essay about public speaking tips

10 Tips for Improving Your Public Speaking Skills

Few are immune to the fear of public speaking. Marjorie North offers 10 tips for speakers to calm the nerves and deliverable memorable orations.

Marjorie North

Snakes? Fine. Flying? No problem. Public speaking? Yikes! Just thinking about public speaking — routinely described as one of the greatest (and most common) fears — can make your palms sweat. But there are many ways to tackle this anxiety and learn to deliver a memorable speech.

In part one of this series,  Mastering the Basics of Communication , I shared strategies to improve how you communicate. In part two, How to Communicate More Effectively in the Workplace , I examined how to apply these techniques as you interact with colleagues and supervisors in the workplace. For the third and final part of this series, I’m providing you with public speaking tips that will help reduce your anxiety, dispel myths, and improve your performance.

Here Are My 10 Tips for Public Speaking:

1. nervousness is normal. practice and prepare.

All people feel some physiological reactions like pounding hearts and trembling hands. Do not associate these feelings with the sense that you will perform poorly or make a fool of yourself. Some nerves are good. The adrenaline rush that makes you sweat also makes you more alert and ready to give your best performance.

The best way to overcome anxiety is to prepare, prepare, and prepare some more. Take the time to go over your notes several times. Once you have become comfortable with the material, practice — a lot. Videotape yourself, or get a friend to critique your performance.

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2. Know Your Audience. Your Speech Is About Them, Not You.

Before you begin to craft your message, consider who the message is intended for. Learn as much about your listeners as you can. This will help you determine your choice of words, level of information, organization pattern, and motivational statement.

3. Organize Your Material in the Most Effective Manner to Attain Your Purpose.

Create the framework for your speech. Write down the topic, general purpose, specific purpose, central idea, and main points. Make sure to grab the audience’s attention in the first 30 seconds.

4. Watch for Feedback and Adapt to It.

Keep the focus on the audience. Gauge their reactions, adjust your message, and stay flexible. Delivering a canned speech will guarantee that you lose the attention of or confuse even the most devoted listeners.

5. Let Your Personality Come Through.

Be yourself, don’t become a talking head — in any type of communication. You will establish better credibility if your personality shines through, and your audience will trust what you have to say if they can see you as a real person.

6. Use Humor, Tell Stories, and Use Effective Language.

Inject a funny anecdote in your presentation, and you will certainly grab your audience’s attention. Audiences generally like a personal touch in a speech. A story can provide that.

7. Don’t Read Unless You Have to. Work from an Outline.

Reading from a script or slide fractures the interpersonal connection. By maintaining eye contact with the audience, you keep the focus on yourself and your message. A brief outline can serve to jog your memory and keep you on task.

8. Use Your Voice and Hands Effectively. Omit Nervous Gestures.

Nonverbal communication carries most of the message. Good delivery does not call attention to itself, but instead conveys the speaker’s ideas clearly and without distraction.

9. Grab Attention at the Beginning, and Close with a Dynamic End.

Do you enjoy hearing a speech start with “Today I’m going to talk to you about X”? Most people don’t. Instead, use a startling statistic, an interesting anecdote, or concise quotation. Conclude your speech with a summary and a strong statement that your audience is sure to remember.

10. Use Audiovisual Aids Wisely.

Too many can break the direct connection to the audience, so use them sparingly. They should enhance or clarify your content, or capture and maintain your audience’s attention.

Practice Does Not Make Perfect

Good communication is never perfect, and nobody expects you to be perfect. However, putting in the requisite time to prepare will help you deliver a better speech. You may not be able to shake your nerves entirely, but you can learn to minimize them.

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About the Author

North is a consultant for political candidates, physicians, and lawyers, and runs a private practice specializing in public speaking, and executive communication skills. Previously, she was the clinical director in the department of speech and language pathology and audiology at Northeastern University.

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16 Public Speaking Tips for Students

Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of "Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder" and "7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety." She has a Master's degree in psychology.

Aron Janssen, MD is board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry and is the vice chair of child and adolescent psychiatry Northwestern University.

Public speaking tips for students aim to reduce anxiety that can interfere with giving presentations or speeches in class. These tips can also be helpful for those with social anxiety disorder (SAD)   who have difficulty speaking in front of a group or telling a story among friends.

Public Speaking Tips

If you have SAD and need to give a speech  in elementary school, high school, college, or university, it helps to be as prepared as possible . Beyond preparation, however, there are strategies that you can use to reduce anxiety and fight the urge to stay home with a fake illness.

Even great speakers practice their speeches beforehand. Practice out loud with a recording device or video camera and then watch yourself to see how you can improve. If you are feeling brave, practice in front of a friend or family member and ask for feedback.

• Talk about what you know : If possible, choose a topic for your speech or presentation that you know a lot about and love. Your passion for the topic will be felt by the audience, and you will feel less anxious knowing that you have a lot of experience to draw from when other students ask you questions.
• Concentrate on your message : When you focus on the task at hand, anxiety is less likely to get out of control. Concentrate on the main message of your speech or presentation and make it your goal to deliver that message to the other students in your class.
• Grab the audience's attention : Most of your fellow classmates will pay attention for at least the first 20 seconds; grab their attention during those early moments. Start with an interesting fact or a story that relates to your topic.
• Have one main message : Focus on one central theme and your classmates will learn more. Tie different parts of your talk to the main theme to support your overall message. Trying to cover too much ground can leave other students feeling overwhelmed.

Tell Stories

Stories catch the attention of other students and deliver a message in a more meaningful way than facts and figures. Whenever possible, use a story to illustrate a point in your talk.

Being prepared to speak in public can also be important if you have social anxiety disorder. Feeling confident and prepared to give your speech may help lessen your feelings of anxiety. Some of the things that you can do to prepare include:

• Visit the room : If you have access to the classroom where you will be speaking outside of class hours, take the time to visit in advance and get used to standing at the front of the room. Make arrangements for any audio-visual equipment and practice standing in the exact spot where you will deliver your speech.
• Rack up experience : Volunteer to speak in front of your class as often as possible. Be the first one to raise your hand when a question is asked. Your confidence will grow with every public speaking experience.
• Observe other speakers : Take the time to watch other speakers who are good at what they do. Practice imitating their style and confidence.
• Organize your talk : Every speech should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Structure your talk so that the other students know what to expect.

