Elevate Your Public Speaking

When people think of public speaking, they often imagine grand stages, TEDx talks, or conference presentations. However, public speaking isn’t confined to these formal settings. It occurs in everyday situations too - team meetings, project pitches, teaching, networking events, and even casual conversations.

Consider these tips to improve your public speaking skills, no matter the context.

1. Understand Your Purpose

Before you speak, ask yourself: What's the goal of my talk or presentation? Are you trying to inform, persuade, motivate, or entertain? For an academic presentation for example, you don't need to entertain your audience but you still need to engage them in a meaningful way. Understanding your purpose will help you craft a message that resonates with your audience.

2. Organise Your Thoughts

A well-organised talk or presentation is easier to follow and more impactful. Start with a strong opening that grabs attention, followed by the main body where you present your key points or arguments, and end with a memorable conclusion. Essentially, you're telling a story and guiding your audience through the content. Having a logical structure helps ensure that your message is clear and leaves a lasting impression.

3. Engage Your Audience

Public speaking isn't just about talking; it’s about engaging your audience. Use techniques like storytelling, asking questions, or including relevant anecdotes to make your talk more relatable. Eye contact, facial expressions, and hand gestures can also help in connecting with your audience and making your speech more dynamic.

4. Manage Those Nerves

Feeling nervous before speaking is completely normal - it happens to 99% of us. The key is to manage those nerves so they don’t get in the way of your delivery. Techniques such as deep breathing, visualisation, and positive self-talk can help calm pre-speech jitters. Remember, the more you practise speaking, the more confident you will become.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

There’s no substitute for practice when it comes to public speaking. Rehearse your talk multiple times, both alone and in front of others. This not only helps you become more familiar with your content but also allows you to refine your delivery based on feedback. Recording yourself and reviewing the audio or footage can also help you identify areas for improvement.

6. Adaptability is Key

No two speaking situations are the same, so being adaptable is so important. Pay attention to your audience's body language and adjust your approach accordingly. Look at facial expressions for signs of understanding or confusion. If you notice that people are losing interest, change things up by posing a question, picking up your pace or using humour to re-engage them (depending on the situation).

7. Ask for Feedback

Constructive feedback is one of the most valuable tools for improving your public speaking skills. After each speaking engagement, ask trusted colleagues or friends for honest feedback on what went well and what could be improved. This feedback loop helps you grow and develop your unique speaking style. No matter how experienced you are, there's always room for improvment.

Public speaking is more than just a performance; it's a powerful tool for connection and influence in every aspect of life. Whether you’re in a boardroom, a classroom, or a casual conversation, refining your speaking skills can help you communicate with clarity and confidence. Remember, great speakers aren’t born; they are made through practice, feedback, and a willingness to grow. As a coach, I'm here to help you unlock your potential, find your voice, and speak with impact wherever you go. Your next opportunity to make a difference with your words starts now - are you ready to take it?