20 Tips for Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

Public speaking is an essential skill that we all need to master at some point in our lives. Whether it's giving a speech at your sister's wedding, addressing your team, teaching a course, or presenting to a judge, everyone wants to do well. So why leave things to chance? Here are some tips to help you become a confident and effective public speaker:

1. Know your audience

Before you start speaking, know who your audience is and what they want or need to take away from your speech. If it's friends and family, entertain them. If it's a corporate event, teach and inspire them. Understanding the demographic of your audience is crucial.

2. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse

Practice makes perfect, so practice your speech every day leading up to the event. Prepare your goals and content well ahead of time, and rehearse in different environments to simulate the actual setting.

3. Practice with distractions

To test how well-prepared you are, add distractions to your practice sessions. Rehearse while watching TV or pushing your child on a swing. Anything that adds more challenge is beneficial.

4. Find a style that works for you

Different events require different styles of presenting. Some people prefer to read a prepared speech, while others prefer to be 100% scripted and memorized. Know your approach, and use it to fit the appropriate event.

5. Know the environment

Familiarize yourself with the venue where you will be speaking. Walk around the room, and get a feel for the vibe of the environment. This will help you feel more comfortable when it's time to speak.

6. Test all equipment

Test all equipment and audio-visual functions ahead of time to avoid last-minute technical difficulties. Always have a backup plan.

7. Practice in front of a mirror

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

8. Take every opportunity to speak

The more you practice, the better you will become. Take every opportunity to speak, and never stop practicing.

9. Practice body language and movement

Communication is much more than the words we say. It's also about tone and body language. Practice using your body to communicate your message.

10. Slow down

Speak slowly and clearly. Rushing through your speech shows nerves, and the audience may miss important points. Remember, "slow is smooth, and smooth is fast."

11. Make eye contact

Make eye contact with as many people in the audience as possible. This helps the audience feel like you're speaking directly to them.

12. Know your material

If you want to become a thought leader or teach the audience something, you need an authentic understanding of the material.

13. Take long pauses

Long pauses can emphasize key points and emotionally connect with the audience. Take longer pauses than you think are appropriate.

14. Practice tone and projection

Use tone and projection to keep the audience engaged. Don't speak in the same tone and volume throughout the speech.

15. Use humor and emotion

Inject humor and emotion into your speech, regardless of the topic. This will make the speech more interesting and memorable.

16. Mentally prepare

Take some time before your speech to clear your head and mentally prepare. Find a quiet place to relax and get into the right mindset.

17. Exercise before you go on

Exercising before the speech can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Practice your speech while running or swimming.

18. Project confidence

Project confidence when you speak, even if you're terrified. Command attention by looking people in the eye.

19. Take feedback and learn from it.

After your speech, ask for feedback from someone you trust. Ask what you did well and what you can improve on. Don't take it personally, but rather use it as an opportunity to grow and become a better speaker.

20. Record yourself.

Finally, If you can, record yourself giving a speech or presentation. This will allow you to see what you did well and where you can improve. It's not always easy to see or hear our own mistakes, but recording yourself can help to identify them.