PUBLIC SPEAKING: Helpful Tips for Developing Your Public Speaking Skills

In business, education, and public settings, public speaking is very crucial. However, there are various types of public speaking. Beginners participate in a variety of public speaking training that support their development of skills, confidence, and the ability to deal with anxiety. Meanwhile, speaking in public is done before a live audience, so you might need to consider doing some rehearsal at home or with a friend. In this article, we’ll define “public speaking” and its examples for you. In addition, we’ll talk about the elements that will help you when you speak publicly about work. We’ll also recommend some training programs to help you improve your public speaking skills while at home. 

What is Public Speaking?

Public speaking is a presentation delivered in front of a live audience. Public speeches may touch on a wide range of subjects. The speech’s objective may be to inform, amuse, or persuade the audience. To support the discourse, visual aids frequently take the form of an electronic presentation. However, the listeners find it more engaging as a result.

A presentation made in person differs from one made online. Meanwhile, presentations that are recorded online can be viewed at any time online. A public speech usually has a time and venue restriction, and slideshows are frequently used in online presentations or they use a speaker’s pre-recorded footage. 

Due to anxiety, most people will likely respond that they dislike public speaking if you ask them. Given that speaking in front of groups of people is a relatively frequent concern, they could even admit to being terrified, or they might just be timid or reserved. For those reasons, many people who haven’t undergone training to improve their skills try to avoid speaking in public or in front of groups of people. 

However, you’re missing out if you’re one of those people who avoids speaking in front of others. The communication skills of public speaking have become increasingly important in business, government, and education over time.

Anxiety From Public Speaking

This is the feeling that comes with fear while speaking in public. It can be anything from mild trepidation to paralyzing fear and panic. Many people who experience anxiety either completely avoid public speaking situations or endure them while trembling and speaking shakily. However, you can conquer your anxiety while speaking in public by starting with good preparation at home and engaging in training to improve your skills and perseverance.

These steps may help conquer anxiety from public speaking:

• Understand the topic.
• Get organized
• continuous practice 
• Challenge specific concerns
• Imagine yourself succeeding.
• Take a few deep breaths.
• Instead of focusing on your audience, concentrate on your content.
• Do not be afraid of silence.
• Accept your accomplishments
• Get assistance

How to Improve Public Speaking at Home

Follow these steps to improve:

#1. Practice in front of the mirror

You can bet that many of the most well-known public speakers in history have used this method because it is the traditional approach to public speaking development. And it’s not hard to understand why. You can observe yourself while you practice in front of a mirror and pay attention to your body language. Additionally, trying a mirror presentation at home will improve your skills in public speaking because it provides you with a sense of what your audience will see, and if you have a specific presentation in mind, it will be experienced in a whole different way for you. You will undoubtedly uncover areas where you can improve the presentation itself, in addition to strategies to improve your delivery and speaking style.

#2. Film yourself

This is one of the easiest ways you can improve public speaking at home. After practicing in front of a mirror, the next step is to record yourself and review the video. The advantages of this are the same as those of using a mirror, with the added benefit that you don’t have to try to focus on both giving and reviewing your presentation at the same time. When you record yourself speaking, it’s simple to fast-forward and rewind to review crucial passages. You can also submit the video to YouTube as an unlisted video and then send friends and relatives the link to solicit their opinions.

#3. Present via video platform

Zoom or Loom are good video platforms that you can use to practice your presentation. It’s intriguing to present using these platforms because it necessitates a slightly different set of abilities than presenting in front of an audience. Of course, you can’t stroll about the stage or meet up with audience members to shake hands and network in person as you are constrained by the frame of your webcam. This implies that your body language and vocalization style will be given more attention. That’s good news because both of those things matter a lot when you give a talk in person. Moreover, this is one of the best public speaking training you can give yourself while at home, as it enables you to test your speech with a real-life audience, and doing it often helps you improve and build more confidence.

#4. Join a public speaking club

This is where you improve your skills by leaving your home to visit public speaking clubs. Accidental communicators and Toastmasters clubs are essentially social gatherings created for people to get together and deliver talks alternately. They can be a terrific way to hone your public speaking skills while also benefiting from the insights of other participants. In the past, these clubs only gathered in person, which meant that you were somewhat constrained by your geographic location. Nowadays, however, there are many of them that meet online. Give it a Google search to get started, and will also see other clubs you may love to join instead.

#5. Try talking without stopping

This one is interesting because it assesses your capacity for quick decision-making. The goal is to try talking for the full 10 minutes without stopping longer than it takes you to breathe by setting a timer on your phone for around 10 minutes, choosing a topic, and then attempting to do so. The objective is to help you become accustomed to speaking spontaneously while also educating you a little bit about the speed at which you speak. When you start training yourself continuously with family, friends, or neighbors at home, you improve your public speaking skills and also improve your general competency as a speaker.

