Every now and then, you will find yourself in a situation where you may have to speak in front of people. To some, public speaking is a walk in the park while to others, it is a nightmare they never want to encounter. The mere thought of standing before people to speak causes them to get so nervous that they forget what they are about to say. The good news is that anyone can become good at speaking in public. You just have to be ready to face your fears and follow the following tips:
Whether it is giving a speech at the office party, giving a presentation to your bosses or speaking at a forum, the foremost important thing is to know the topic you are going to speak about. Be sure to research on it so that you are well informed. Ensure the topic is interesting by incorporating stories and even humor. This will help grasp the attention of the audience.
Stand in front of a mirror and practice your speech as though your audience were present in the room. You could ask your colleague or friends to analyze your presentation and provide tips on where to improve. Practicing your speech will help you familiarize yourself with it and also enable you time yourself so that it is neither too long nor too short.
This is very important. Knowing your audience can make or break you as a public speaker. The way you communicate with college students is different from how you dialogue with your colleagues at work. There needs to be a clear distinction.
Ensure you dress professionally and that you are comfortable in your clothing. First impressions last plus you do not want to have a wardrobe malfunction when all eyes are on you. Ensure that you are well groomed as well.
Most importantly be relaxed. Breathe in and out and compose yourself before you give the speech. It is never too serious. Engage your audience to break the ice and do involve them in your presentation. Do not beat yourself up over mistakes. You are probably the only one that noticed.
With the above tips and by repeatedly speaking in public, you will gain experience, get more confident and be volunteering for more chances to speak before people in no time at all.