How to become a public speaker- some things you have to know

 

Speaking in public can be a challenge for many people. This is especially true if you are not used to giving speeches in public. Also, if you are like many people, you may even be scared to speak in public.

What is public speaking?

Public speaking is called the set of techniques, rules, or principles that allow us to express ourselves eloquently and more clearly before a specific audience. It is not only the mere fact of speaking to others, but it can also be used as a motivational, persuasive, informational, or simple entertainment tool. Public speaking is the art of speaking or communicating orally with other people with the aim of informing them, teaching them, instructing them, convincing them, entertaining them, selling them something, or persuading them to do something in particular.

Why is public speaking important?

Public speaking is important if someone is to have a career and be successful. It can be a conversation with a boss, a presentation in a meeting, or a speech to an audience at a conference. It is important that you get your points across during your speech and that you do not lose the attention of your audience. If your speaking skills are poor, you can lose a promotion. With good speaking skills, you will move up in your career. You have to have language skills and speaking skills to be successful. With practice, you can optimize your ability to make great public speaking. The more you give a speech, the better you will speak in public. Becoming an extraordinary speaker is an achievable goal if you practice until you perfect your technique.

The fear of public speaking:

Most people feel scared when asked to speak in front of an audience. These people have no problem speaking in front of a few friends, but they are afraid to speak in front of strangers. They fear that things can go wrong. What if I lose my vote? Can I speak clearly and fluently? Will I remember what to say What if I lose the thread? What will people think of me? How will I appear in general?

The most important rule for public speaking is to know very well what you are talking about. It may sound obvious, but the truth is that most speakers who have difficulty speaking in public do not have a clear idea of ​​what they want to convey to their audience.

Therefore, you need to know exactly what you want the audience to capture, for which it would also be very useful to write down the three or four main points, and think about them. You don't have to be a human encyclopedia, so too much information could backfire on your speech. Skills in making great public speeches can be learned and take practice. With every speech you give, you will get better and better.

Here are the top 10 tips for becoming a public speaker:

1. Schedule At Least One Practice

For your speech to be truly effective, it is important to be comfortable about what you give it. But don't be really comfortable with your presentation unless you are familiar with the subject. The best way to get familiar with the topic is to practice your speech at least once (more, if you can work on it in additional practice sessions).

Practice not only helps you become familiar with the material, it also allows you to work on any rough areas in your presentation. And if you are able to practice your speech in front of someone, you can use their opinions to make it even better. Practice in front of a mirror multiple times before your lecture. The more you practice, the better results you will get.

2. Get Sufficient Sleep the Night Before

Sleep deprivation can affect the way you give your speech. First, studies show that lack of sleep can affect your memory - making it harder to remember your speech. Also, not getting enough sleep can make it more difficult to control your emotions, which can also mean that we must remain calm during your speech.

If you regularly struggle with getting enough sleep at night, or if you suspect that you won't get to sleep the night before your presentation, you'll want to take extra steps to get a good night's sleep. Being well-rested will help you give a better speech.

3. Look for an attractive title

The reason for the meeting can be spectacular; your talk, one of the most convincing and expected. Although if the title of the exhibition is more of the same, you already have points against it. Use your creativity and innovation to headline in an attractive way. Think of it as a movie or a book that you want to make an impact on a large number of people. Capture their attention from the first minute, and you will have them with you all the time.

4. Own the situation

In the first moments of a speech, the link between the audience and the speaker is established. Smile, thank the person who presented you and then wait a moment.

Don't start until you've caught everyone's attention. Each of these people will immediately understand that the speaker is speaking to them, and their brain will be ready to pay attention. That is precisely what you want.

When the audience has become attentive, make eye contact. Pick three friendly faces: one on the right, one on the left, and one in the center. Then go to one, then to another, and thus you will be able to cover the entire audience.

5. Use the appropriate language

Just as important as the message is to use the appropriate language for the audience. The choice is determined by the type of audience. The important thing is not to fall into too much sophistication or gimmicks when giving a speech. The simpler, flatter, concrete, and tangible, the better. Speak however you feel comfortable to simply explain an idea. Of course, avoid vulgar words.

6. Don't read, just speak

Reading in front of an audience is not as effective as speaking directly and with your heart; the spontaneous expression may not be as polished, but it is definitely better.

It is not advisable to write speeches, but it is advisable to keep notes to remember what you want to say, and know where you are going. A good idea is to make bullets with the main points or with important data that you want to publicize.

7. Prepare the presentation with a logical order

Many people believe that preparing a speech is simply gathering information and reciting it. And what is not prepared is improvised. Unless you are an experienced public speaker, the suggestion is that always and without exception, you take enough time to prepare the material. Every speech must have its structure: beginning, middle, and end.

8. Pauses Are Powerful

Short pauses help pace your speech and also help you remember to breathe. Regular and strategic work pauses your speech. Pause a few seconds after each paragraph. (You may be actually counting by two in your head.) Use longer pauses before introducing a new idea for dramatic emphasis, especially if the idea is important.

Pauses are so important to effective speaking that I suggest including major pauses in your speech outline as a reminder to yourself. So don't forget to pause during your presentation.

If you are giving a long speech, you will also want to give your audience a break during the speech. Not only will your audience be more comfortable if you give them a break, but a break also gives members of the audience a chance to ask each other a private or network question.

9. Use examples and make comparisons

When structuring the speech, the main objective is to reach the public with your message. One of the main difficulties is the need to carry abstract or difficult ideas. In, this case, look for examples, draw parallels, use metaphors and analogies to make your exposition clearer. The resource of comparisons is also extremely effective; it consists of comparing what you are expressing with elements or situations from other areas, which you sense may be known to your audience and which, at the same time, have a certain resemblance to the subject.

10. Ending with a Strong Note

The last things you say to your audience are almost as important as the first things you say. On the one hand, if you place their attention during your speech the entire audience is probably really interested in your message. But even if they're not interested, many people tune in again at the close of a presentation.

Be sure to make the most of your closing speech. During the closing, you should not only summarize your message but also let your audience know what additional steps to take next. If you've only given one sales presentation, this is called the "call to action." It is where you ask your potential customers for your business.

To make the closing of your speech more memorable, try adding an attention grabber like a story that illustrates your message or a well-made video that summarizes your speech.