Boost: Introduction to Public Speaking: Public Speaking 101

Public Speaking 101

Know your audience

Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.

Practice with distractions.

Once you know the content, add a little bit of distraction to test how well prepared I really am

Find a style that works for you.

Different events will often require a different approach or style
Sometimes reading a prepared speech is fine. But know it backward are forward so you're not staring down at the pages the whole time.
Some use notes.
Others prefer to be 100 percent scripted and memorized. If that's your style, memorize the content so well that you can go off script if needed -- and so you don't sound like you're reciting a poem.
Use the proper approach for the appropriate event.

Know the environment.

Know the venue where you will be speaking. Get there well ahead of time.
Get a feel for the vibe of the environment so you are more comfortable when its "go time."

Test all equipment.

Nothing sucks more that last-minute technical difficulties.
Avoid adding even more stress by testing any and all equipment and audio visual functions ahead of time.
Have backups if applicable

Practice in front of a mirror.

Practicing in front of a mirror is a good way to learn the proper amount of body motion, hand usage and facial expressions.

Take every opportunity to speak.

The only way to get better at anything is to do it all the time. Rehearsing is good, but nothing compares to actually getting up in front of an audience and doing it for real.

Remember, communication is much more about tone and body language than the words we say. The words of course matter, but emphasis comes with movement and body language.

Slow down.

Nothing shows nerves more than racing through your presentation.
If you want to impact the audience in a meaningful way, make sure they actually hear what you are saying.

Make eye contact.

This one is very important, and it doesn't matter how big the audience is. Make eye contact with as many people as possible. It makes the audience members feel like you are speaking directly to them.
Don't just stick to people in the first couple rows. Look at the people in the back too.

If your goal is to become a thought leader or actually teach the audience something, only a truly authentic understanding of the material will get you there.

Similar to slowing things down, make a point to take long pauses. And make them longer than you even think is appropriate.
It can have a great impact on emphasizing key points and emotionally connecting to the audience.

Don't just eek your way through a speech using the same tone and volume.
Tone and projection add a layer of entertainment and help keep the audience fully engaged from start to finish.

It doesn't matter what you are talking about. There is always a place for emotion or humor, or both.
The audience may not remember everything you said, but they will remember how you made them feel.

Find time during the hour before your speech for some solitude. Get your mind right. Clear your head. If it's five minutes before, just relax. The time for making sure you know the material perfectly has passed.

It's almost impossible to feel stress and anxiety after a good workout. If you have the time, exercise. The closer to your speech, the better. It's also a good time to practice.

The more you project confidence, the more confident you are likely to feel. Get out there and own the room. Even if you are terrified. Fake it. Look people in the eye and command their attention.

When in doubt, go under the allotted time. Less is sometimes more. But never, ever, go over.
It's poor speaking etiquette and shows you are not prepared. It's also disrespectful of the agenda for the event. Again, just practice.

Most of us don't like to ask for feedback, especially when we know the response may include some constructive criticism.
It is important to take criticism and use to improve for your next presentation