Manage Your Anxiety

Taking steps to deal with your feelings of anxiety can also make public speaking easier. Some of the things that you can do:

• Tell someone about your anxiety : If you are speaking in front of a high school or college class, meet with your teacher or professor and describe your public speaking fears . If you're in elementary or high school, share your fears with your parents, a teacher, or a guidance counselor. Sometimes sharing how you feel can make it easier to overcome stage fright.
• Visualize confidence : Visualize yourself confidently delivering your speech. Imagine feeling free of anxiety and engaging the students in your class. Although this may seem like a stretch for you now, visualization is a powerful tool for changing the way that you feel. Elite athletes use this strategy to improve performance in competitions.
• Find a friendly face : If you are feeling anxious, find one of your friends in class (or someone who seems friendly) and imagine that you are speaking only to that person.

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Maintain Perspective

Remember that other students are on your side. Think about a time when you have been an audience member and the student delivering the speech or presentation was noticeably nervous. Did you think less of that student? More likely, you felt sympathetic and wanted to make that person more comfortable by smiling or nodding.

Remember—other students generally want you to succeed and feel comfortable. If for some reason the audience is not on your side or you experience bullying or social exclusion, be sure to discuss this with a parent, teacher, or guidance counselor.

Be Confident

Sometimes just knowing what makes a good speech can help you feel more confident. Focus on some of the following elements and practice them before you have to speak in public.

• Develop your own style : In addition to imitating good speakers, work on developing your own personal style as a public speaker. Integrate your own personality into your speaking style and you will feel more comfortable in front of the class. Telling personal stories that tie into your theme are a great way to let other students get to know you better.
• Avoid filler words : Words such as "basically", "well", and "um" don't add anything to your speech. Practice being silent when you feel the urge to use one of these words.
• Vary your tone, volume, and speed : Interesting speakers vary the pitch (high versus low), volume (loud versus soft), and speed (fast versus slow) of their words. Doing so keeps your classmates interested and engaged in what you say.
• Make the audience laugh : Laughter is a great way to relax both you and the other students in your class, and telling jokes can be a great icebreaker at the beginning of a speech. Practice the timing and delivery of your jokes beforehand and ask a friend for feedback. Be sure that they are appropriate for your class before you begin.
• Smile : If all else fails, smile. Your fellow classmates will perceive you like a warm speaker and be more receptive to what you have to say.

Don't Apologize

If you make a mistake, don't offer apologies. Chances are that your classmates didn't notice anyway. Unless you need to correct a fact or figure, there is no point dwelling on errors that probably only you noticed.

If you make a mistake because your hands or shaking, or something similar, try to make light of the situation by saying something like, "I wasn't this nervous when I woke up this morning!" This can help to break the tension of the moment.

A Word From Verywell

It's natural to feel frightened the first time you have to speak in front of your class. However, if you fear continues, interferes with your daily life and keeps you awake at night, it may be helpful to see someone about your anxiety.

Try talking to a parent, teacher, or counselor about how you have been feeling. If that doesn't get you anywhere, ask to make an appointment with your doctor. Severe public speaking anxiety is a true disorder that can improve with treatment .

Spence SH, Rapee RM. The etiology of social anxiety disorder: An evidence-based model . Behav Res Ther. 2016;86:50-67. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2016.06.007

By Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of "Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder" and "7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety." She has a Master's degree in psychology.

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To Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking, Stop Thinking About Yourself

• Sarah Gershman

Tips for before and during your presentation.

Even the most confident speakers find ways to distance themselves from their audience. It’s how our brains are programmed, so how can we overcome it? Human generosity. The key to calming the amygdala and disarming our panic button is to turn the focus away from ourselves — away from whether we will mess up or whether the audience will like us — and toward helping the audience. Showing kindness and generosity to others has been shown to activate the vagus nerve, which has the power to calm the fight-or-flight response. When we are kind to others, we tend to feel calmer and less stressed. The same principle applies in speaking. When we approach speaking with a spirit of generosity, we counteract the sensation of being under attack and we feel less nervous.

Most of us — even those at the top — struggle with public-speaking anxiety. When I ask my clients what makes them nervous, invariably they respond with the same answers:

• Sarah Gershman is an executive speech coach and CEO of Green Room Speakers. She is a professor at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University, where she teaches public speaking to leaders from around the globe.

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Planning Your Speech

Being confident in your speech making and your public speaking means that you should fully prepare for your speech! Here are some tips to write a great speech!

1. Determine the purpose of your speech.  Whether it is a persuasive essay, argumentative essay, or just an informative one you need to know why you are giving the speech. Generally you may be told what kind of speech to write for your assignment, but if you have a choice on what type of speech you need to give it's important to know what you want to tell your audience. 

2. Identify your audience.  This may depend on your assignment but you need to know your audience to know what type of the information you are giving to them. Are you giving a speech to people who don't have any knowledge on the subject? Experts in the field? Or are you just speaking in front of your professor and fellow classmates? Understanding your audience helps you determine the scope of the detail in your speech and how you can keep the audience captivated. 

3. Create your claim (or thesis).  Just like writing a paper, your speech needs a thesis. Your claim is the main idea for your speech, and you will spend your speech providing evidence that supports your claim. 

4. Collect your evidence.  You need to support your claim with evidence. Evidence may include: surveys, statistics, anecdotal evidence, or even your own experience. 

5. Start determining how you will organize your speech.  Just like an essay, a speech has a similar structure. Your introduction, body, supporting evidence, and conclusion. It's helpful to write down your speech in a similar way you would write an essay. 

Giving Your Speech

Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is very common. Below are some speech-giving tips that can help reduce your anxiety!

1. Talk to someone if you are feeling stressed.  Talk to a counselor, your professor, or just a friend. It's always helpful to talk about your worries and get support from people around. 

2. Know what you're talking about.  You will be more comfortable reciting your speech when you have some knowledge on the subject. While you are researching and preparing your speech, get some preliminary background information so you feel more confident with the subject. This also helps if you get any surprise questions from your audience!

3. Practice.  Practice, practice, practice. In the mirror, in front of some friends, in front of your classmates. Be comfortable with the words, the structure of your speech, and knowing the order in which you will present your main ideas. 

4. Organize your materials.  Disorganization the day of your speech can worsen your anxiety! Prepare the night before by setting out all of your demonstrative items (poster, powerpoint, pictures), make sure any notecards are in order, and set aside your clothes if you are dressing up for your speech. It's also important to make sure the technology in the room you are presenting in has everything you need (check with your professor)!

