When someone asks you to make a speech, what is your initial reaction? If you are like most people, it is sheer terror! But this is quite unfortunate. Because public speaking does not necessarily imply speaking to a large audience. There are millions of people around the world who do not aspire to greatness on the podium. Instead, as office managers or team leaders, they should speak to a small group of people. But even that little task can give most group leaders the chills. But the good news is that anyone, with a little training and motivation, can become a good public speaker. In truth, if you want to be successful as an effective public speaker, you will need to learn and adopt certain public speaking strategies. Here are some public speaking tips to make you shine on the podium.
1) Choose the correct topic.You should choose a topic that you are familiar with and have strong feelings about. It is really disastrous to talk about something that is not in your domain and it is very likely that you will make a fool of yourself if you do. However, if you step on familiar terrain, you will feel comfortable and safe to talk about your subject.
two) Organize your points thoughtfully and logically. Your talk should have a beginning: a short introduction about what you are going to say; a medium in which you elaborate your theme; and an ending that sums up what you just said.
3) Rehearse your speech in private. Once you’ve planned your presentation, it’s time to practice giving it. Better if you do it alone. Remember, you are not starting a discussion here. You will have to speak to yourself and logically present what you would like to say. Therefore, you would do well to practice in front of the mirror like an experienced actor. Be positive and try to “see” and “hear” the positive feedback you will get when you have them under your control.
4) Don’t resort to elaborate notes. No previously written speech can sound spontaneous. You are doomed if you do that. At best, you can take short notes, consisting of just a few words, that will guide you to your destination.
5) Be friendly with your audience. Don’t be formal and stuffy. Begin your talk by keeping a simple conversation style. Use humor as much as you can, but only in the right places. And please avoid stale and worn jokes, which will just add to the boredom.
6) Bring your speech to a climactic end. The final words should be carefully crafted so that they continue to resonate in your listeners’ ears even after you are done. Install them, exhort them for a course of action, and leave them wanting more. .
The old saying “Practice makes perfect” also applies to public speaking. In fact, the more you practice, the better you will become. So whenever you get a chance to speak, don’t panic. You will gradually develop your self-confidence and your speaking skills if you put your mind in place.