15 Ultra Practical Skills That Can Make You A Brilliant Public Speaker
Many of us are now required to make
presentations. Whether it is for an interview or simply for a staff meeting,
most of us at some point will have to stand in front of a crowd and face that
fear of public speaking. While public speaking comes naturally to some, most
people dread that moment when they become the focal point in a room. Some of us
finally master the craft through years of practice, some are still fighting to
find that comfort level.
No matter where you find yourself in the
spectrum, the following fifteen ultra practical skills will definitely help you
become a brilliant public speaker:
1. Research your audience
Knowing who you will be addressing will help
you prepare your mindset accordingly and help you feel more comfortable.
2. Know your environment
Find out about where your presentation will
take place. If possible, familiarize yourself with the place ahead of time.
Make notes of the little things: “Will there be a podium?” or “Is there a
projector?” Also, be mindful of key elements of the atmosphere, such as the
noise level and lighting.
3. Prepare
While for some, it might seem redundant to
point this out, it is important that you prepare for your presentation,
regardless of how familiar you may be with the topic of discussion. Create an
outline for yourself, to help keep you on track.
4. Practice
Again, it does not matter how familiar you
are with the topic, practice your speech at least once. This will give you a
chance to plan your pauses, which will keep you from sounding like you’re
reading from a prompter.
5. Practice articulation
One important part of your practice should
revolve around articulation. Focus on words that are difficult to pronounce
and/or have varied pronunciations. There is nothing worst than a public speaker
who does not enunciate.
6. Use tools
For those of us who are very nervous, this is
especially helpful. Whether it is an index card to keep your thoughts
organized, or a clicker to control your slide presentation, tools will help you
stay on track.
7. Dress to impress
This may not seem like an important tip to
most, but one of the easiest ways to boost your confidence is by ensuring that
you dress to impress. As a public speaker, you will be the center of attention
in the room for a long period of time, which will undeniably give your audience
an opportunity to examine every aspect that you present – including your
wardrobe. Be sure to dress appropriate to the event and pay attention to the
small details in your wardrobe.
8. Walk
The last thing you want to do is stand in
front of your audience like a stiff board. Walk and move around, it will not
only relax you but it will also keep your audience more engaged.
9. Breathe
Another important part of your speech is to
remember to breathe. This will allow for you to sound more natural and also
take breaks at appropriate times. Your audience will be able to connect better
with you if you sound like you are having a regular conversation, rather than
bombarding them with information without taking the time to breathe.
10. Avoid filler words
Filler words such as “um” or “so” can be
extremely detrimental to a public speaker. When overused, your audience
will start focusing more on how many times you’ve used them versus the message
that you are conveying. Furthermore, you will sound less confident using all of
these fillers.
11. Partner up
One of the best ways to help you feel
comfortable as a public speaker is by finding an opportunity to partner up with
a colleague or friend for your presentation. You will have someone to help you
move the presentation along, as well as answer questions from the audience.
12. Encourage questions
While you do not have to take tons of them,
questions from your audience may present an opportunity for you to further develop
on a concept that you mentioned during your presentation.
13. Ask for feedback
It may not be the easiest thing to read
feedback, but it is the only way that you will learn what you should do
differently. You can choose to provide your audience with an anonymous
evaluation form to complete. You can also simply ask a couple of friends to
observe your presentation and provide you with their feedback.
14. Take a course
Taking a course with some tips to develop
your skills as a public speaker can only help you better prepare for your
future presentations. Be sure to put the notions into practice in order to see
the results.
15. Get experience
Even if your first public speaking experience
was disastrous, still look for an opportunity to do another. With every
opportunity comes new experience. Soon enough, you will learn how to repeat the
good and avoid the bad.
Conclusion
Most of us are not born with the natural
talent to be able to charm an audience as a public speaker; however, these
skills will help anyone reach that point where the thought of public speaking
no longer send them in a panic.
BY CARISE CREVECOEUR
http://www.lifehack.org/323417/15-ultra-practical-skills-that-can-make-you-brilliant-public-speaker?mid=20151103&ref=mail&uid=687414&feq=daily
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