Public speaking tips

Happy Friday guys! We made it. Today's post is for all the guys and girls who fear speaking in public. Imagine being called unexpectedly, with little time to prepare and you must be ready to speak formally in front of a crowd. Have no fear as I have scraped together tips to keep you on your toes should that faithful day arrive. To prepare for a short formal speech you should identify at least 3 main points, rehearse your presentation, use effective body language and interact with the crowd.

Identify your main points

Write out the main points you wish to speak about. For example, you want to talk about why you love books. Start with three for simplicity. Your points should look like this:

1. I love books because of the book cover designs
2. It helps relax me
3. Books are a great learning resource

Next, you want to expand on these points. Use anecdotes and examples. State why you think these points are true. You can say “I love book covers because I love the designs made by graphic designers and artists. It influences my purchase decision and I like to collect them. Feel free to wing it at this point for short speeches. Finally, wrap up your speech by summarizing your main points. This helps to reinforce your message and leaves a lasting impression.

Rehearse your presentation

It's important to practice your speech multiple times before the actual event. This helps to reduce anxiety and makes you more comfortable with your material. You can practice in front of a mirror, record yourself to observe your body language or rehearse in front of friends or family to get feedback. The more prepared you are the less nervous you will be. Be sure to thank the host for inviting you, say your name and then what you are going to talk about.

Use effective body language

Your body language plays a significant role in how your message is received. Stand tall, make eye contact, and use your hands to emphasize points. Avoid crossing your arms or looking down at your notes too often.

Interact with the crowd

Engaging with your audience can make a speech more memorable. Ask questions, encourage participation, or use humour to create a connection. This keeps your audience attentive and makes your speech more enjoyable.

In conclusion, delivering a short formal speech doesn't have to be daunting. By identifying your main points, rehearsing your presentation, utilizing effective body language, and interacting with your audience, you can deliver a memorable speech that leaves a lasting impression. Remember, practice makes perfect, so never miss an opportunity to hone your public speaking skills. See you in the next one