5. Study other speeches.  You don't need to study the great orators of the world to learn how to improve your speeches. TED Talks, interviews from people you look up to, and even watching YouTube videos can help improve your public speaking skills. 

6. Don't rely on Powerpoints/posters.  Items like Powerpoints and posters that you use for your speech are meant to support you and not be something that you read off of the entire time. If you can do without visual aids or if they are not required for your speech, you may decide not to use any at all. Try to have as little text as possible on them--you won't be able to read off of them and your audience will not be distracted reading the slides. 

7. Focus on your message.  Don't get caught up in little details, your stories, or any jokes you may have in your speech. Focus on your claim so your message is understood by your audience. 

8. Don't apologize.  Everyone makes a mistake. Technical difficulties can happen to every one. Don't let minor issues such as forgetting a part of your speech or getting a little mixed up derail your presentation. Your audience may not even notice the small mistake. If you feel like you need to make an apology, make a small one and continue on. You've got this!

9. Look around the room.  You should always give your audience your full attention. It might be a small classroom of a few students or a massive auditorium but your audience is very important. Focus on different parts of the room that you can spend a few seconds on during the speech. If you can't decide where to look, focus on a specific person. 

10. Be yourself.  You can reduce your anxiety by just being yourself. Involved your personality in how you present information; use your pitch and create a style that's meaningful and allows the audience to relate to you. And don't forget to smile!

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Public Speaking and Presentations: Tips for Success

This resource includes tips and suggestions for improving your public speaking skills.

Even if you’ve never spoken in front of a large group before, chances are you will encounter public speaking sometime during your life. Whether you’re giving a presentation for your classmates or addressing local politicians at a city council meeting, public speaking allows you to convey your thoughts and feelings in clear ways. Having the right tools can prepare you for successful public speaking and equip you with high-quality communication skills.

Know Your Audience

Different audiences require different modes of public speaking. How you address a room full of preschoolers will vary from how you address a group of professors at an academic conference. Not only will your vocabulary change, but you might alter your pacing and tone as well.

Knowing your audience also helps you decide the content of your speech. For example, if you’re presenting research to a group of scientists, you might not need to define all your scientific language. However, if you present that same research to a group of individuals who are unfamiliar with your scientific field, you may need to define your terms or use simpler language.

Recognizing the extent to which your audience is familiar with your topic helps you center your presentation around the most important elements and avoid wasting time on information your audience either 1) already knows or 2) does not need to know for the purpose of your speech.

Knowing your audience also means tailoring your information to them. Try to keep things straight and to the point; leave out extraneous anecdotes and irrelevant statistics.

Establish Your Ethos and Feel Confident in Your Subject

It’s important to let your audience know what authority you have over your subject matter. If it’s clear you are familiar with your subject and have expertise, your audience is more likely to trust what you say.

Feeling confident in your subject matter will help establish your ethos. Rather than simply memorizing the content on your PowerPoint slides or your note cards, consider yourself a “mini expert” on your topic. Read up on information related to your topic and anticipate questions from the audience. You might want to prepare a few additional examples to use if people ask follow-up questions. Being able to elaborate on your talking points will help you stay calm during a Q & A section of your presentation.

Stick to a Few Main Points

Organizing your information in a logical way not only helps you keep track of what you’re saying, but it helps your audience follow along as well. Try to emphasize a few main points in your presentation and return to them before you conclude. Summarizing your information at the end of your presentation allows your audience to walk away with a clear sense of the most important facts.

For example, if you gave a presentation on the pros and cons of wind energy in Indiana, you would first want to define wind energy to make sure you and your audience are on the same page. You might also want to give a brief history of wind energy to give context before you go into the pros and cons. From there, you could list a few pros and a few cons. Finally, you could speculate on the future of wind energy and whether Indiana could provide adequate land and infrastructure to sustain wind turbines. To conclude, restate a few of the main points (most likely the pros and cons) and end with the most important takeaway you want the audience to remember about wind energy in Indiana.

Don't be Afraid to Show Your Personality

Delivering information without any sort of flourish or style can be boring. Allowing your personality to show through your speaking keeps you feeling relaxed and natural. Even if you’re speaking about something very scientific or serious, look for ways to let your personality come through your speech.

For example, when Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek announced in March of 2019 that he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he still let his trademark dignity and professionalism set the tone for his address. He began his announcement by saying “it’s in keeping with my long-time policy of being open and transparent with our Jeopardy! fan base.” Later, he joked that he would need to overcome his illness in order to fulfill his contract, whose terms required him to host the show for three more years. Though the nature of Trebek's announcement could easily have justified a grim, serious tone, the host instead opted to display the charm that has made him a household name for almost thirty-five years. In doing so, he reminded his audience precisely why he is so well-loved.

Use Humor (When Appropriate)

Using humor at appropriate moments can keep your audience engaged and entertained. While not all occasions are appropriate for humor, look for moments where you can lighten the mood and add some humor.

For example, just two months after the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan, Reagan was in the middle of giving a speech when a balloon loudly popped while he was speaking. Reagan paused his speech to say “missed me,” then immediately continued speaking. This off-the-cuff humor worked because it was appropriate, spontaneous, and did not really distract from his message.

Similarly, at the end of his final White House Correspondents Dinner, Barack Obama concluded his speech by saying “Obama out” and dropping the mic. Once again, the humor did not distract from his message, but it did provide a light-hearted shift in his tone.  

Don't Let Visual Aids Distract From Your Presentation

Visual aids, such as PowerPoints or handouts, often go alongside presentations. When designing visual aids, be sure they do not distract from the content of your speech. Having too many pictures or animations can cause audience members to pay more attention to the visuals rather than what you’re saying.

However, if you present research that relies on tables or figures, having many images may help your audience better visualize the research you discuss. Be aware of the ways different types of presentations demand different types of visual aids.

Be Aware of Your Body Language

When it comes to giving a presentation, nonverbal communication is equally as important as what you’re saying. Having the appropriate posture, gestures, and movement complement the spoken element of your presentation. Below are a few simple strategies to make you appear more confident and professional.

Having confident posture can make or break a presentation. Stand up straight with your shoulders back and your arms at your sides. Slouching or crossing your arms over your chest makes you appear smaller and more insecure. However, be sure you’re not too rigid. Just because you’re standing up tall does not mean you cannot move around.

