How to be an Effective Public Speaker

Public speaking is oft listed as the one thing people fear most. Some people would rather get their teeth removed at a dentist than give a speech. It doesn’t have to be that way. With these tips, you’ll overcome your fears and deliver a talk deserving of a standing ovation.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Start with an anecdote. Short stories can immediately engage the audience. Be sure to make them relevant. If your anecdote is about X and your speech about Z, people will get lose focus on your overall message.

2. Speak loudly, but don't shout. Don't mumble. Speak loudly enough that you can be heard in the back of the room. If you have a microphone, arrive early and adjust the volume so that you can be heard if you speak conversationally.

3. Make eye contact. Audiences don’t expect you to memorize your speech verbatim. They also don’t expect to be read to. Making eye contact with different audience members throughout your talk personalizes the speech and keeps your performance from appearing robotic.

4. Keep it loose and conversational. Write key points on index cards you can keep on the table or podium and use them to remind you what to say, but don't read off them. If you know the subject and follow the key points, your speech will have a powerful, improvisational feel.

5. Practice. The more comfortable you are with your message, the more relaxed and conversational your delivery will be.