5 Tips to Improve your Public Speaking

Do you feel nervous? Except cockroach & lizards – Public speaking also scared us. Some of us have stage fear, some are introvert and shy.

A wonderful saying by Maya Angelou “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 

Being uneasy is normal when someone is introvert. Don’t make it your personality it is just the feeling when we have to stand in front of our bosses at town hall meetings or a large number of people. Speaking in front of a huge gathering is not easy, many of us still shake their legs and get a sweat on hands. Some will get gleam when stand at the podium & many of us thinks to run from there. 

Here are a few quick tips to remember before going for public speaking.

1. Do practice a lot! You need to hold your audience with the powerful speech. You should be clear with your thoughts, what message you want to convey? Few minutes are very essential to bind the crowd. Don’t be scripted to make your sketch. Good public speakers also make their speech perfect by practicing more & more. You should also try to practice more in front of a mirror or take help from your family/friend by practicing in front of them. 
2. Be your own – How can you unite with your audience? What impact you left on your audience? let your personality speaks this will help you to engage more with an audience. It’s a two-way communication, be a good listener as well try to notice a few things when you are standing in front of your audience. See how your audience is responding through their body movements, are they showing any interest in what you are saying, or they just yawning or showing some expressions which seems they are getting bored. If they are getting bored, it is a time to change your style of speaking, or put some humor in your speech or put some interesting facts. 
3. Prepare – You should be ready with your notes. Create a draft with a few pointers that will help you with your speech. It will be great if you know your audience, and prepare accordingly, what approach you are going to take to grab your audience attention. It will look more natural if you make your direct eye contact with your audience. Whenever you speak to someone or targeting the crowd always remember to look at every one. It should not look like staring. 
4. Alert! Non-verbal communication brings your idea very clear don’t distract your audience by your positions. Keep an eye on your posture & standing movement. Use your gesture very carefully! Your audience will read you through your facial expression & body language. You should also focus on your tone of voice and also avoid repetitive words. 
5. Believe in yourself, be confident! You should welcome your audience by using such words as “Hello everyone! Today we are going to discuss”, welcome them with a warm smile. Try to share some facts, short stories, and some motivational quotes. This will pull the audience towards you.  

We can’t be perfect, but small practice can make us a good public speaker. As a speaker be confident & welcome your audience with heartily smile. Be on time if you’re bind with some timeslot. Do check your microphones before you start with your speech. If you are introduced by someone thanks them or speak something little about them. Conclude your speech with some message that can leave a good impact on your audience.