Eye contact

Making eye contact with your audience not only makes them feel connected to you but it also lets you gauge their response to you. Try to look around the room and connect with different audience members so you’re not staring at the same people the whole time. If you notice your audience starting to nod off, it might be a good time to change your tone or up your energy. 

Avoid distracting or compulsive gestures

While hand gestures can help point out information in a slide or on a poster, large or quick gestures can be distracting. When using gestures, try to make them feel like a normal part of your presentation.

It’s also easy to slip into nervous gestures while presenting. Things like twirling your hair or wringing your hands can be distracting to your audience. If you know you do something like this, try to think hard about not doing it while you’re presenting.

Travel (if possible)

If you are presenting on a stage, walking back and forth can help you stay relaxed and look natural. However, be sure you’re walking slowly and confidently and you’re using an appropriate posture (described above). Try to avoid pacing, which can make you appear nervous or compulsive.

Rehearse (if Possible)

The difference between knowing your subject and rehearsing comes down to how you ultimately present your information. The more you rehearse, the more likely you are to eliminate filler words such as like and um . If possible, try practicing with a friend and have them use count the filler words you use. You can also record yourself and play back the video. The more you rehearse, the more confident you will feel when it comes time to actually speak in front of an audience.

Finally, Relax!

Although public speaking takes time and preparation, perhaps one of the most important points is to relax while you’re speaking. Delivering your information in a stiff way prevents you from appearing natural and letting your personality come through. The more relaxed you feel, the more confident your information will come across.

Communication Techniques in Public Speaking Essay

Public speaking refers to the process of information delivery with the aim of influencing the audience in a soothing, informative or entertaining manner. In this case, it should be presented in a purposeful manner that considers the objective of the speech. Initially, a public speaker has to watch the words in the content of a speech, to deliver the right message.

This implies that a public speaker has to limit the frequency of using the word ‘I’ in the course of speech delivery. One main reason for this is to demonstrate that the audience is part of his or her interest in the speech. In addition, it implies that the public speaker is discussing vital issues that do not only affect one’s life but the whole group.

Through this process, a public speaker gains attention from the audience leading to effective delivery of intended information. The way to counter this challenge demands utilization of the word ‘you’ in the speech. This will reduce biasness and impartiality since the message seems to influence the lives of the listeners.

In addition, it makes the whole speech captivating as the speaker draws interests of the audience to the forefront. On the other hand, the speech is viewed as a participative process with no specific individual targeted since it touches everyone.

The number of extemporaneously public speeches has significantly increased in the United States. This is attributed to the sense of originality attributed to the speech because no preparation is done before it is delivered. In this case, extemporaneous speeches depict an individual’s confidence in handling new issues in front of other people.

Consequently, an individual is forced to formulate a speech that would be persuasive and informative to the audience. This method is more popular to common speeches, which are delivered in a memorized manner, impromptu way or through adoption of a manuscript. In this case, the methods do not offer a chance to deliver new-fangled issues in a unique manner.

In addition, the former methods do not stimulate the inner spirit of an individual to address issues in logical and realistic way in case they are non-routine issues. If use of manuscripts or memorization is used to deliver public speech, it indicates that the speaker is not well conversant with the topics being addressed. As a result, the speech would be boring, withdrawing the attention of the audience.

In addition, it reflects the lack of ability to influence the audience since information is not from one’s mind. Though an impromptu speech could resemble the concept of an extemporaneous one, it varies, in that a speaker is chosen from a group with no idea of what to present. This information delivered could be affected by the level of confidence during the presentation of the speech.

When presenting a public speech, it is essential to counter stage fright. In most cases, fright arises because of the lack of content to present and deficiency of personal eloquence. If a public speaker addresses the above challenges, his or her performance in front of an audience will be improved.

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IvyPanda. (2019, August 20). Communication Techniques in Public Speaking. https://ivypanda.com/essays/public-speaking/

"Communication Techniques in Public Speaking." IvyPanda , 20 Aug. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/public-speaking/.

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IvyPanda . 2019. "Communication Techniques in Public Speaking." August 20, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/public-speaking/.

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Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Communication Techniques in Public Speaking." August 20, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/public-speaking/.

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9 Strategies for Effective Public Speaking Skills

May 31, 2023

In today’s fast-paced world, effective public speaking and presentation skills are like superpowers that can propel you to new heights of success. Becoming an effective public speaker will help you captivate your audience, leaving them hanging on your every word and inspiring them to take action. In this article, we’ll embark on an exhilarating journey to master the art of persuasive communication.

The Power of Effective Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking is an essential skill that can propel individuals and organizations towards success. Whether you’re delivering a presentation, giving a speech, or participating in a panel discussion, effective public speaking can captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression. Here are nine invaluable tips to help you improve your public speaking abilities and stand out among your peers.

1. Embrace the Power of Preparation

Mastering the art of public speaking begins with meticulous preparation. Allocate ample time to research your topic, gather relevant information, and create a well-structured outline for your presentation. This process will not only enhance your understanding of the subject matter but also instill confidence in your delivery. Remember to anticipate potential questions or objections from your audience and prepare thoughtful responses.

2. Craft an Engaging Opening

Capturing your audience’s attention from the outset is crucial. Craft an opening that intrigues and entices your listeners, making them eager to hear more. Consider starting with a compelling anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a startling statistic that relates to your topic. By setting the stage with an engaging opening, you establish a strong connection with your audience, drawing them into your presentation.

3. Utilize Visual Aids Effectively

Visual aids can significantly enhance the impact of your presentation. Incorporate eye-catching and relevant slides, images, or diagrams to support your key points. Ensure that your visuals are clear, concise, and visually appealing, reinforcing your message without overwhelming the audience.

4. Master Non-Verbal Communication

Your body language and voice are skills that play a significant role in effective public speaking. Maintain an upright posture, make deliberate and confident gestures, and establish eye contact with your audience. Project your voice clearly, varying your tone and pace to add emphasis and keep your listeners engaged. Effective non-verbal communication conveys authenticity, credibility, and confidence, leaving a lasting impact on your audience.

5. Connect Through Storytelling

Stories have a unique ability to captivate and resonate with an audience. Incorporate relevant anecdotes or personal experiences into your presentation to illustrate key points and create an emotional connection. By sharing compelling stories, you not only make your content more relatable but also evoke empathy and leave a lasting impression on your listeners.

6. Practice, Practice, Practice

The old adage holds true: practice makes perfect. Dedicate ample time to rehearsing your presentation, focusing on both the content and the delivery. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or seek opportunities to present in front of a small, supportive audience. As you become more comfortable with your material, your confidence will soar, and your delivery will become more polished and engaging.

