Many people struggle when it comes to public speaking. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In this article, I’m going to give you 5 public speaking tips for more confidence that will improve the quality of your performance.
Ready for our 5 public speaking tips for more confidence?
1. Know your subject
To be able to speak with authority, you need to know your subject matter inside out. If it’s not a topic which you’re completely familiar with then take the time out to do your research. Fact-check everything and learn it off by heart. This will give you the confidence needed to speak with passion. Fully engaging with your audience.
2. Practice
Another non-negotiable element of confidence is practice. Practice alone, in front of a mirror, present to friends and record yourself. Ask for constructive feedback and assess yourself, tweaking and improving all the time. Get used to your body language and tonality which works best in your delivery. It is important to be comfortable with who you are, how you look and how you sound and then own it when public speaking.
3. Know your audience
How you deliver your speech will rely heavily on who you are speaking to. You wouldn’t speak to a group of school children the same way you’d speak to a group of parents. Just like a physics joke may bomb when addressing a group of social scientists. Take some time to research your audience. Get an idea of how they speak, the language they use and their ideologies.
Also, take the time to get to know the place where you will present. The building, the room and the stage. Is there any equipment you need to learn how to use? Can you do a soundcheck? Where will the audience be in relation to where you will stand and is there an adequate place for your notes? Knowing these things will eliminate the unknown therefore increasing your confidence before you go on stage.
4. Picture the moment
Lots of great speakers, athletes and performers use visualisation. It’s a tool which has helped many to achieve great things. Imagine yourself giving an amazing speech. Take the time to think about all the details. The script, changing slides, your body language and tonality. Where you will stand, how you will interact with your audience and your performance. Visualise the day many times from start to finish. See it, hear it and feel it. As it becomes familiar you will begin to feel confident, relaxed and in control of your nerves.
5. Focus on your message
Focus on what you need to say and how you’re engaging with your audience. Think about what you want them to take away from your speech. Do not focus on what you look like. Whether your hair is Ok or what others are thinking about your appearance. Your audience isn’t there to judge you, they want to hear what you have to say.
If you make a mistake then chances are your audience won’t even notice. They don’t know your script after all. Just smile, take a breath and move on to the next point. Make it feel like it was meant to be and chances are no one will know. Even if they do notice a mistake, make them admire the way you own it, keep your confidence and move on. Your main focus should be your message. Using it to educate, inspire, entertain and motivate your audience.
Public Speaking Tips for More Confidence
To speak confidently, you must know your subject. You should also practice while making amendments and streamlining your speech. When you are not practising, take the time to visualise and live the day in your mind. Learn about your audience and when you are performing, focus on your message.
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If you would like further guidance then contact me at sonal@sonaldave.com
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