No images? Click here
Together With
Good morning. Public speaking is a weakness of mine and something I strive to get better at. Like anything else, the more I practice, the more comfortable and natural it feels. Below we outline nine steps you can implement easily and quickly to elevate your presence in front of the room.
Elevate your Leadership
According to Mark Twain, there are two types of speakers:
"Those who are nervous and those who are liars."
As someone who confesses to being a nervous public speaker, I understand the fear associated with it. Public speaking is a crucial skill that can significantly impact our personal and professional lives. To overcome this fear, we need effective strategies and tactics.
Here are nine techniques I've used to be a better public speaker
1. Learn from the Best: Take advantage of today's abundant resources. Identify 3-5 speakers you admire, whether they are politicians, business leaders, comedians, or motivational coaches. Watch their speeches on YouTube, slowing down the playback speed to take notes. Pay attention to their speech structure, pacing, use of voice, gestures, and audience engagement. As the saying goes, "By studying the best, we naturally move to embody the traits we've identified."
2. Create a Compelling Structure: Effective public speakers don't just deliver a speech; they take their audience on a journey. Craft a clear and familiar structure that guides your audience through your talk. It's beneficial to outline this structure at the beginning of your presentation explicitly. Remember, "The best public speakers don't deliver a speech—they tell a story."
3. Build Ladder Rungs: Instead of relying on note memorization, which can lead to anxiety and hinder adaptability, focus on critical moments or the "ladder rungs" of your speech. Practice and perfect these essential elements, such as the opening, transitions, and punchlines. By doing so, you'll be better equipped to handle unexpected situations. Additionally, consider practicing your speech in segments rather than sequentially for added flexibility.
"It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech." - Mark Twain
4. Confront the Spotlight Effect: Public speaking often amplifies our fear of being observed and judged. To alleviate this anxiety, employ the "So What?" Approach. Confront your worst fears and ask yourself, "So what?" Realize that the consequences of minor mistakes or imperfections are usually not as severe as imagined. Seneca's words hold true:
"We suffer more in imagination than in reality."
5. Adopt a Public Speaking Character: Embrace the technique of Character Invention, where you create a character in your mind who excels at public speaking. Envision this character's traits, interactions, appearance, and mindset. When it's time to step into the spotlight, "flip the switch" and embody this confident version of yourself.
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players." - William Shakespeare
6. Use the Physiological Sigh: The "Physiological Sigh" is a science-backed technique to reduce stress quickly. It involves taking a double-inhale through your nose and a long exhale through your mouth. This breath pattern rapidly releases carbon dioxide, creating a relaxing effect. Whenever you feel your nerves rising, try this technique to regain composure.
7. Cut the Tension: Find a simple way to cut the tension and connect with your audience early on. Inject humor or share a relatable self-deprecating remark. Doing something unexpected and funny can immediately put your audience at ease and boost your confidence. As the saying goes, "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people."
8. Play the Lava Game: Imagine your pockets and torso as "lava" during your speech, avoiding any contact with them. This mindset forces you to use confident, open gestures that enhance your presence on stage. Engage in purposeful movements that add dramatic pauses to your words, demonstrating confidence and intention.
9. Move Purposefully: When delivering your speech, take slow, methodical, and purposeful steps. Avoid aimless pacing, as it can increase nervousness. By moving with gravitas and intention, you project confidence and authority. Use your movements strategically to emphasize key points and engage with the audience. Always remember to be the speaker who moves with purpose and direction.
These nine strategies will significantly enhance your public speaking skills. Remember, public speaking is a skill that can be developed through practice and deliberate techniques. Embrace these tactics, put them into action, and observe their positive impact on your speaking abilities. Give them a try and witness the transformation in your public speaking prowess.
Good luck!
Partners We Love
KARE has reliable, rated, and reviewed Nurses and caregivers who are ready to fill open shifts. If you like a KARE HERO, you can hire them full-time for free! No contract buyouts or red tape. Sign-up is free, there is no obligation. Be ready to post open shifts immediately when needed.
Learn more or request Heroes from KARE here.
Please take 10 seconds and partake in our pay transparency database and leverage the data to see where your compensation stacks up. Access the database here.