The Secret to Effective Public Speaking Skills: Practicing with Yoodli

Are you ready to take your public speaking skills to the next level? Look no further than Yoodli , your trusted AI speech coach. Yoodli is a cutting-edge virtual coach designed to help you develop effective communication skills and boost your confidence in public speaking. With Yoodli by your side, you can practice and refine your speaking abilities in a supportive and pressure-free environment.

Unleash Your Potential with Personalized Coaching

Yoodli understands that everyone has unique strengths and areas for improvement. That’s why it tailors its coaching sessions to your specific needs. Through advanced speech recognition technology, Yoodli analyzes your speech patterns, vocal delivery, and body language, providing valuable insights to enhance your communication style. It detects nuances in your speech and offers personalized recommendations to refine your delivery, clarity, and overall impact.

Practice Effective Public Speaking Skills Anytime, Anywhere

One of the biggest advantages of using Yoodli is the flexibility it offers. With Yoodli as your virtual speech coach, you can practice your public speaking skills whenever and wherever you want. No need to worry about scheduling conflicts or finding an audience. Yoodli is available 24/7, ready to provide feedback and guidance whenever you’re ready to practice. Whether you’re preparing for a big presentation, rehearsing for an important meeting, or simply honing your skills, Yoodli is always there to support you.

Feedback and Assessment in Real-Time

Gone are the days of waiting for feedback from a coach or audience. With Yoodli, you receive instant feedback on your speaking skills. As you deliver your speech or presentation, Yoodli closely analyzes your delivery, providing real-time suggestions to improve your pacing, intonation, and overall clarity. It also highlights areas where you excel, empowering you to build on your strengths while addressing areas that require attention. Yoodli’s timely feedback ensures that you can make necessary adjustments on the spot and witness your progress firsthand.

Targeted Public Speaking Skill Development

Yoodli offers a range of targeted exercises and modules to help you develop specific aspects of public speaking. Whether you want to work on projecting your voice, mastering body language, or refining your storytelling abilities, Yoodli has you covered. It guides you through interactive exercises, prompts you with challenging scenarios, and provides tips and techniques to enhance your skills in each area. With Yoodli’s guidance, you can systematically develop a wide range of public speaking competencies.

Building Confidence, One Speech at a Time

Public speaking can be intimidating, especially if you lack confidence. Yoodli understands this and is dedicated to building your confidence through gradual progress. It encourages you to set achievable goals, tracks your improvement over time, and celebrates your milestones. With each practice session, you’ll notice your confidence soar as Yoodli’s expert guidance and positive reinforcement help you become a more polished and persuasive speaker.

Embrace the Future of Public Speaking Training

Yoodli revolutionizes the way we approach public speaking training. It combines the power of artificial intelligence with personalized coaching to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. Say goodbye to stage fright, self-doubt, and missed opportunities. With Yoodli, you can develop effective public speaking skills at your own pace, receive invaluable feedback, and unlock your full potential as a captivating and confident communicator.

Don’t let the fear of public speaking hold you back. Embrace the future of communication coaching with Yoodli and watch your speaking skills flourish like never before.

7. Engage Your Audience

Interacting with your audience fosters engagement and makes your presentation more dynamic. Encourage questions, pause for audience participation, and actively listen to their input. By creating a two-way dialogue, you establish a sense of inclusivity, and your audience will feel more involved and invested in your message.

8. Overcome Nervousness and Build Confidence

Nervousness is natural, even for seasoned speakers. Acknowledge your nervous energy and channel it into positive energy. Deep breathing exercises, visualization techniques, and positive affirmations can help alleviate anxiety and boost your confidence. Remember, the more you practice and expose yourself to opportunities to develop effective public speaking skills, the more comfortable and confident you will become.

9. Seek Feedback and Continuously Improve

Constructive feedback is invaluable for personal and professional growth. Request feedback from trusted individuals, such as colleagues or mentors, who can provide honest insights and suggestions for improvement. Analyze your performances, identify areas for enhancement, and actively seek opportunities to refine your public speaking skills. Continuous improvement is the key to becoming an exceptional speaker.

By following these nine powerful strategies, you can elevate your public speaking skills and make a lasting impression on your audience. Remember, effective public speaking is not an innate talent but a skill that can be cultivated and perfected through dedication and practice. Embrace the opportunity to engage and inspire others with your words, and the world will be your stage.

In Conclusion: Step onto the Stage with Confidence with Effective Public Speaking Skills

Becoming an effective public speaker and mastering presentation skills may seem daunting, but with practice and the right techniques, anyone can excel. Craft a captivating opening, speak with passion, tell stories, use visual aids wisely, engage your audience, embrace body language, and don’t forget to practice! Mistakes are part of the journey, so don’t be afraid to make them. Step onto the stage with confidence, and let your words inspire, educate, and captivate. Unleash your inner orator, and watch your public speaking and presentation skills soar to new heights!

Effective Public Speaking Skills – FAQ

1. how can i overcome nervousness and stage fright before speaking in public.

Nervousness is natural, but you can conquer it with preparation, deep breathing exercises, and positive self-talk. Visualize success and focus on connecting with your audience.

2. How can I handle difficult questions or interruptions during a presentation?

Stay calm, acknowledge the question or interruption, and address it with confidence. If you don’t have an immediate answer, express your willingness to research or follow up afterward.

3. What if I forget my lines or lose my train of thought during a speech?

Don’t panic! Take a moment to collect your thoughts, refer to your notes or slides if necessary, and continue. Your audience won’t mind a brief pause, and they will appreciate your recovery.

4. How can I make sure my message resonates with diverse audiences?

Research your audience beforehand to understand their interests, concerns, and cultural backgrounds. Tailor your content to be inclusive, relatable, and sensitive to their needs.

5. Should I use humor in my presentations?

Humor can be a powerful tool, but use it sparingly and appropriately. Ensure your jokes are relevant, light-hearted, and suitable for the audience. Test them out beforehand to gauge their reception.

6. How long should my speech or presentation be?

Consider the time allotted and aim for a concise and focused delivery. Respect your audience’s attention span, and prioritize quality over quantity. Practice timing to ensure you stay within the given timeframe.

7. How can I engage my audience throughout the presentation?

Involve your audience by asking thought-provoking questions, encouraging participation, and using interactive elements such as polls, activities, or demonstrations. Foster a sense of collaboration and make your presentation an interactive experience.

