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ElevatEd- Public-Speaking
- August 5, 2024
Speaking your thoughts to a crowd can be both exciting and nerve-racking. Be it in school, for some project, in a business presentation, or simply at any social event, the fear of speaking in front of an audience is quite difficult.
Regardless of a beginner or a pro at speaking, public speaking has always been a formidable task. But with proper preparation and mindset, everyone can become a confident and effective speaker. 98thPercentile has outlined beginner public speaking tips in this blog to encourage students to develop their public speaking skills.
Public speaking tips
Know your audience.
- Organize your message based on audience interests, the amount of information about the topic they already have, and their needs.
- If your listeners are experts, then technical terms with detailed breakdowns are in order.
- For a general audience, though, simple language is used, excluding jargon.
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Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice is the most essential element in becoming a powerful public speaker.
- Rehearse your speech several times.
- Once to yourself and once in front of a small audience like friends or family members.
- Make sure to record yourself to identify the mistakes you need to make.
Build Your Speech
A well-structured speech is easier to follow and more interesting.
- Open with a great opening, followed by the body in which you present your main points, and then finally end with a powerful conclusion.
- Use transitions to connect your ideas into one seamlessly.
Make Use of Visual Aids
- Visual aids such as slides, charts, or videos can add interest and work as a potion to gain audience interest.
- They indeed help in presenting your arguments and maintaining the attention of the audience.
- Avoid too much text on a slide; instead, use bullet points and visuals.
Manage Your Anxiety
Feeling a little nervous before delivering a speech is quite normal.
- Manage your agitation by taking deep breaths and envisioning that your presentation goes well, along with positive self-talk about the audience being present to hear you and not to find fault with you.
Audience Engagement
Engage your audience; this will make your speech more dynamic and interesting.
- Ask questions, invite participation, and make eye contact to make your audience feel involved and keep them attentive.
Speak Clearly and Confidently
Communicate clearly, at an appropriate tempo, and with enough volume.
- Make effective use of pauses for emphasis and allow the audience time to digest information.
- Good posture and natural gestures support the message well.
Get Feedback
After you give your speech, request feedback from your audience or peers.
- Feedback would help you learn from your mistakes and boost your confidence.
- Work on the feedback to develop your skills before the next presentation.
Following these public speaking tips and continuously improving these areas will make you a confident and effective public speaker. Remember, a public speaking skill is acquired through practice and perseverance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How does one overcome the fear of public speaking?
Ans: To overcome fear, do some breathing first so that nerves can get settled. Practice visualization techniques and positive affirmations that can help increase confidence level.Q2: What if I forget part of my speech?
Ans: If you forget a part of your speech, do not panic. Take a few seconds to collect yourself, then either restate or move on to the next point.Q3. How do I keep my audience interested?
Ans: Keep the audience awake by using a mix of storytelling, humor, and questions. Add some visual aids and make eye contact. Vary the pitch and pace to keep the presentation alive.Q4. How long should I practice my speech?
Ans: Well, these will vary as to how much practice is needed but run over your speech a couple of times.
Q5: What are the most common mistakes one should avoid in public speaking?
Ans: Some of the common mistakes include reading directly from the notes, speaking too fast, and not engaging with the audience. Avoid using too much jargon, don't overload your slides with text, and always practice beforehand.
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