#6. Include it in your daily routine.

Making it a part of your everyday routine is the best way to guarantee that you receive some practice. You’ll see gains quickly if you set aside sometime each day to practice public speaking and stay with it. It reminds me a little bit of trying to lose weight. You cannot simply visit the gym whenever you feel like it if you want to gain muscle mass or lose weight. You must create a routine that you adhere to no matter what, and you must refrain from finding reasons to escape it. There are no shortcuts to getting better than daily practice.

#7. Practice in the shower

You’ve probably never considered preparing your presentations in the shower, but you’ve undoubtedly heard of people singing in the shower. This is also a little ironic because one of the pieces of advice that is frequently given is to picture your audience as being naked. This flips the situation. A fantastic technique to fit in extra practice without taking time out of your already packed schedule is to practice in the shower. Because you’ll have to raise your voice to be heard above the sound of the flowing water, it might also help you become used to speaking clearly and loudly.

#8. Practice varying your tone of voice

Your perceived personality can be greatly influenced by the tone of your voice. Speaking in a monotone is very different from speaking with volume and pitch variations to stress points and draw in the listener.

The best time to practice using various tones and delivery styles is while you’re working on your performance alone at home, as no one will be present to hear you if it doesn’t go well. Who knows, though? You might even learn a new way of communicating that you hadn’t considered before.

#9. Study other public speakers

This is a no-brainer, and it’s made incredibly easy by the popularity of YouTube. Simply block off some time on your calendar to research other public speakers and view videos in order to evaluate their methods and the manner in which they convey their messages.

Looking at a wide range of speakers, from Apple keynotes to speeches by seasoned politicians, can also be beneficial. If you’re unsure, look at the literally thousands of films on the TED Talks YouTube channel, which cover a wide range of subjects. Just be careful not to focus too much on the subject rather than the performance and to genuinely examine the speech. 

#10. Write some speeches

Writing speeches gives you the opportunity to approach topics from various perspectives, making it an effective technique for practicing public speaking. It’s true that, unless you’re a businessperson or a politician—and even they utilize speechwriters—you probably won’t ever need to write a speech other than for a wedding. However, written language is extremely different from verbal language, and it focuses on influencing your perspective. You can begin to recognize several strategies that work well by examining speeches that have been written and then delivered out of context. It may sound absurd, but there are significant differences between writing and delivering speeches, and attempting to compare the two will help you gain a greater understanding of how public speaking functions.

Types of Public Speaking

Understanding the various types of public speaking is going to help you engage and perform excellently on any platform

#1. Ceremonial Speaking

Most people will deliver a formal speech at least once in their lifetime. These speeches commemorate important events. They frequently appear at funerals, graduations, and weddings, as well as sizable birthday parties and work holiday gatherings. A toast is usually spoken during ceremonial speaking, which is also intimately personal and connected to the listeners’ emotions.

#2. Demonstrative Speaking

Role-playing and science demonstrations are examples of demonstrative speaking. Speaking clearly and concisely while performing the actions while speaking are prerequisites for this kind of public speaking. For example, a demonstrative speaker could describe how power is generated while cycling to power a toaster. The purpose of demonstrative speaking is to impart knowledge about how to perform a task to the audience.

#3. Informative Speaking

The speaker’s goal in informative speaking is to clearly explain a topic to the audience. Informative speaking is a part of college lecture courses, industrial conferences, and the dissemination of critical information by public leaders. Meanwhile, information is what matters in this kind of speech. The speaker is not attempting to persuade listeners to agree with him or instruct them on how to solve their own problems. Instead, he is sharing important knowledge.

#4. Persuasive Speaking

The most glamorous speaking styles are those used to persuade. Persuasive speaking is a skill used by politicians, attorneys, and clergy. The vocal inflections and linguistic nuances that will persuade the audience to agree with you must be practiced for this style of speaking. The success of the speech matters to the persuasive speaker. Lawyers are attempting to persuade a jury of their position, while clerics are attempting to convert others to their beliefs. Politicians, for example, may seek votes or a groundswell of support for a pet project. In speeches, the persuasive speaker makes emotional appeals and uses forceful language.

Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking is a useful skill, whether you’re called upon to make a speech at a friend’s wedding, inspire volunteers at a charity event, or memorialize a loved one at a funeral. Even if you don’t regularly engage in public speaking, mastering the art of oratory can help you deal with difficult emotions and boost your confidence in general, especially if you have social anxiety disorder (SAD).

To help you start, here are a few public speaking skills.

