Tips on Public Speaking & Communication Skills
Just the thought of getting up in front of a crowd and projecting your voice can induce panic and anxiety in people. While some individuals crave the spotlight of public speaking, others need a little coaxing. Finding ways to relax and project confidence can help you deliver a better speech and connect with the audience.
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Practice
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Practice the speech beforehand, unless you have a real talent for speaking in front of a group and can think quickly. Write down what you want to say, then perform it out loud in front of the mirror and another person. If you don't want anyone to hear it, record the session with a tape recorder to capture how you'll sound. Listen for any mistakes and make adjustments. Practice looking around the room, focusing on specific spots to help you make eye contact. Also practice breath control by avoiding upper thoracic (throat) breathing, and try to breathe from your diaphragm, which will help you project to the back of the room.
Know Your Audience
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Before preparing a speech, take into account the mood the audience will most likely be in. Is it going to be a festive occasion or somber? Knowing the mood will help set the tone for your speech. If possible, speak with some of the audience beforehand. Try to gather information and maybe an discover an anecdote you can use. Adding a personal touch to the speech will help you better relate to the crowd, letting them feel important because you took the time to make the speech specific to them.
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Disruptions
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Loud noises or an unruly person can throw off a speaker's timing. But before acknowledging the problem, try to assess how the crowd feels about the disturbance. If they don't seem to notice, taking time to point out the problem might not be worth it. But if you get the sense that a disturbance is bothering most of them, then bring it up. Stay confident though. How you respond can dictate how the crowd responds. After the situation has been resolved, try to make a small joke or simply get back to the speech.
Visual Aids
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Using visual aids can help engage an audience and take pressure off the speaker. If you decide to use visual aids, plan ahead. Show up early and make sure you're familiar with the equipment. Practice your speech while using the device, such as a projector. Make sure to keep speaking when setting up in order not to lose the audience. Keep the visuals simple and easy to read. If a slide has writing on it, make sure the font is large enough to be read from the back of the room.
Performance
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Avoid milk and other dairy products before speaking, which can coat your larynx and cause you to clear your throat. When getting to the stage, take a deep breath, look out at the crowd, and make a pleasant expression, like smiling, before speaking. Speak naturally and clearly and make eye contact. Don't bury your head in your notes. An engaged audience is a listening audience, so engage them. Look around the room, take advantage of the stage if possible. Move confidently and watch out for anything you might trip on. When finished, keep your head up all the way back to your seat.
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References
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