MASTERING PUBLIC SPEAKING

The underlying truth is, public speaking mastery emanates with practice. The more and regularly you get yourself in front and acquainted with people, the more engaging and eloquent you will be. Never let the fear of public speaking keeps you from making difference and broadening your ideas. Volunteer for opportunities and put yourself out there. With practice and some solid tips, you will soon see progress and great change

Here are few tips to Master Public Speaking:

1. Practice, practice and practice.

You know the saying “practice makes perfect”? Practice is essential to mastering the skill of public speaking. Take every chance you get to jump in from of a crowd and share your passion. Practice with friends, families and even alone in a cool undisturbed place. Sometimes try to record yourself if you are practicing along to be able to know where an improvement has to be made and check your tone level.

2. Show off your passion

If you are passionate and educated about the topic or messaged you are trying to share, you will naturally be more confident and comfortable getting in front of people.

3. Jump in head first

The only way to face your fear is to commit and jump in head first. Volunteer to speak in larger group setting. Look for opportunities where you bring value to the group or topic at hand

4. Make eye contact and be aware of your body language.

Focus on your audience and connect with them through one-on-one eye contact. This does not only re-engages them, if they are nodding off, but also is also genuine gesture to let them know you are observing their reactions. Pacing fidgeting, darting your eyes and tapering off your sentences are all signs of nerves

5. Talk slowly

Speed talking creates greater chance for error in your message and makes it hard for your audiences to follow along. Slow it down and think before you speak. There is nothing worse than saying something inappropriate or irrelevant and not being able to take it back like saying insert foot in mouth.

6. Leave room for pauses

When you pause, it gives you the ability to collect you thoughts. If you happen to find yourself going down the wrong path, take a minute to think about your next point and move on. You can also use a pause if you want to reinforce a point you just make or create a sense of importance. The pause often can take the place of an exclamation point without raising your voice or jumping up and down.

7. Remember to breathe

Deep breaths are good for the soul. If you find your nerves getting the best of you, take a minute and count to ten.

8. Smile

If you are happy and you know it, show it through your smile. Smile is a source of attraction and sometimes proves your confidence in the things you are doing.

9. Engage your audience

Aske the audience questions, ask for feedback and let them tell their stories. When your audience is involved, you will see much more interest in the topic at hand