• Know your audience.
• Know your material.
• Grab and keep their attention.
• Use diaphragmatic breathing.
• Use effective body language.
• Make eye contact.
• Speak slowly.
• Don’t fill the pauses

Public Speaking Examples

#1. Barack Obama

Obama’s ability to win people over with his speeches is nothing new. Obama has always been a natural public speaker, whether he was serving as a community activist, lawyer, lecturer, senator, or president. His talks are notable for his use of inclusive language, effective pausing, and open body language. He also speaks with authority that can move thousands of listeners at once. You may view it here to see why it’s frequently referred to as “The Speech That Made Obama President.”

#2. Chimamanda Ngogi Adichie 

In terms of message delivery and storytelling, Adichie’s TED lectures are among the top examples of public speaking. Watch her presentation, then explore the key lessons it contains about public speaking.

• vulnerability

Although the purpose of her lecture was to raise awareness of the peril of a single narrative, she never gave the impression that she was superior to her audience. She didn’t correct them either for not knowing what to do.

Instead, she chooses to show her vulnerability and discuss how she erred by believing only one story. She made herself vulnerable to criticism. Meanwhile, both her words and her voice tone made this clear. And it is what made her seem like a relatable human narrator who had the same flaws as everyone else. Therefore, to better connect with your audience during talks, be willing to experience being vulnerable.

Public Speaking Training

To get more training or to master the art of effective public speaking, you can take any of the courses I have provided below. These courses can help you develop more confidence, learn about language, and how best to tailor your speeches to the audience.

#1. Body Language – The Scientific Way (SkillShare)

Author: Nick Saraev

You will learn all you need in this course to understand body language better than 95% of the rest of the population. You may use this knowledge right now because it is practical and applicable. A Vancouver-based neuroscience researcher and body language coach are the instructors for this training. 

#2. Public Speaking(EDX)

Author: Keith B. Jenkins

In this course, you will learn techniques for lowering fear, boosting self-assurance, and personalizing a procedure that will lead to productive speaking encounters. This course focuses on organization, evidence, language use, strategy, delivery, ethics, and the efficient use of media tools to provide you with the information you need to make formal public speeches.

#3. Public Speaking Foundations(LinkdinLearning)

Author: Laura Bergells

Here, you can find out how to craft and give a powerful speech or presentation. Laura Bergells provides useful tips in this course that presenters may use to plan, introduce, deliver, and wrap up their talks. Along the way, you’ll learn how to convey confidence, create a speech plan, field questions, and come up with a creative story that gives a speech life.

#4. Conquering the Fear of Public Speaking(Udemy)

Author: Jason Teteak

With the help of this comprehensive training, which includes an 8-step process to transform your negative anxiety into empowering thoughts and confidence, you can overcome your fear of public speaking and give confident speeches.

#5. Dynamic Public Speaking(Coursera)

Author: Dr. Matt McGarrity

Your most transferable job skill is effective speaking. You will receive the training, knowledge, and practice necessary to create and deliver effective presentations after completing this specialization’s four courses. The public speaking course focuses on subduing that feeling of anxiety that comes before and during a speech presentation. Each course blends tested concepts with plenty of speech practice, drawing on the body of knowledge in communication, rhetoric, linguistics, and argumentation.

What Are the 7P’s of Public Speaking?

The 7 Ps of public speaking are : power, punch, pronunciation, pace, pause and posture.

What Are the Effective Public Speaking Techniques?

• Know your audience
• Practice, practice, practice
• Take advantage of the stage
• Maintain eye contact with your audience
• Connect with your audience with a personal story
• Keep it simple
• Remember to breathe
• Be conscious of your body language
• Be positive
• Interact with your audience

How to Be Better at Public Speaking?

• Speak out loud
• Pronounce words carefully and correctly
• Build your vocabulary
• Speaks with strangers
• Listen to spoken words
• Record your voice
• Practice practice practice
• Practice with a partner
• Learn new words everyday
• Participate in public speaking events

What Are the Qualities of a Good Speaker?

• Self confidence
• Charisma
• Excellent story-telling skills
• Great communication
• Creativity
• Humor
• Active listening

Why Is Effective Public Speaking Important?

• Builds self-confidence.
• Improves communication skills.
• Advances career
• Improves critical thinking skills
• Time management skills
• Builds strong connections
• Improves listening skills

What Are Elements of Public Speaking Skills?

• Grammar
• Fluency
• Vocabulary
• Pronunciation

Ways to Overcome Anxiety in Public Speaking

• Choose a topic you are passionate about.
• Prepare a note card to guide your speech
• Don’t try to be perfect
• Practice in front of a mirror
• Don’t forget to breathe
• Take a public speaking training
• Relax and have a positive mindset

Conclusion

In our everyday life, effective public speaking is important. This is because our thoughts and feelings are clearly communicated. For most people, especially those just starting out, public speaking can be seen as an herculean task. One way to resolve the feeling of anxiety is practice and practice until you feel confident. It is equally important to carry out extensive research, interact with your audience and connect with them. In essence, continuous public speaking builds self confidence over time. Trust the process.

Public Speaking FAQs

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