Improve Your Public Speaking Skills
6 minutes read
Do you want to improve your public speaking skills? In this tutorial, learn how to be a better public speaker through public speaking practice.
The Importance of Practice
If you need to improve your public speaking skills, practice is one of the most effective ways to achieve that. You may have a great topic and a well-written speech, but without sufficient practice, you could still miss the mark and fail to engage your listeners.
Discover how to enhance your speaking abilities through practice. In this tutorial, you will find valuable tips and techniques on how to get better at public speaking through practice that you can implement right away. A checklist of common problems that public speakers often need to address is included for your convenience.
Ensure Your Speech is Solid
You have a message to share, and the effectiveness of that message depends on how well you present it. Whether it’s about marketing your business, advocating for a cause, or delivering an assignment, your message won’t resonate if you don’t present it effectively. If you’re not already a proficient public speaker, there are numerous ways to enhance your skills.
Review the Fundamentals
In our series on the fundamentals of public speaking, we’ve covered essential topics such as:
If you haven’t already, reviewing these tutorials would be beneficial.
Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools for your speech is crucial. A well-designed template can enhance your presentation if you’re using professional tools like Google Slides or PowerPoint. These templates can save you time and make your presentation visually appealing. You can explore various professional templates at Envato Elements or GraphicRiver .
However, all your preparation could be futile if you’re not adequately prepared to deliver your presentation. The best way to improve your public speaking skills is through practice.
Strategies for Effective Practice
Public speaking practice is essential for becoming a skilled speaker. You’ve likely experienced a speech where the speaker seemed unprepared, negatively impacting the experience for everyone involved. Here are some methods to practice effectively:
1. Use a Checklist
Having a checklist can help you identify areas for improvement. Here’s a table listing common aspects to focus on during your practice sessions:
| Areas to Work On | What to Look For | Common Problems | How to Fix It! |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge of material | The speaker should sound knowledgeable. | Speaker gets facts wrong or appears confused | Study the material thoroughly. Review the written transcript and highlight any facts you stumble over. |
| Articulation | The audience should understand the speaker. | Speaker mispronounces words | Practice! Use online dictionaries for pronunciation guidance. |
| Volume | Audience members should be able to hear clearly. | The speaker talks too softly | A microphone can help, or practice speaking louder without shouting. |
| Pace | The speaker should not speak too rapidly. | Often caused by nerves | Record yourself to catch and adjust your pace. |
| Unnecessary interjections | The speech should be free of distracting crutch words. | Habitual use of fillers like “um,” “uh,” etc. | Be mindful of your speech and work to eliminate these words. |
| Awkward pauses | The speaker should maintain a steady flow. | Relying too heavily on notes | Practice will help you remember your key points. |
| Skill with presentation tool | The speaker should navigate presentation tools smoothly. | Unfamiliarity with the tool | Study tutorials on the tool you’ll be using. |
| Professional appearance | The speaker should dress appropriately for the audience. | Mismatched attire | Inquire about the usual dress code from the event organizer. |
| Body language | The speaker should maintain open and confident body posture. | Stiffness or slouching | Practice to reduce nerves and improve posture. |
| Eye contact | The speaker should engage with the audience through eye contact. | Avoiding looking at the audience | Focus on points around the room to engage your audience. |
| Gestures | Gestures should enhance the message rather than distract. | Overuse or distracting gestures | Record yourself to assess if your gestures are effective. |
Use this table either on your own or with someone helping you practice.
2. Practice with a Friend or Coach
Practicing your speech in front of someone who can provide feedback is invaluable. While a professional speech coach would be ideal, a friend or family member can also offer useful insights. Direct them to the checklist above and encourage honest feedback.
Here are helpful tips for practicing with someone:
- Ask them to write down their feedback for your reference.
- Be considerate of their time and avoid lengthy practice sessions.
- Remain open to constructive criticism; it’s crucial for your improvement.
- If possible, practice in front of multiple people for varied feedback.
- Understand that improvement is a gradual process.
3. Practice Alone
If no one is available to help, you can still refine your skills through solo practice:
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In front of a mirror. This allows you to see your posture and appearance as you speak, helping you make adjustments.
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Set up a video camera. Recording yourself provides the opportunity to analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement.
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Record your speech. An audio recording can help you evaluate your articulation, volume, and pacing.
4. Join a Group
Consider joining a public speaking group or taking a speech class. Groups like Toastmasters International provide structured opportunities to practice and receive feedback. Taking a class allows you to work with a teacher who can offer guidance and constructive criticism from peers.
5. Additional Tips for Better Public Speaking
When using presentation software like Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Keynote, utilizing a professional template can significantly enhance your presentation. Accessing templates from sources like Envato Elements or GraphicRiver can save you time and improve the design quality of your slides.
Familiarize Yourself with the Venue
Regardless of your public speaking skills, visiting the venue beforehand is always wise. Ensure that you’re familiar with the equipment and layout, preventing any surprises on the day of your presentation. If visiting in person isn’t feasible, at least contact the venue to inquire about facilities and accommodations.
Start Improving Your Public Speaking Today
If you’re serious about enhancing your public speaking skills, practicing is essential. The methods discussed here are among the most effective. By applying these tips, you can boost your confidence and become a more effective public speaker.
Disorganized content, unclear design, and poor delivery can hinder even the best presentation ideas. Instead, learn to write, design, and prepare your presentations effectively to deliver your message powerfully.