Whether for a class, extracurricular, or interview, chances are you will have to engage in public speaking at some point in your life. However, despite its commonality, public speaking is still a fear that many people have.
5 Tips to Become a Better Public Speaker
If public speaking is something that causes you anxiety, there are different measures you can take to improve at public speaking and learn how to stay calm in situations that involve it. Here are some ideas of ways that you can become a better public speaker to ace your next presentation.Know What you Need to Say - Don’t Memorize
Practice Reading Aloud
Find a Group to Practice With
Practicing alone at home can be a good start, but nothing will help you become a better public speaker than true public speaking. It may be more comfortable to start practicing with people you trust, like family and friends, especially if they are also aiming to improve their public speaking skills.Speak to a Person, Not a Crowd
Focusing too much on the crowd in front of you can make you even more nervous, so try to focus on just one person in the crowd. You likely aren’t as intimidated by speaking with just one person, so try to recreate this feeling when speaking to a group. This can also help to make your speech feel more conversational. Ideally, those listening to your speech should feel that they are involved in a conversation, as this will create a more engaging experience for them.Take Pressure Off Yourself
I know, easier said than done. However, finding ways to be less anxious will undoubtedly make you a better public speaker. It can be helpful to remind yourself that one public speaking event will not make or break your career. Additionally, remember that you have complete control over what you do when giving a speech. Taking a few deep breaths before starting and remembering to slow down can be immensely helpful when speaking.