How to Use Toastmaster Tips for Public Speaking

Use Toastmaster tips for public speaking to deliver an informative and entertaining speech in any setting. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped thousands of men and women boost their confidence, enhance business careers and overcome the common fear of speaking before a group. These are the time tested ways to become a successful public speaker.

Instructions

1. Know your material. There is no substitute for being well prepared and in command of the subject matter of your speech. Pick a topic that interests you. Tell stories, use humor where appropriate and speak in a conversational tone. These techniques help put you and your audience at ease.

2. Practice your presentation. Try speaking before a mirror to check your body language, gestures and facial expressions. Loosen up and strive for a pleasant, engaging manner. Keep rehearsing aloud until you sound and look natural and relaxed. Try to minimize filler words, such as, "um" and "you know." Time your address so you know how long it runs and can adjust to your material to fit the allotted time.

3. Work the room and know your audience before your presentation. Greet people you know, and introduce yourself to a few you don't know. It's easier to speak to a room full of friends and acquaintances than to strangers. Walk around the podium or speaking platform to familiarize yourself with the setup. Make sure the microphone is set at the right height for you and any visual aids are where you can easily get to them.

4. Visualize your audience clapping and smiling approvingly. Imagine yourself speaking in a strong, clear, confident manner. This boosts your confidence before you begin speaking.

5. Try to relax when you step up to deliver your speech. Pause, smile at your audience and take a deep breath before you begin speaking. It may help to count to three silently before beginning. Greet your audience before plunging into your material and remember to slow down and avoid rushing through the speech.

6. Realize that people want you to succeed. The audience wants to hear a good talk, and they want to be informed and entertained. Most of them believe you have something worthwhile to say or you wouldn't be talking to them. Don't apologize for being nervous--they probably won't even notice it if you don't call attention to it.

7. Remember, the audience is interested in the message more than they are in your anxieties. Focus on your subject matter, and the audience will, too.

Tips & Warnings

• Gain experience by taking every opportunity you can to speak. The more often you speak in public, the more confidence you will gain and the more polished a speaker you will become.