The Top 10 Practical Techniques on How to Speak in Public with Confidence

The Top 10 Practical Techniques on How to Speak in Public with Confidence

Category: Speaking, Writers, Presenters, Trainers (AU126)

Originally Submitted on 9/7/2005.

As business owners, managers and professionals, we all want to speak in public with confidence. Most of us at some point need to present our ideas or proposals to someone or to a group. It has been said that the number one fear is the fear of speaking in public. There's a story about a king, hero and lion. One day, a very long time ago, the hero had contradicted the king's statement. To make an example of him, the king decided to put him to death by throwing him into the cage with a ferocious lion. Everyone was invited to witness this merciless act. When the lion approached him, the hero whispered in his ears, which caused him to retreat. Everyone was curious about this turn of events and asked the hero what he had whispered. The hero replied "I told him that he would have to make an after dinner speech." Even the lion has the fear of public speaking.

1. Rehearse

Practice your speech with family and close friends, which will give you confidence later for your audience.

2. Relax

Deep breathe before you face the audience to reduce your nervousness and to relax your voice.

3. Feel no pain

There's no penalty if you forget some points or if you do not make eye contact with everyone: you will do well.

4. Just say it

You are the subject matter expert and your audience is there because they are interested in what you have to say.

5. Show sincere interest

Be enthusiastic and energetic about your topic and people will mirror your attitude.

6. Use your body

Move your eyes, mouth, head, arms and legs as you speak to emphasize and dramatize points and add interest and variety to your speech: this is entertaining to your audience.

7. Smile often

It's infectious: when you smile, your audience smiles with you.

8. Enjoy your spotlight

Absorb the applause from your delighted audience as you complete your speech and remember this great feeling for your next one.

9. View a demo video

View a 5-minute video of our Public Speaking with Confidence workshop at http://www.positiveactions.com/mediaupdates/strawn5min.asf or attend our Public Speaking with Confidence workshop, view details at http://positiveactions.com/services/abstractpublicspeakingwebsite.pdf

10. Join Toastmasters International

Become a member of a great speaking organization that will help you improve your public speaking skills.

About the Submitter

This piece was originally submitted by Rosemarie I. Strawn, MBA , Motivational Speaker, CorporateTrainer & Public Speaking Coach, who can be reached at rstrawn@positiveactions.com, or visited on the web. Rosemarie I. Strawn, MBA wants you to know: I am a Motivational Speaker and Corporate Trainer with over 15 years experience in Productivity Improvement. I provide Public Speaking Coaching to increase sales and customer satisfaction. I am the Owner of Positive Actions, a training and speaking consulting firm.

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