Public Speaking Lessons

Many people find public speaking one of the most daunting aspects of their careers.

For many people, the thought of speaking in public is terrifying. Many worry about the way they will appear to the audience, fear that they might suddenly lose the ability to speak mid-presentation. Fearing public speaking makes delivering a strong, confident presentation more difficult, causing the fearful presenter to fret even more. Learning how to deliver a convincing and strong public speech can help you overcome your fear of public speaking.

Storytelling

Practicing storytelling allows you to work on pronouncing and enunciating. Stories allow you to focus on your delivery rather than on the content of your speech. Use familiar stories such as fairy tales or family history for the ease of remembering the story. To maintain a formal tone, avoid informal stories such as what you did on the weekend. Practice in the mirror, with a group of friends or even portraits to work on maintaining eye contact with your audience.

Body Language

Effective use of body language is essential to delivering a convincing and persuasive public speech. Non-verbal communication, such as body language and posturing, accounts for between 55 and 70 percent of communication. Practice standing straight with your weight evenly dispersed between both feet. Avoid shifting from one foot to the other as you stand. Keep your shoulders pulled back and your arms at your sides to maintain an open posture.

Reading Practice

Speeches present a particular difficulty in maintaining eye contact with your audience if you use aids such as note cards or slides. Write out bullet points on either note cards or slides to help you remember an unfamiliar story. Practice telling the story from bullet points and reference your notes as little as necessary. Read the first bullet to remember the first portion of the story. Glance at the second bullet to know when you need to look back at your notes. Tell the story up to the second bullet point and then read the second bullet point and glance at the third. Repeat this process until the end of your notes to ensure that you look at your notes only when necessary.

Rehearsal

Rehearse your final speech with a few close friends. Having a friendly audience decreases the stress about speaking and allows you the opportunity to iron out any difficulties in your speech. Pay attention to what parts of your presentation went smoothly and where, if at all, your pacing slowed down. Review your notes and make adjustments to bullet points that were unclear while you were presenting. Ask your friends for their thoughts on where you could improve. Rehearse the speech one final time after having made your adjustments.

References

• Saskatchewan Education: Speaking And Listening Activities
• Teachnet: Delivering A Persuasive Speech
• AAOS: Non-Verbal Communication

Resources

• Kennesaw: Speech And Public Speaking