in your public speaking skills. Create a plan to work towards these goals and continue honing your skills for future speaking opportunities.
Public Speaking Tips FAQ
How Can I Best Handle Unexpected Interruptions During My Presentation?
When unexpected interruptions happen during your presentation, stay calm and composed. Address them politely and confidently, then smoothly transition back to your main points.
What Are Some Strategies for Dealing With Difficult Audience Members?
When facing difficult audience members or hecklers, stay calm and maintain your composure. Address their concerns respectfully, set boundaries if needed, and redirect the focus back to your presentation. Remember, you’re in control of the situation.
How Can I Adapt My Speaking Style for Virtual Presentations or Webinars?
When adapting your speaking style for virtual presentations or webinars, there are several key strategies to keep in mind:
- Maintain a conversational tone to keep your audience engaged and interested.
- Engage with your audience through polls or chat features to encourage participation and interaction.
- Use visual aids effectively to help convey information more clearly.
- Practice speaking clearly and confidently to ensure that your message is delivered effectively and that your viewers remain engaged.
What Should I Do if I Forget a Key Point or Lose My Train of Thought During a Speech?
If you forget a key point or lose your train of thought during a speech, take a deep breath and pause briefly. Quickly scan your notes or slides to jog your memory. Then, smoothly transition back to your topic to stay on track.
Conclusion
So there you have it – 30 public speaking tips to help you become a more confident and effective communicator.
Remember to practice, seek feedback, and keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to delivering engaging and impactful presentations.
Happy speaking!
