- Effective public speaking involves making good eye contact. Just before beginning to talk, a speaker should look at the audience. Although it's impossible to focus on each person in a large audience an effective speaker can make eye contact on a small cluster of people and then move to another area of the audience. With smaller audiences it is easier to make eye contact with individuals, if only for a brief period of time.
- Rather than read a speech, effective public speakers use note cards containing key words. Just a word or phrase is able to trigger a particular thought so a speaker can cover it without reading a speech. Note cards shouldn't be crammed with too much information as this could cause a speaker to be too dependent on them. In other words, a speaker needs to appear more confident in his or her knowledge than in what is written on the note cards. However, to be effective, speakers should also include interesting statistics or quotations, which, of course, need to be read.
- By tying their points together using transitions, speakers make their talks more effective. Such sign posts as "first" and "finally," let an audience know where a speaker is in a speech. Another transition is known as internal summary, which means including a point just made and then letting the audience know it's time to move on to the next point. For example, a speaker could say, "Now that we've covered symptoms of the disease, let's continue, next focusing on treatments." This way a speech is organized and the people know what comes next, in addition to the audience being more able to follow the speaker.
- Effective public speakers include stories and personal experiences in speeches that connect the audience with the speaker. This is especially helpful in adding interest to what would ordinarily be a boring technical presentation. Speakers can relate even more to their audiences by being transparent. By admitting they're human and have made mistakes an audience is more likely to hear what a speaker wants to say.
- Effective speaking involves enthusiasm about the topic. Nothing is more boring than a monotone voice or one that doesn't show variation in speed. A speaking voice should slow down when a dramatic point is about is made. When conveying enthusiasm, a speech needs to speed up. Also, pauses should be used when needed for effectiveness
- How a speaker stands and moves affects the effectiveness of a speech. Instead of standing behind the lectern, public speakers often stand closer to their audiences, being able to move when making points. Movements should be linked with a purpose.For example, speakers often take a step toward the audience when trying to encourage people. Facial expressions are also important such as smiling when saying pleasant things and showing other emotions to match the topic.
- When concluding a speech, it's helpful to give an audience something to do. For example, a speaker might conclude by saying, "As a result of this presentation, I challenge you to go home and write your school board officials letters supporting..." Besides an assignment, a good speaker can give an audience something to think about, ponder or consider.