8. What are some effective ways to conclude a speech or presentation?

End with a memorable closing statement that reinforces your main points and leaves a lasting impression. Consider using a powerful quote, a call to action, or a thought-provoking question to inspire your audience.

9. How can I continue improving my public speaking skills?

Keep practicing regularly and seek opportunities to speak in front of different audiences. Join public speaking clubs or workshops, watch and learn from skilled speakers, and embrace feedback as a means for growth and development.

Remember, effective public speaking is a journey, and continuous learning and refinement are key to becoming a confident and impactful speaker.

Start practicing with Yoodli.

Getting better at speaking is getting easier. Record or upload a speech and let our AI Speech Coach analyze your speaking and give you feedback.

9 Tips for Public Speaking + Exercises & Key Principles

Public speaking and video recordings can cause panic for the most level-headed people. For some reason, a crowd of listeners in front of us makes our tongue refuse to move, our throat stops to make sounds, and our brain fails to generate ideas.

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Meanwhile, public speaking is much easier than it seems if you know how to be a good speaker. This article unites all the tips for effective public speaking. It also suggests techniques for improving your skills in making presentations. These tips by Custom Writing experts can be used to train at home or even arrange an extracurricular course for high school or college students.

• 🗝️ Public Speaking Principles
• 👌 Public Speaking Tips
• 🙃 Ethical Issues
• 🤸 Exercises

1. 🗝️ Key Principles of Public Speaking

Before facing a crowd, you should remember several things that make almost any speech a good one. Thanks to these principles, your words become more plausible. They can as well facilitate your improvisation and recalling the details to support your opinion.

• Be authentic. Great speeches have never been read from a sheet of paper. They came from the heart of their author. Probably, these words were prepared and thought through many times. But they were pronounced from scratch, as the speaker “felt.” Audiences are masters of spotting lies and invented stories. That is why take your examples from reality.
• Mind your audience. We are afraid to receive disapproval, but the audience is on the speaker’s side in most cases. Everyone knows how challenging public speaking is. Still, this does not presuppose that you can ignore the needs and interests of your listeners. Any complex data requires explanation. If your speech is too long, suggest a five-minute break. And the most important thing, a speaker shall be a masterful marketing expert who “sells” information. Make it exciting and easy to remember.
• Grab the authority. There will always be someone smarter, wealthier, or more experienced than you. But while you are speaking, imagine that you are the one. The stage is yours for the time being. Public speaking is an act of leadership. Do your best to inspire the audience and elevate their spirits.

2. 👌 9 Tips for Effective Public Speaking

Below you’ll find nine useful tips for effective public speaking. Want to become more confident and convincing when making speeches and presentations? Use these tips to boost your skills!

• Share the ideas that inspire you . It’s difficult for a public speaker to feel confident while talking about a topic far from their interests. Find several appropriate arguments to support the issues you’ll talk about, add new appealing ideas, and your fear of speaking will bother you less.
• Use humor. If you make an informal speech, it’s appropriate to use humor to warm up the audience. Or provide some story from your past to make people laugh or sympathize.
• Rehearse. Have you heard that “practice makes perfect”? The best way to be confident on the stage is to be sure you can make a speech. How can you be sure? Try it at home! Record yourself with the help of voice recording apps to find your weak sides and flaws so that you can work on them and improve.
• Find friends among your audience . There are many ways to improve public speaking, and one of them is to speak to familiar people. It isn’t challenging to greet the first people who arrive and even spend some time talking to them. For example, you can ask about your microphone’s loudness or presentation visibility. It’s an essential step in conquering public speaking fear, so try it yourself.
• Don’t panic. Almost all effective speaking techniques include relaxing. The less you let yourself become nervous, the more confident and calm you become. To speak in public easily, use some basic relaxation techniques like counting or breathing slowly. If you still feel anxious, turn this anxiety into the energy for your presentation.
• Stay optimistic . Yes, public speaking success depends on the audience – but remember, they don’t want you to fail. Better speaking skills are easier to achieve when you think positively about the people who listen to you.
• Don’t show your anxiety . Remember – in an auditorium, it’s only you who notices public speaking anxiety. Your listeners can’t understand how you feel most of the time. So, don’t reveal your public speaking fear to them. Try to overcome it instead. If you control it, it’ll disappear.
• Exercise . Remember – no one will overcome your public speaking fear instead of you. You should exercise a lot and gain new experience. The art of public speaking is possible for everyone to master. Moreover, the more you speak, the more confident you become!
• Be yourself . Don’t be a talking head. Showing your personality will help you gain confidence and trust.

3. 🙃 Ethics in Public Speaking

Even if the audience does not know you, they will welcome you. Still, it is too easy to destroy your positive image with minor details that seem unimportant. Your task is to present an honest and integral speech, showing respect to the listeners’ morals and beliefs.

• Ethical goals. Why are you speaking? Are you persuading the audience to adopt a viewpoint or perceive a new idea? If so, never use intimidation. Have the responsibility to know if you have a conflict of interest with the topic or audience. In such a case, explain yourself to your listeners.
• Full preparation. Take your time to prepare the speech. It does not mean you will have to read it. Preparing an outline and then rehearsing it several times will suffice. Get ready with the clothes you will wear beforehand. An unprepared speaker undermines their credibility.
• Honesty. Never use false information or present opinions as facts to support your statement. If it gets revealed, the effect will be worse than if you just kept silent on stage.
• Non-abusive language. Refrain from any abusive or intolerant language. Do not attack your audience. Never use bullying or name-calling.

4. 🤸 Public Speaking Exercises

This section contains a list of easy-to-do exercises that will boost your public speaking skills. Just practice them regularly, and soon you’ll find out how easier it has become to prepare and make speeches!

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• Nonsense speech . Find a text in a language you don’t understand or write down some inconsistent, meaningless sentences. Try reading them aloud as if you were giving a speech. It is an excellent way to train the correct intonation and mastering your voice.
• One-minute timer . Set a timer for one minute. Record yourself while you are speaking without preparation on any topic. This exercise will minimize your fear of forgetting what to say.
• Tell the story of a photo . Top speeches have narratives. People enjoy listening to stories. To exercise this, take any photo and tell its backstory. Suppose who the people are, their activities and intentions. Listen to your recorded speech and think if it was compelling and plausible.
• Terms and definitions . A public speaker is a leader. It would be best if you sounded like an expert. For this exercise, select an unknown word and present its definition with as much authority as possible.
• Interview with an expert . Find a patient friend and choose a topic you know nothing about. The friend will ask you about this subject field. Answer as if you were an expert.
• Something you dislike . It is a great talent to inspire enthusiasm. Think of something you dislike and put the recording device on. Speak about it as though it were the most exciting thing in the world.

