Unless you are into public speaking by default either in debating or doing TV shows, most of us don’t emphasize the importance of speaking right. In this article, we will discuss how to improve public speaking and some crucial pointers from TED talks and what are do’s and don’ts of most liked public speakers. Ever since I moved to Omaha, I always wanted to become a speech coach and for that, I started watching TV more and researched day and night the unsaid things. All thanks to my Cox Omaha which not only helped me in improving my speaking mistakes but when I tried to spread the word over the internet too. Even today, when I am writing this to educate as many people as possible by sharing my research in a write-up. Here are the crucial pointers everyone either a beginner or expert need to keep in mind for public speaking:
- Don’t Start Talking Right Away.
Simon suggests that the speaker should never start talking as soon as walks in. Most of the speakers do, out of nervousness. Doing so indicates insecurity and fear. Rather, choose to walk without uttering a word on the stage. Take a deep breath. Find your spot. Wait a few seconds and then begin. It may sound that it will look a bit drag, boring or very awkward while doing it. But, according to Simon Sinek, who is a motivational speaker, professional guru, and organizational consultant, it will create an impact that you are super confident and have a full charge on the situation.
- Focus On Giving Than Taking.
There are two types of people either you are a giver or doer. The audience can tell, they can feel from a distance if you are a giver or taker. A giver has more credibility. Usually, the speakers give presentations or indulge in long speeches because they are either selling an idea, product or any idea, need followers on social media, sell their books or only to influence in some way.
- Make eye contact with each individual in the audience
When we are on stage, we tend to pan, tread in the left or right direction, or scan the audience and pan. Experts say it is your biggest disconnection because when you are walking you are only moving away from the audience. If you look into their eyes, concentrating on every individual will be much easy and way too effective. Divide your thoughts and give that to every individual without breaking your eye contact with them. Repeat the process until you not done. This little trick will not only improve your confidence and communication but you will end up making many connections. Make sure you are not speaking at your audience, but speaking with them. People will be able to relate with you on an elevated level.
- Speak Slowly
When are nervous or excited, our heart races fast and beats faster. The train of words and thoughts also speed up naturally. It is a proven fact that audiences are very forgiving and even more tolerant. So, without abusing or misusing that, use that with conscious. Take it slow, take pauses and keep your pace slow. Audiences don’t find it amusing when you rush into things. Chances are you might overlap or miss out on something important. Even if you don’t. The audience will assume so and will think they couldn’t grasp what you were saying.
- Ignore the Naysayers
Focus on the people who are nodding their heads in affirmation. Avoid the naysayers. Anyone you find not agreeing with you, disliking your talk, uninterested, not too amused. You cannot please everybody in the room. Keep your attention conscious enough, so, you can divert that if needed. Focus on the people who are enjoying, taking an interest, the curious and intrigued ones, clearly supporting you. Doing so will improve your confidence, you will appear more relaxed and natural. Avoid getting into the trap of pleasing the rest, you will find yourself off track.
- Turn Nerviness into Enthusiasm
Tell yourself by affirming that “I am not nervous, I am excited”. Repeat it to train your mind that you are not under pressure. This is actually how sports player copes with their nervousness, losing or winning the matches. It is under notice particularly when they were seen during press conferences answering the journalists. The pounding heart, tensed nerves, and sweaty hands – all these are symptoms of excitement and joy too –which is why it can be altered easily.
- Thank the Audience when you’re done
Gratitude is the best attitude, make sure you bring it in your presence. The easiest and expected way is to thank the audience when you conclude the speech. Thank you is perceived as one of the magical words in the world followed by Sorry and please – these words do add magic to our conversations and do the wonders always.
- Nervousness Is Normal. Just rehearse more!
Getting nervous, stage fright and anxiety before facing the audience and even during the speech are normal. These are physiological reactions and they do not determine how your performance will be like. As a matter of fact, nervousness oftentimes brings positive results because we end outperforming others and prepare very well all thanks to the anxiety. The adrenaline makes us more alert and helps us get ready for the best outcomes.
- Know Your Audience. Your Speech Is For Them.
The best idea to share anything with the audience is to know them before you prepare. Once you get an idea about the audience, you will know what you want out of the speech and how you will take it further. It will not only give you the confidence boost but will also improve your words. Even better if you craft your speech according to them after doing some research about the audience you are going to address.
- Organize Your Content in the Most Effective Way to Get to Your Purpose.
Start in such a way that you grasp the attention in your first 30 seconds to one minute only. Select your subject, most people in the audience can relate with. A general purpose or something particular, the central idea of something substantial with some pointers.
- Watch for Feedback and Amend if you can.
Be flexible to adjust or change your focus according to the audience’s response. Stay focused on your audience’s reaction to different things and shift if required. A well-prepared speech can look too stern and artificial eventually you can lose the attention in that situation. Perhaps the listeners end up getting confused, so be smart enough to feed them not only throw your message. Be engaging.
- Let Your Personality Come Through.
Show yourself in the conversation, don’t hide behind the well carved, well-prepared speech. You will win more hearts and credibility after showing your original personality. People can relate more and can remember your words once they feel connected with you.
- Add Humor, Tell Stories, and Use Effective Language.
Adding anecdotes, giggles, humorous stories or just sprinkle a few tongue-in-cheek comments, or personal experiences. Make sure the use of effective language and speech rules are not violated but everything looks well in place. A personal touch takes the overall experience to another level. Use them mindfully.
- Don’t Read Unless You Have to. Use Speaker Notes
If you plan on reading a script or slides from a presentation – please don’t! Doing so takes the soul away from the speech most of the times. Speakers’ notes would be fine. Outline or coming from bulletins is also fine.
- Utilize Your Voice and Hands. Forget Nervous Nods.
For speeches, the choice of words is crucial but when you are giving a speech, body language and non-verbal communication matters a lot. As a matter of fact, it makes the most difference, your tone, and voice quality, hand movements, posture or whatever that comes under this category. Make the most of it by using them mindfully.