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Here, you can find some practical advice for improving your public speaking skills.
At the bottom of the page, you can see some examples of the dos and don’ts in public speaking. Thorough preparation
Begin your preparation as early as possible. Choose a subject you are excited about. Go over your material, until you know it by heart. Practice your speech from start to end in front of a mirror or preferably in front of an audience. Use the entire day, of the presentation, to warm up your voice by using it as much as possible.
Get the best odds
The day before your presentation, make sure to go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep. Fill up your energy resources and make sure you are full. Be sure to arrive at the venue early in order to avoid being late. If you tend to sweat a lot, then avoid clothes which reveal this - for instance white t-shirts. Make sure you feel and look good. Absolutely avoid coffee, alcohol and other stimulants.
Relax, relax, relax...
Relax all your muscles, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Find a place where you can be alone in order to prepare and calm yourself down before your presentation. Be optimistic about your actions, because no matter how it turns out, it will be a victory that you did not back out. Remember, practice makes perfect!
Smile, you’re on!
Avoid getting a slow start, and put all your energy into your presentation from the very first minute. Try to be positive and active once you are on, and thereby give yourself a good and solid start. Seek imidiate contact with your audience and introduce yourself.
Eye contact
The attention from the audience can be overwhelming, and it might help you to only have eye contact with one person in your audience. In time, you will be able to switch between two or more people. Build up your confidence around eye contact slowly and securely.
Remember to breathe
Avoid getting short of breath, so be aware of breathing in lots of air before and during your speech.
Water is your friend
If you feel your throat is drying up, a sip of water might help you. Also, if you need a short, private break in your speech, take a drink of water.
Script your speech
When preparing your speech you need to attend to the structure of your presentation. You should start with an appetizer, which will catch the attention of your audience. Then it’s time for your main contents. You should ensure to have an excited ending to your speech. Always remember who you are talking to, and adapt your contents to your target audience. You can use your manuscript during your speech, yet it is better if you can stick with cue cards, and even better without anything at all.
Your amazing voice
Your voice is an incredible instrument, which you should make full use of. Do not speak in a monotone voice, rather create variation and depth. Change from speaking loud to quiet and dark to light. Find new, hidden depths in your voice. During the presentation, make sure you never speak too fast or monotonous, and consider breaks of 2-3 seconds, as these can give your speech a good variation.
The ABC of body language
Remember to never put your hands in your pockets or fold your arms when speaking. Try to be as natural as possible in your body langauge. Do not hold back, but rather use your entire body in your presatation – use your face, your arms, your hands and move around on the floor. As far as possible, keep eye contact with your audience, but it is important that you do not stare.
Radiate energy
If you show your personality during your speech, you are likely to arouse an extra interest with your audience. Be happy, smile, laugh and have self-irony. However, make sure this does not overshadow your speech and your message.
Technical control is crucial
If you wish to use a power point show, a black board or the likes in your presentation, you need to be prepared and acquainted with these devices. Make sure you do not waste precious time on technical malfunctions. Your helping device should be in harmony with your speech not overshadowing it.
Evaluation
It can be very useful to see oneself when speaking in public. We recommend that you record your presentations and ask others for feedback on your performance.
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