Top Tips for Public Speaking: How to Start
Clarence Cheong
Author of "More Than 100%" | Insightful & Funny | Wielder of Dad-Jokes | MDRT | CFP | DLI | Senior Group Financial Services Director | Podcaster | International Speaker | Woah what a mouthful... Still reading? ??|
Introduction
Every day, we make presentations to our colleagues, clients, and bosses. But what if you had to give a presentation to a large group of strangers?
If the thought of public speaking makes your heart race and your palms sweat, you're not alone. For many people, public speaking is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences imaginable.
But don't worry - with a little preparation and some practice, you can overcome your fear of public speaking and deliver a presentation that will impress your audience. In this newsletter, I'll provide you with some tips for starting down the path to successful public speaking.
Why Public Speaking Is Important
Public speaking is one of the most important skills you can learn. It's a way to share your ideas and thoughts with the world, and it's a great way to build your personal brand. Not to mention, it can help you advance your career.
But public speaking can be intimidating, especially if you're new to it. That's why it's important to start out small and work your way up. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking
The number one thing you can do to overcome your fear of public speaking is to practice, practice, practice.
It might sound like common sense, but if you want to feel confident when you're up on stage, you need to put in the work. Rehearse in front of a mirror, or record yourself and then watch the video.
Another way to boost your confidence is to focus on your strengths. Maybe you're not the best speaker in the world, but you're a great listener. Or maybe you're funny. Find what works for you and play to your strengths.
For example, if you are a great listener, and you speak to some of the audience before your speech, you can weave in some of the personal stories you heard, to relate to the audience better.
And finally, remember that everyone is nervous before they speak in public. The more you remind yourself of this, the easier it will be to relax and just enjoy the experience.
How to Start Public Speaking
When it comes to public speaking, you have to remember that it's all about practice. And the more you practice, the better you'll be. So how do you start practicing? The best way is to find a buddy, someone who will help you practice and give you feedback. You can also join a group or club that focuses on public speaking. Toastmasters really help, I went there!
The other thing you need to do is focus on your body language. Make sure you're coming across as confident and relaxed. And don't forget to smile!
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Tips for Improving Your Public Speaking
There are a few things you can do to make your speeches more engaging and interesting. First, make sure you know your topic well. Do your research, and make sure you understand the material inside and out.
Second, be aware of your body language. Make sure you're engaged with your audience, and use expressive hand gestures to help drive your points home.
And finally, practice, practice, practice. The more you speak in public, the better you'll get. So get out there and start practicing today!
Opportunities to Speak in Public
How do you find opportunities to speak in public? Well, there are a few avenues you can explore.
One way is to get involved in your community. Offer to give a talk at your local library or school. Or, if there's an organization that you're passionate about, see if they need speakers for their next event.
Another way to find speaking opportunities is to reach out to potential clients. If you're a consultant, for example, you could offer to give a presentation on your area of expertise. Or if you run your own business, you could speak at local business events.
The key is to start small and work your way up. Once you've gotten a few bites, you'll start to get more confidence and experience—and before you know it, you'll be a pro at public speaking!
Career Advancement
You can use public speaking to advance your career in a number of ways. Let's start with the most obvious one: networking. When you're at a conference or event, meet as many people as you can and chat with them. If you can speak to an audience of 100, 200, 500? You can speak to 1 person. Trust me.
You never know who you might meet—a potential client, employer, or business partner. But networking is only one way to use public speaking to your advantage. You can also use it to build your brand, learn new skills, and even find new jobs.
The bottom line is that experience in public speaking can help you reach new heights in your career, so don't underestimate its power. Start small and work your way up, and before you know it, you'll be a pro!
Conclusion
Public speaking can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and tips, you can be well on your way to becoming a confident public speaker. Try out some of the tips above, and have fun with it!
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Author of the best selling ???????????? ?? ???????? Positive People Leadership Skills You Wish Your Manager Had | Mentor | Leader of positive cultural change | Keynote speaker
1 年Another awesome "Stacked" Clarence.. the fear of public speaking is one of the most irrational ones we face. Even the most seasoned presenters get the butterflies... from my experience, they actually help!
Military Instructor at US Navy- I train, motivate and empower individuals to be the best version of themselves.
1 年I used to think so, I didn't want to take the assignment I am doing now as an instructor but it's practice to be better everyday.
Recruitment Specialist ?? | Engineering, Tech & Business Talent Acquisition ??
1 年Clarence Cheong is an expert in public speaking, and his assistance in preparing for my speech was invaluable. Thank you!