CHAMPION STRATEGIES – PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOP – OCTOBER 26, 2021-2
Tips to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills
#5: Be Aware of Your Hand Gestures
Have you ever talked to someone who is all worked up and noticed that their hands are flailing wildly? Some people naturally speak with their hands. When they’re nervous, this type of gesturing can ramp up. While some hand movement is a great way to emphasize certain points, it’s also important to not let these movements distract from what you’re trying to say. So, pay attention to your hands when you’re speaking. Slowing down their movement may also help slow down your brain, creating a greater sense of calm.
#6: Move Around Some, But Not Too Much
People often pace when they’re nervous. If this is you, you may have a tendency to walk back and forth across the stage when public speaking. Like with hand gestures, a little bit of movement is okay but too much is, well, too much. Don’t be afraid to walk away from the podium, but try not to make your audience feel like they’re watching a tennis match either.
#7: Incorporate Visual Prompts
If the idea of having all eyes on you makes you nervous, visual prompts are a good way to divert the audience’s attention yet still stay on topic. These prompts can be by way of a slide of an image or graph or something more concrete, such as pouring a half glass of water to emphasize the effect of “living with your glass half full.” It might feel good to have their attention diverted, even if only for a moment. Plus, it gives you something to do with your hands.
#8: Practice, Practice, Practice…Then Practice Some More
Mark Twain once said, “It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.” So, maybe your fear of public speaking comes from not being fully prepared. One way to overcome this, then, is to practice, practice, and practice some more. Each time you deliver your speech, you will become more comfortable. You’ll begin to learn it inside and out, increasing your confidence when delivering it for real.
#9: Record Yourself Speaking
This final public speaking tip is intended to help you recognize how you may come across to an audience. When you record yourself speaking and watch it back, you may notice that you do things that you didn’t even realize. This provides the opportunity to correct these issues before being in front of a live audience. Another option is to practice your speech in front of a friend or family member and ask for their honest feedback.
Summing Up Public Speaking Tips
Public speaking is a common fear. The good news, however, is that this fear doesn’t have to stop you from delivering an amazing speech. These public speaking tips can help you feel some calmness on stage while also better connecting with your audience…making you a more impactful public speaker.
