People often think that being a public speaker is something that is far beyond their reach. Anyone can improve their skills and become better at communicating with large groups. Here are a few tips on how to be a better speaker.
3. Videotape yourself practicing your speech. Even the most experienced speakers find this to be a helpful exercise. You'd be amazed at how many things you do that are completely unconscious—fidgety movements, weird vocal inflections, favoring one side of the stage, and the list goes on. Sometimes, speakers just don't want to see themselves on camera for fear that they won't like the way they look. However, you have to remember that the rest of your audience is going to see it anyway and "burying your head in the sand" and not seeing yourself won't make you a stronger speaker, it will only hinder you.
2. Learn your topic and understand it in great depth. Even if you are presenting a prepared or memorized speech, it will make a huge difference if you really have a strong grasp of your subject matter. This is important for a couple reasons—first, if you lose your place or forget a line, you'll feel much better about going off script because you know what you're talking about. Second, you speak more confidently when you really understand your content in depth. If someone asks an unexpected question or you decide that the audience needs you to offer an example that might be more relevant to them, you can more easily do this without seeming thrown off.
4. Have fun with your presentation. Of course there are some occasions and subjects that do require a more serious tone. However, you'd be amazed at how much better your audience will receive you if you seem to be really excited and having fun with topics where you have a little more stylistic flexibility. Don't take a silly approach, but BE YOURSELF and be excited about your content. Your audience will certainly appreciate and often feed off your enthusiasm…it can make a world of a difference in how your speech is received!
About the author: Carmen Ross is a professional presenter, with many years of experience in corporate and academic settings. She is currently a certified speaker for Monster.com's Making It Count Programs and the Creative Event Designer & Chief Event Strategist leading S.P. Grace Event Group (www.SPGrace.com)
1. Convince yourself that nobody is better qualified to talk about the topic in the way that you are. The greatest obstacle for most speakers is overcoming fear of being judged or criticized based on what they say. Confidence that you are the expert, at least for the time you're speaking, is critical to coming across to your audience as credible and qualified to talk to them about your presentation topic. Tell yourself positive things about your qualifications to speak on your subject. Remind yourself that the audience is listening to you for a reason—you know something that they need to hear and all you have to do is get it out for them.
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