Tips on the Art of Public Speaking
From Adviceopedia
Whether you are about to give your first speech or you are a seasoned speaker there is always a need for tips on the art of public speaking.
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A Few Tips on the Art of Public Speaking
Since everyone is different, there are varieties of ways to deal with the problems that may arise when you are speaking to a group of people. There is no right or wrong way, simply use the method or technique best for you.
Stage Fright
Almost everyone experiences stage fright in one form or another. It is a natural effect of putting yourself up in front of a group of people. Here are some ways that other speakers have found to deal with stage fright.
- Deal with stage fright before you ever get up to speak. Being prepared can make all of the difference between a confident presentation and a nervous, self-conscious one. Start well before your speaking engagement to gather your information and put it together in an easy to follow format.
- Always speak on subjects you are familiar with. There is nothing worse than trying to speak intelligently about something you have never experienced.
- It is much easier to speak in front of people you know rather than complete strangers. If you get to your speaking engagement somewhat early, you might have time to circulate and get to know the people in your audience. When you stand up in front of them, seek eye contact with the people you have met. Allow your eyes a friendly place to rest.
- While you are awaiting your turn to speak, sit in a chair with a relaxed posture. Take slow breaths and think of pleasant memories, not the subject at hand.
Self-Confidence
It is important to be confident when you are speaking because your audience will evaluate your information based on how they perceive you. You must establish yourself as an expert in the subject matter at hand. You are marketing yourself.
- Wear professional clothing. Even if you are speaking at a casual meeting, it is important that your outfit be work casual. Keep it simple and classic. This is not the time to put on your flashy jewelry or neon green socks. Your clothing should be pressed, clean, and comfortable.
- Smile naturally. Allow your facial muscles to relax and your eyes to hold the smile too.
- Good posture signals comfort and confidence. Stand up straight and hold your hands in a relaxed way.
- Don't fidget.
- Speak normally and purposefully. Don't continuously clear your throat or mumble. Learn to speak slowly and with a relaxed manner.
Using Jokes and Humor in Public Speaking
It can be difficult to know how much humor to use in a speech. Much of this technique depends on your personality, your speaking style, your subject matter and your audience. The best way to learn to inject humor with skill is to listen to speakers and critique them yourself.
- Use humor carefully. If you think there may be too much, edit some back out.
- Give your speech in front of a friend to get an opinion on how it sounds and whether or not you need more comic relief or not.
- Practice makes perfect is especially true of using humor in public speaking. Practice into a recorder and play it back. Practice in front of the mirror. Practice every chance you get until your speech and the humor it contains is easy to deliver.
There are many more tips on the art of public speaking all around you. You can even consider joining an organization such as Toastmasters that helps people become more proficient at public speaking and and improve their business or career.
