Improve Public Speaking and Communication Skills.

A Public Speaking Definition

What is public speaking? Basically, it's a presentation that's given live before an audience. Public speeches can cover a wide variety of different topics. The goal of the speech may be to educate, entertain, or influence the listeners. Often, visual aids in the form of an electronic slideshow are used to supplement the speech. This makes it more interesting to the listeners.

Importance of public speaking:

Throughout our entire life, we are with people most of the time. Whether we are at a meeting, at a family gathering, or giving a presentation we all have to speak in front of people from time to time.

Some people, like renowned leaders/entrepreneurs, are very good at this skill while some become anxious at the thought of presenting in front of people. In today's generation, public speaking has become an important skill for everyone. 

Your public speaking skills can affect your reputation, your self-confidence and can create opportunities for you.

If you feel that your public speaking skills are not up to the mark and need to enhance,  We are here to help you out. With our support and your practice, you can overcome your nervousness and perform exceptionally well. 

So let's start with the Practices for becoming a better speaker.

1.Knowledge of the topic

When you know what to speak then you know how to speak. One of the most important factors of a good presentation is the speaker's knowledge of what he's speaking. A person will not be attending a presentation that doesn't have value or knowledge. 

So, Research and get full knowledge about the topic. This will help you to become more confident to speak as know what you'll be speaking about. And when you speak with confidence you grab people's attention easily.  It will also help in clearing the audience's doubts post-presentation.

The knowledge you possess will help you to organize your speech effectively.

2. Plan for the speech

The next step for a good presentation is planning and organizing the topic you want to speak about. since you have the knowledge of the topic, you'll now be needed to organize it to get into people's minds.

Generally, good content has an introduction, main content, and a conclusion.

Introduction: It is like a book's first paragraph, it has to be a catchy introduction of the topic you want to speak about. It should be effective to grab the audience.

main-content: The main points about the topic should be included here. It should be also organized.

conclusion: It is the last part of your speech and hence it is also important for you to end on a good note. A good conclusion has a brief summary of your speech 

3.Practice

We all know "practice makes perfect!". You cannot be a confident speaker without practice.

One can start his practice on small-scale opportunities to speak in front of others. When you are asked to deliver a speech, prepare the content as early as possible. The earlier you know what to speak the earlier you can start your practice and you can perfect your speech.

Practice your presentation as many times as possible. Practice it alone in front of a mirror, it will help you to know how you appear. It will also get you to know of any mistakes in the content or add any more information.

If possible, practice in front of your friends before the presentation. Else practice alone in front of a mirror.

4.Interact with the audience

People will listen to you when you keep an interesting presentation and not bore them with a monotonous speech.no one will like that and some may leave your presentation in the middle.

When you speak, try to make the speech an interactive one and engage your audience. This will help you in many ways.

It will make the audience active and will listen to you when you address them. It will give you some time off from speaking in the middle of your speech. It will bring some more interesting topics to talk about.

5. Chose your words carefully.

When in a conversation, many people take unusual breaks, repeat sentences/words, or bring our words that have no importance. This has an adverse effect on the quality of the presentation.

 Some words reduce the power of your presentation as a speaker. For example, "umm", "just", "I think", "actually" sound a bit unnecessary and limit your authority and command over the topic. You will sound underconfident. Don't use them.

One way to stop using these words is to frame the sentence in your mind before you speak. 

Pay attention to how you speak. if you are nervous, you'll speak very quickly. This reduces the quality of speech and you will trip over words and eat your words in between. 

Take small breaks and breath before you speak the next sentence. Gather your thoughts, pauses are also an important part of speech and can make you sound confident, natural.

6. Body language

Your confidence depends on your body language. It is the first thing your audience will notice even before you open your mouth to speak the first word!. Sounds crazy but it's true. So maintaining good body language will add quality to your speech.

It will give clues about your inner state to your audience. If you are nervous, the audience will know it.

Pay attention to your body language. Stand up straight, take deep breaths, look people in the eye, feel confident. Don't lean on one leg and don't stand like a robot, it makes things worse!.

While speaking in a hall, many people prefer to stand behind a podium and give a presentation. But this doesn't help in improving your presentation. Instead of standing behind a podium, walk around, use gestures, engage with the audience. The body movement will help in keeping your mind active and hence your quality of voice will improve

 

7. Positive mindset

If you believe that you'll screw up the speech, then you'll definitely screw up. But if you think that the speech will go as planned, then you'll definitely do your best.

A positive mindset makes a huge difference in a good presentation as well as in your life too!.it will help you feel more confident.

Fear ruins all the chances of your success. Use affirmations, visualize yourself giving your best speech. This will definitely improve your confidence.

Cope up with your nerves by imagining a successful speech.

If you are nervous, drink water, use deep breathing exercises if possible. It will surely help.

crowds make anyone feel anxious, so think of your speech as a conversation that you are having with one person.

Key conclusions:

Every individual will have to speak in public one time or the other. While this is a good opportunity to make an impact on others and improve your reputation, but it can also backfire on you if your skills are not good enough. 

1.Knowledge of the topic

2. Plan for the speech

3.Practice

4.Interact with the audience

5. Chose your words carefully.

6. Body language 

7.Positive mindset

If you speak well, then it can help you to get a job or promotion you were craving. Don't be afraid to push yourself to speak in front of others, use the opportunity to the fullest and grow.