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
It can be tempting to memorize your speech like a script, and you may believe that doing this will help you to be better prepared for giving it. In reality, forcing yourself to memorize what you plan to say word for word can increase anxiety, especially if you’re struggling to remember details. Instead, consider working on understanding and comprehending the points that you plan on making. Each time you practice, the way you deliver the speech can be slightly different, which allows for small errors when you actually give the speech. This will also make the speech sound more natural, which will allow the audience to better connect to what you’re saying, and as a result, will make you come across as more competent.Practice Reading Aloud
If you find yourself being someone who struggles with fluidity while speaking or who frequently misspeaks or trips over words, reading aloud can help you to improve the fluency of your speech. Although a speech should not be read directly from cards in most cases, practicing reading aloud can help you to improve the overall sound of your speech and make you sound less awkward while public speaking. This can challenge you to decrease the number of mistakes that you make while speaking and may also help you to identify the areas that trip you up the most, especially if you record yourself.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.However, if you struggle to find other people to practice with, you can look for a local chapter of a club like Toastmasters.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.
