7 Most Important Tips on Public Speaking | Compilation of my Experiences + Learnings

A lot of people have asked me to share my experiences, learning and tips on public speaking. This is a skill which cannot be mastered over-night. A great speaker was once a novice. A confident speaker had stage-fright initially. I believe that if I can overcome my fear, anyone can! So read through this compilation of tips to take your first step towards overcoming the fear.

Tip 1: Have rich content.

This is the first and most important pre-requisite of a good speech. There should always be takeaways for the audience from your delivery. Do not add a lot of statistics other than those which the audience can remember and relate to.

Let me share a personal incident.

During one of my speeches, I tried to make the session as engaging as possible. It was interactive and the audience enjoyed. I received good feedback. However, something major was lacking. The Session Chairman had almost 3-4 major points to add to my presentation. I had missed a lot of such topics which should have been covered. Being a technical session, it was more important to cover all the relevant provisions and aspects instead of just making the speech interesting. So my learning was: ALWAYS BE RICH IN CONTENT. Summarise in a simple way.

Also, whenever you are supposed to talk for 15 minutes, have at least 17 minutes of content in hand. It helps on stage.

Tip 2: Have good command over your subject.

Make sure you have done good research before you go on stage. It might so happen that you are not required to speak about everything related to the subject depending on the time frame as well as requirement of the topic, but your research must be complete.

Let me take an example.

The last speech I gave was on the topic, “Restrictions on Availment of ITC in GST”. Well, this topic did not require me to explain everything from Section 16 to 21 of the CGST Act, 2017. However, unexpectedly it was announced in the last moment while we, the presenters were already seated on stage that the judges would be asking us questions from our presentation or the topic in general to know whether we have the knowledge. Since I had done my research, I was able to answer.

We never know what the situation at the time of our presentation will be like. When you’re speaking on a topic, you’re considered to be well-versed.

So, do your homework well!

“Confidence is your best accessory. The only thing you need to wear well is your confidence.” -Priyanka Chopra

So Tip 3 is: Be confident.

Have you ever gone blank while delivering a speech? Like a situation where you felt there’s just nothing in your mind, time is stuck, people are staring at you and you don’t know what to do? Trust me, not once, not twice, not thrice, this has happened with me many times! It’s okay to experience a mind-block. Take a deep breath, don’t let this come on your face and start speaking again. Make that short span look like a deliberate pause. This can only happen when you’re confident.

There’s no point in fearing what others sitting in the audience will think about you. Remember, they are in their comfort zone. You’re outside yours, so you’re bound to grow. Once you excel, once you start shining, all those people who once may have criticised you, will also start following and idolising you!

Confidence is attractive. Confidence is magnetic. Confidence is what will illuminate your path.

Be Confident.

Tip 4: Command over language and presentation techniques.

What do I mean by presentation here? Am I talking about the PowerPoint running on the screen? No. Even without a visual presentation, you can make your speech interesting by using certain hacks of presentation skills. What are they?

First and foremost, use simple language. Too much of technical jargon in front of non-technical audience will make your session their ‘sleeping time’. Also, a good command over the language you’re speaking in, makes you attractive.

You can use this as your non-visual presentation. Articulate your speech. Ask rhetorical questions. Check your voice modulation. No one likes listening to the same tone for a long time. People tend to lose interest. When you want to emphasise on something, use a higher pitch. Something serious? Use a heavier tone & slower pace.

Here’s a secret! A change in your tone can also be used to cover up a pause which happened because you maybe forgot something in between.

Give deliberate pauses too, at times.

Try to involve the audience either by story-telling or saying things they can relate to. Create an impact!

“Should I speak from the podium or use the entire stage?” That’s something you should be clear about before your presentation because non-verbal communication matters!

Tip 5: Pay attention to your body language.

My preference is to speak from the podium, the reason being I generally speak on technical topics. However, it’s not a set rule. You can always choose to walk on the stage. However, make sure you know the following beforehand:

? when to walk- generally you should change the direction when you change a point in your speech

? how much to walk- remember the audience has to pay attention to your content so don’t distract them

? your hand movements- neither too much, nor too less. Imagine someone speaking without any movement, will look robotic right?

? facial expressions- they must match your content. Don’t smile at serious topics. Don’t have a serious look throughout either.

? eye contact with the audience- do not talk to the walls (something people who get nervous always do and it just creates a bad impression)

Neither too early, nor too late. You must finish your session in the time allotted. Leave such an impact on the audience that they want to hear you more. Being on time always creates a positive impression.

Tip 6: Strictly abide by the time prescribed.

During one of my speeches, where time limit was 12-15 minutes (minimum 12 and maximum 15), I realised at the time I was in my second last slide that the minimum time bell had not rung. This meant I had spoken for less than 12 minutes. I was aware that my last two slides had content of about 2 minutes. However I was unsure about how long I had already spoken. I kept talking on related topics and put my conclusion on hold till I heard the 12 minutes bell. Finally my speech ended at exact 14:55. Perfect timing. This helped me score better points.

On the contrary, I’ve always lost points whenever I exceeded the time limit.

Had to save the best for the last! This is my favourite tip.

Finally, Tip 7: BE YOURSELF!???

"You are you because you’re supposed to be you and ONLY you can be you!" (self-written quote for self-motivation)

Why try to be version 2.0 of anyone when you can be an original masterpiece? Remix and remakes are never remembered.

• Be natural. In terms of style of speaking.
• Know your USP. Some people are good at cracking jokes, some can explain well through stories, some can make their session engaging just by how sophisticatedly they speak. This varies from person to person.
• Do not fake your accent! Never ever do it. Speak the way you always do. Remember, a fake accent is the biggest turn off. Note: Indian Accent is the best! ??
• Personal experiences can never be copied. Share them with your audience. That will make them connect with you better.

Introspect. Find out what you’re best at.

??How can you stand out from the crowd when you try to be like them? ??

Be the best version of yourself!

I hope these 7 tips will help a lot of future public speakers! Keep practising and you’re bound to excel!

Signing off,

Sakshi Jhajharia