How to be a Better Public Speaker

Public speaking is something that many people fear. Yet it is still something that might be required of you at some point in your career. Speakers that are good at what they do have certain traits and inherent talents that make them great, others have many years of practice. Rather than dreading the event or just trying to get by, use these tips to become a more effective public speaker without the years of practice.

1. Be Sure to Give the Audience Something to Take with Them. Very specific takeaways are always valuable to your audience. Give them something they can do immediately and make it translatable across different jobs. When audience members leave your presentation feeling empowered, that will always reflect positively on you.
2. Allow Questions Anytime. Most speakers will have a format where they will only take questions at the end of the speech or presentation. Jump out of this box because questions mean that you are making your audience think about what you are saying AND they are interested.
3. Have a “Plan B”. What if your computer won’t turn on? What if your presentation won’t load or the projector fails? Create in your mind a Plan B option for some of the biggest problems that could go wrong. If you have a backup plan, not only will that be awesome in the event something does go wrong, but the more likely scenario is that you will go in feeling more confident and less stressed out or worried about the “what ifs”.
4. Replace Superstitions with a Routine. Having your good luck charm doesn’t really help you be a better public speaker. Instead, create a routine that you employ before your speaking engagement. It can be walking through the room, checking the microphones and audio-visuals or just seeing the room and the crowd before you take the stage or the podium. You should also eat proteins far enough in advance of your speech to get everything digested. Proteins help release dopamine and epinephrine in your brain. They regulate mental alertness. Eating a healthy protein-rich meal with keep you at the top of your game. Hitting the gym in advance of your speaking engagement isn’t a bad idea either. Even walking or any form of exercise burns off cortisol which is secreted by the adrenal glands when anxious or stressed. A little exercise gets rid of cortisol.
5. Pause for 10 Seconds. Show your confidence with a long pause. Pausing for 10 seconds is long enough to grab the entire audience’s attention. They will recognize that you are a confident speaker and take greater heed at what you are saying.
6. Show and Share Your Emotions. Everyone loves to hear personal and emotional stories. Tell stories about your experience and make them real and emotional. Emotion can easily outdo skill and experience and you will come across as a better speaker the audience can relate to.