5. ✏️ Public Speaking FAQ

• Select a topic that inspires you.
• Make a one-page website.
• Make a YouTube channel with your portfolio.
• Make a list of potential clients.
• Practice even when you consider yourself an expert.
• Collect feedback.
• Always ask for payment.
• It makes you comfortable with yourself and with others.
• It can help you get a better salary or job.
• It is the best way to persuade people.
• Everyone has to do this at some point.
• Public speaking skills can be helpful in other spheres.

A five-paragraph essay is a versatile piece of writing that helps you practice almost any kind of human interaction. It comprises an introduction with a thesis statement, three main body paragraphs, and a persuasive conclusion. That is why students all over the world are asked to write this type of essay throughout the curriculum.

At such a class, you practice various speech styles for a number of occasions. In most cases, it resembles a role-playing game. Sometimes, you will be given the assignment to prepare, and sometimes, you will be expected to speak from scratch. You will as well do exercises to train your voice, authority, posture, and leadership skills.

6. 🔗 References

• What Is Public Speaking? & Why Is It Important? – Business
• 20 Tips for Mastering the Art of Public Speaking | Inc.com
• 7 Powerful Public Speaking Tips From One of the Most-Watched
• How to Speak in Public – A Year of Living Better Guides – NY Times
• Tips to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills – Verywell Mind
• Great Public Speaking Exercises – Calaméo
• Important Public Speaking Skills for Workplace Success
• How to Dramatically Improve your Public Speaking Skills | Medium.com
• 5 Ways to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills
• Introduction to Public Speaking | Coursera
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Very good information. Thanks

Thanks, Ken!

EXCELLENT. Brevity is the best part. It reminds me of a famous quote by Winston Churchill. At the end of a very long letter, he apologized for the length of the letter, and said: “I wanted to make this letter shorter, BUT I DIDN’T HAVE TIME.” YOU DID MAKE IT SHORT ENOUGH! BRAVO!

Thanks for the kind words, Alain! Glad you enjoyed the post. Come back for more 🙂

Essay on Public Speaking

Students are often asked to write an essay on Public Speaking in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Public Speaking

What is public speaking.

Public speaking is when you talk in front of a group of people. It’s not just about giving a speech. It’s about sharing your ideas, telling stories, or teaching something new. Everyone, from teachers to leaders, uses public speaking to share their thoughts with others.

Why is it Important?

Public speaking is important because it helps you share your ideas with more people. It’s a way to make your voice heard. Good public speaking skills can help you do better in school, get a good job, and make new friends.

Getting Better at It

To get better at public speaking, practice is key. Start by talking in front of a mirror or with friends. Listen to feedback and try again. Remember, everyone gets nervous, but with practice, you can become confident and clear in your speaking.

250 Words Essay on Public Speaking

Public speaking: the art of communicating effectively.

Public speaking involves delivering a presentation before an audience, sharing a message, or informing a group of people about a certain topic. It is a valuable skill that helps individuals communicate effectively, share knowledge, and engage others through eloquent words.

Importance of Public Speaking

Public speaking has numerous benefits and plays a crucial role in educational, social, and professional settings. It helps individuals develop their critical thinking skills, gain confidence, and build stronger communication abilities. Additionally, skilled public speakers are admired and often make a positive impact on audiences.

Key Elements of Public Speaking

Effective public speaking involves careful preparation, clear structure, and confident delivery. Speakers need to research and gather relevant information related to their topic. They must organize their ideas logically and arrange them into a coherent structure, including an introduction, main points, and conclusion. Additionally, using captivating visual aids, speaking expressively, and practicing effective body language enhance the impact of the speech.

Preparation Tips for Beginners

To excel at public speaking, beginners should start by choosing a topic they are passionate about, allowing them to connect with the audience authentically. Practicing in front of a mirror or with friends helps build confidence. Also, speaking slowly and clearly, using simple language, and engaging the audience through questions or stories can make speeches more captivating.

Overcoming Nervousness

It is common to feel nervous before speaking in public; however, deep breathing exercises, positive self-talk, and visualization techniques can help manage anxiety. Speakers should remember that being authentic and passionate about their topic goes a long way in making a successful presentation.

Public speaking is a powerful tool for sharing ideas, informing audiences, and influencing others. It is a skill that can be developed through practice and preparation. Effective public speakers are admired and make a positive impact on society. Therefore, if you’re given a chance to stand before the public and speak, seize it with confidence, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

500 Words Essay on Public Speaking

Public speaking: making your voice heard.

Public speaking is the art of talking to a group of people in a structured, purposeful manner. It involves delivering a message, sharing information, or persuading an audience to take action. Public speaking can be intimidating at first, but with practice, anyone can become a confident and effective speaker.

Preparation and Organization

Preparation is key to successful public speaking. Begin by defining your purpose and audience. Clearly understand the message you want to convey. Structure your speech with an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The introduction should grab your audience’s attention and introduce your topic. The body should develop your main points with supporting evidence. The conclusion should summarize your key points and leave a lasting impression.

Be Confident and Engaging

Confidence is crucial in public speaking. Practice your speech in front of a mirror, a friend, or a family member to build up your confidence. Maintain good posture, make eye contact with your audience, and use hand gestures to emphasize your points. Keep your voice clear and vary your tone to keep your audience engaged.

Practice Makes Perfect

The more you practice, the better you will become at public speaking. Look for opportunities to speak in different settings, such as a school debate or a community meeting. You can also join a public speaking club, where you can get feedback and encouragement from fellow speakers.

Handle Fear and Anxiety

It’s normal to feel some fear or anxiety before giving a speech. Deep breathing exercises and visualization techniques can help manage these feelings. Focus on your preparation and remember that the audience wants you to succeed. Embrace the opportunity to share your knowledge and ideas.

Effective Speech Delivery

When delivering your speech, speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Use a confident tone and project your voice so everyone can hear you. Maintain eye contact with your audience, and move around the stage or platform to keep their attention. Use visual aids, such as PowerPoint slides or flip charts to enhance your message.

