Tips for effective public speaking

Tips for effective public speaking

1.  Have knowledge about the topic which you are talking about: Talk about something which you are interested in. Collect as much information about it as possible. Use stories and examples in your talk.
2.  Practice your talk: Rehearse your speech in its entirety. Practice with a timer and allow time for the unexpected.
3.  Know the audience: Try to create a rapport with the audience. It’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to strangers. 
4.  Know the stage: Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids. 
5. Relax: Begin by addressing the audience. It gives time to calm yourselves. Transform nervousness into enthusiasm. 
6.  Don’t apologize: Don’t apologize for any nervousness or problem-the audience probably never noticed it. 
7. Concentrate on the message-not the medium: Focus your attention on your message and your audience and forget all your anxieties and nervousness.
8. Reflect confidence: Your speech should represent you as an authority and as a person. Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking.

                          Dress appropriately for the occasion. Look pleasant, enthusiastic, confident and proud. Appear relaxed, even if you feel nervous. Speak clearly and show appropriate emotions and feelings relevant to your topic. Establish rapport with your audience. Speak loud enough so that your voice reaches the back of the room. Vary the tone of your voice and dramatize if necessary. If a microphone is available, adjust and adapt your voice accordingly.

                         Appropriate body language adds to the effectiveness of the talk. Use audio-visual aids or if necessary. Master the use of presentation software such as power point well before your presentation. Speak with conviction as if you really believe in what you are saying. Persuade your audience effectively. The material you present orally should have a logical progression. It should start from introduction and proceed to the body with strong supporting arguments, accurate and up-to-date information and reach at the conclusion. Maintain sincere eye contact with your audience. Use your eye contact to make everyone in your audience feel involved. Be ready for the feedback from the audience. Always be prepared for the unexpected. Keep the audience interested in your presentation by using humorous stories and examples. If you are using audio-visual aids in your presentation, be well prepared. Give handouts at the appropriate time. 

                         The most important aspect of a talk is to know when to stop talking. Do not extend your speech for a long time. End your presentation with an interesting remark or a punch line. Leave your listeners with a positive note and a sense of completion. Thank the audience.

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