Public speaking is one of the most feared activities, and it is not easy to talk and convey a clear message to a room full of people giving you their full attention. However, it is not that difficult to overcome this fear, make it a habit, and eventually crave speaking opportunities. First, know that no one is born a great public speaker. If you follow the following steps, Lumiself Lab can assure you that this is entirely possible, no matter your situation or condition.
Fixing the Mindset
No matter what you do, before starting anything, you need to fix your mindset. You cannot see progress in yourself if you do not establish the mindset that, no matter what happens or what situation you find yourself in, you will continue with your plan. When improving your public speaking skills, it does not matter how much of an introvert you are, whether you have a vast vocabulary or not, whether you can speak fluently or not, or whether you have experience speaking in front of people. You must fix your mindset to overcome these barriers and develop this skill.
Knowing and Researching the Topic
If you have a topic to speak about and feel afraid, it is better to research it thoroughly. This will give you a bit of confidence. It will also help you fill any knowledge gaps and provide your audience with a comprehensive understanding of what you are discussing. Additionally, it will help you answer questions with confidence during the Q&A session after your speech.
Preparing a Script
Once you have completed your topic research, it is highly recommended that you prepare a script on your own. It does not matter whether you write it on your PC, tablet, or paper—what matters is that you curate the script in the most beneficial and effective way for yourself. A handy script that you can carry will help you during your speech by keeping you on track with what you are saying and what you plan to say next.
Keeping Track of Time
Whether it is a university presentation, a seminar, or any event, every presentation is limited by time. When preparing your speech, you must carefully ensure that you finish your presentation within the given time frame. Do not see time as a barrier; rather, take it as a guide to include only the most relevant topics. Always remember to value other people’s time as well as your own.
Practice, Practice, and More Practice
This is the one step that, if ignored, will render all your efforts useless. You must practice extensively before delivering your final presentation. Practicing will boost your confidence, improve your fluency, and help you ensure that you complete your presentation within the allotted time. Even public speaking pros like Steve Jobs, Tim Cook, and Mark Zuckerberg did this. You can record yourself or practice in front of a mirror—both methods will help you identify flaws and improve your presentation.
Additional Tips for Public Speaking
Now that you know the process, there are a few other things to keep in mind that will greatly benefit you:
- Remember that your audience is on your side. They are trying to build a connection with you, so do not fear them—see their attention as support.
- Understanding your audience and the purpose of your presentation will help you connect with them more easily. This will allow you to choose the right words and approach.
- Almost everyone gets nervous when starting a speech—it is not just you. Keep a smile on your face and let your practice guide you.
- Try not to rely too much on your script and slides. If you forget a line, improvise instead of panicking.
- For beginners, maintaining eye contact, using gestures, and utilizing the stage effectively can be challenging, but with time and practice, these skills will become natural. Avoid standing stiffly like a statue—use gestures and movement to enhance your expression.
- Speak slowly and clearly, and do not sound robotic. Do not hesitate to bring your personality and authenticity into your presentation—this adds value. However, avoid overdoing it or exaggerating unnecessarily.
- Start your speech with a compelling hook to grab the audience’s attention. If possible, tell a story or introduce an element of suspense. End your speech with a powerful conclusion that leaves an impact.
Final Thoughts
Developing public speaking skills requires determination and practice—it is a continuous process. Once you gain momentum, you will naturally feel more confident and even look forward to speaking opportunities. In the meantime, put yourself out there, participate, and seek feedback. More importantly, work on the feedback you receive, as that will be a true measure of your progress.