Handling Questions and Feedback

After your speech, be prepared to answer questions from your audience. Listen attentively, and respond thoughtfully and respectfully. Welcome feedback, both positive and negative, as a chance to improve your public speaking skills.

In conclusion, public speaking is a valuable skill that can be learned and improved with practice. By preparing thoroughly, building confidence, and engaging your audience, you can effectively share your message and leave a lasting impact. Remember, the key to successful public speaking is preparation, practice, and passion for the topic you are presenting.

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• Communication

Public Speaking Tips

Updated 13 September 2023

Subject Communication

Downloads 56

Category Sociology

Topic Public Speaking

The western culture incorporates several distinct patterns of organizing writing and speaking. These patterns include topical, chronological, cause-and-effect, spatial, and problem-solution. The topical approach, for instance, is one of the most commonly used technique. The strategy entails choosing a specific topic about a particular phenomenon and acquiring all the information required. The procedure involves the use of classification, definition, analogy, statistics, examples and illustrations. The chronological technique, on the other hand, incorporates the use of temporal order and it is mostly applied when writing and presenting a narrative (story) (Gamble et al. 141). The cause-and-effect approach seeks to identify the causes of the specific phenomenon and its effects and encompasses the use of supporting materials such as definitions, statistics, description, examples, and citation. The spatial order, on the other hand, is a pattern that establishes the physical position of a subject or object and is mostly applied in descriptions. For example, when describing a room, one might start with what they see when they enter the door, progressing onto the middle of the room, and finally on the far side. The problem-solution pattern involves the definition and description of a particular problem and its solution and may incorporate the use of statistics as supporting material.

Some of the strategies that can be employed to decide the order of presenting supporting material include; relevance, specificity, complexity, and soft-hard (Gamble et al. 139). Relevance, for instance, entails choosing a document in the order of the most relevant to the least relevant. For specificity, one should decide whether they refer the material to be specific to general or vice versa. Complexity, on the other hand, entails simple to complex or complex-simple. The soft to the hard strategy may incorporate aspects such as opinion and the fact or a hypothetical illustration and a statistic.

 An individual should utilize several speaking tips to improve their speech presentation skills. For example, the speaker should be passionate about what they are talking about ((9 Public Speaking Tips to Maximize Your Presentation Skills). Passion during speech presentation helps inspire the audience to be more attentive. The speaker should also incorporate stories because they enable them to connect emotionally with the audience. Additionally, the speaker should practice their speech thoroughly before the presentation. Ultimately, the speaker should strive to teach the audience something new. The move makes the audience more active and attentive since human beings have a high affinity for novelty. In conclusion, the above-discussed tips are crucial to enhancing speech presentation.

Works Cited

"9 Public Speaking Tips to Maximize Your Presentation Skills". Www. Learningreadefined.Com, 2018.

Gamble, Teri Kwal, and Michael W. Gamble. The Public Speaking Playbook. Sage Publications, 2017.

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Anxious about public speaking? Try these tips from the theatre

Hone your performance skills with these techniques from stage actors. Linsey Todd and James Layton encourage us to smell the greasepaint

Linsey Todd

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For many performers, stage fright is their greatest fear. It can strike unexpectedly, making even the idea of setting foot on a stage in a packed theatre about as appealing as a dive into shark-infested waters.

Here’s the thing: “stage fright” is a misleading term. It’s not confined to the stage, and it can affect any of us at any given moment. You might not consider yourself a performer, but make no mistake – you absolutely are. We all perform on a daily basis. This could be on a small scale, in adapting our behaviour to match our company, or on a larger scale, like when delivering a presentation, pitch or lecture.

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For academics, we want to look at larger scale “performance” – public speaking. As BA Performance lecturers, we can share techniques and approaches from the world of theatre to help overcome any anxiety you might feel ahead of your next performance.

Don’t underestimate the value of a vocal warm-up

A vocal warm-up stretches your vocal chords and prepares your voice to be as strong as it can be ahead of public speaking. Humming is one of the simplest vocal warm-ups – and one of the most effective, with the vibrations having the added benefit of creating an internal massage, reducing stress.

Repeating tongue twisters helps improve diction and can also help you work past any phrases you have difficulty with or find yourself tripping over as you speak.

Breathing techniques can reduce stress

Breathing exercises are a simple way of reducing stress and regulating the nervous system. There’s evidence of other benefits, too, such as boosting concentration and increasing energy and motivation. A simple but helpful technique involves inhaling for the count of four, holding for four, exhaling for four and then holding for four once again. Slowly repeating this process for a few minutes helps bring a sense of calm and focus – ideal before any form of public speaking or for tackling nerves more generally.

Increase your self-awareness

Self-awareness is a valuable asset for public speakers. You might feel anxious about public speaking, but there might be elements of the process that you enjoy. When it comes to the stage, that’s obvious – there’s a thrill that comes with performing. Sparking a reaction from an audience is exhilarating. The same can be true for public speaking. Reflecting on what you enjoy about the process helps identify personal strengths from which you can build on.

Try power posing

A power pose is an open, expansive posture, which can foster a sense of power. It might sound strange, but research has found that this can reduce cortisol and increase testosterone, leading to a sense of psychological and physiological readiness. An example of a power pose would be embracing your inner superhero by standing tall with your shoulders back, feet hip-width apart and your fists on your hips. Holding this position for as little as three to five minutes can increase feelings of power and confidence.

Show compassion – to yourself

Whether on the stage or in a lecture theatre, we’re typically our own worst critics. We beat ourselves up over the most trivial of matters – things we wouldn’t think twice about in other people. It’s important for performers to learn the skill of self-compassion, which in turn leads to a sense of soothing and safety. One way you can do this is by giving yourself permission to make mistakes. In doing so, you may foster a sense of self-acceptance, which can lead to increased confidence.

By embracing our role as “performers” and applying techniques that benefit stage performers, screen actors and singers, we can reduce stress, improve delivery and make public speaking a more relaxed and fulfilling experience.

Always remember that it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous when it comes to public speaking. Performers and academics with decades of experience behind them still deal with forms of stage fright. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and, as we’ve outlined, there are many techniques that you can use to make life much easier. The research shows it doesn’t take much to make a difference in public speaking confidence, but it can take an investment of time – something that’s often in short supply. It’s an investment that’s likely to pay dividends, however, in many of the roles we play as academics.

Linsey Todd and James Layton are BA Performance lecturers at the University of the West of Scotland.

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