The Top Rules Of Public Speaking

According to Jerry Seinfeld, people's biggest fear is public speaking, even outranking death. A study by Chapman University found that over a quarter of 1,500 surveyed Americans were afraid of public speaking. However, overcoming this fear can provide many benefits, including a boost to self-esteem and improved business success. Here are nine keys to unlock public speaking:

1. Practice is crucial. Take Mark Twain's advice and prepare for weeks to deliver a seemingly effortless speech or presentation.

2. Embrace your nerves. Everyone gets nervous, so don't let it trap you in a cycle of worry. Put less pressure on yourself, embrace the nerves, and remember it isn't a life or death situation.

3. Body language is crucial. Non-verbal communication conveys 93% of any message, according to Dr Albert Mehrabian. Gestures are a fundamental part of language and help hold the audience's attention.

4. Set the right tone. The vocal elements, such as tone, deliver 38% of any message. A speaker's voice may be twice as important as the message itself, so vary your tone and speed to keep the audience engaged.

5. Know your audience. You cannot engage an audience without knowing their interests and motivations. Understanding who you are speaking to and why they are listening is crucial to making a connection.

6. Keep it simple. Avoid complex language and jargon. Use simple, easy-to-understand words and concepts that your audience can relate to.

7. Tell a story. Storytelling is a powerful tool in public speaking. People remember stories, not just facts and figures.

8. Keep it brief. Be concise and keep to the point. Avoid rambling and keep your presentation short and focused.

9. Finish strong. The last impression is the lasting impression, so make sure you end your presentation or speech with a strong, memorable conclusion.