effective speaker essay

Public Speaking as an Effective Skill Essay

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Public speaking is a highly important and useful skill that carries multiple advantages for personal life and professional career. Public speaking skills are required for specialists of various kinds. In this regard, mastering public speaking is going to serve as great enforcement for anyone. The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate different situations where public speaking skills play an important role to show the reasons why public speaking is considered an effective skill.

First of all, the knowledge of theoretical and practical sides of public speaking provides one with multiple benefits such as understanding the ways people think and process the information, communicating thoughtfully and with higher efficiency, using the critical thinking, knowing how to organise and prepare presentations, researching the unfamiliar audiences and using appropriate communication strategies (Coopman, Lull 2014, p. 12). It is a well-known fact that most people experience certain difficulties in adjusting to a new society. For example, in a situation when a person starts working at a new place, they would feel the need to fit into the group of new co-workers, find a common language and establish friendly atmosphere at the workplace.

Public speaking skills provide a person with an ability to evaluate the audience, analyse their needs, learn their potentials, and successfully build contact with them. Proper application of public speaking knowledge will allow the new member of a group to move through the stage of getting to know the colleagues and feel comfortable talking with new people in unfamiliar situations (Coopman & Lull 2014, p. 12). In this case, public speaking skills will allow avoiding the discomfort at the workplace, which may lead to disruption of the work process and create problems for the whole company.

The most obvious situation where public speaking skills are always very useful is an actual performance in front of a group of people such as a public address, presentation of a new project at work, or a motivational speech. In such situations, the speaker can represent a group of fellows or the ideas important for many people. Due to this, a successful performance and efficient delivery of information are highly valuable and important (Keith & Lundberg 2013, p. 4). When one person is chosen to speak on behalf of many, it creates a certain pressure and responsibility for the speaker. In the case of the successful performance of one, the whole group will benefit. The good public speaker has to be able to present the information, keep the audience interested in the delivered ideas, and defend the point of view in case of criticism or counter argumentation.

The skills of public speaking provide one with courage, confidence, and the ability to fluently express themselves. One more situation that demonstrates the importance of public speaking skills is a casual conversation with a stranger. People are social creatures, interpersonal relationships of different kinds are highly important for us. Starting and maintaining friendships, being close to family members, having romantic relationships makes our lives easier and fuller. A skillful speaker will be able to represent themselves in the best and most appropriate way. This can be quite a challenging occupation. Performing in front of just one person is another variation of public speaking (Goldwasser 2006, p. 42). Successful personal representation in any situation, will it be a first date or a job interview, is extremely meaningful for anyone. This is why the development of public speaking skills is considered highly beneficial.

To conclude, almost every day, people face situations where speaking in front of an audience is required. The size of the audience may vary from one to hundreds or thousands of people, but the importance of professional and efficient delivery of information is always high. Knowledge of theoretical and practical sides of public speaking will enable the speaker to feel confident and comfortable and to present themselves and the necessary information in the best ways.

Coopman, S. & Lull, J. 2014, Public Speaking: The Evolving Art. Cengage Learning United States, Boston.

Goldwasser, I. 2006, Interactive Communication: A Guide to Effective Communication. Pearson Education Australia, Sydney.

Keith, W. & Lundberg, C. 2013, Public Speaking: Choice and Responsibility. Cengage Learning United States, Boston.

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Seven Principles of Effective Public Speaking

Published: Jan 24, 2019 Modified: Apr 09, 2024

Updated Jan 24, 2023

By Richard Zeoli

Edited and Reviewed by AMA Staff

When we watch celebrities, politicians, or business leaders speak on television or in public, they seem so at ease that we may wonder: are great speakers made, or are they just born that way? While it is true that some individuals are born with this gift, many effective public speakers have trained themselves to be so. Either they have received formal media training or they have delivered so many presentations that over time they’ve learned what works for them. So, what is the true secret to effective public speaking?

Here are ten principles of public speaking that I’ve developed in my role as a media coach. Keep them in mind the next time you find yourself presenting before a group.

Perception: Stop Trying to Be a Great “Public” Speaker

People want to listen to someone who is interesting, relaxed, and comfortable. In the routine conversations we have every day, we have no problem being ourselves. Yet too often, when we stand up to give a speech, something changes. We focus on the “public” at the expense of the “speaking.” To become effective at public speaking, you must do just the opposite: focus on the speaking and let go of the “public.”

Think of it as a conversation between you and the audience. If you can carry on a relaxed conversation with one or two people, you can give a great speech. Whether your audience consists of two people or two thousand and whether you’re talking about the latest medical breakthrough or what you did today at work, be yourself; talk directly to people and make a connection with them. Read " Getting Your Audience to Care " for more tips. 

Perfection: When You Make a Mistake, No One Cares But You

Even the most accomplished public speaker will make a mistake at some point. Just keep in mind that you’ll notice more than anyone in your audience. The most important thing you can do after making a mistake during a presentation is to keep going. Don’t stop and—unless the mistake was truly earth shattering—never apologize to the audience for a minor slip. Unless they are reading the speech during your delivery, the audience won’t know if you left out a word, said the wrong name, or skipped a page. Because “to err is human,” a mistake can work for you, because it allows you to connect with your audience. People don’t want to hear from someone who is “perfect;” they will relate much more easily to someone who is real.

Master the art of public speaking and crush your next presentation with one of our public speaking seminars, available online and in a classic classroom format.

Effective Executive Speaking Take your public speaking to the next level! Speak, present and communicate with poise, power and persuasion.

Visualization: If You Can See It, You Can Speak It

Winners in all aspects of life have this in common: they practice visualization to achieve their goals. Sales people envision themselves closing the deal; executives picture themselves developing new ventures; athletes close their eyes and imagine themselves making that basket, hitting that home run, or breaking that record.

The same is true in public speaking. If you’ve read “10 Powerful Body Language Tips” then you know how anxiety can impact presentation skills. The best way to fight anxiety and to become a more comfortable speaker is to practice in the one place where no one else can see you—your mind. If you visualize on a consistent basis, you’ll prepare your mind for the prospect of speaking in public, and pretty soon you’ll conquer any feelings of anxiety. If you consider yourself an introvert, consider taking our course on How to Deliver Powerful Presentations as an Introvert.  

Discipline: Practice Makes Perfectly Good

Your goal is not to be a perfect public speaker. There is no such thing. Your goal is to be an effective public speaker. Like anything else in life, it takes practice to improve those public speaking skills. We too often take communication for granted because we speak to people everyday. But when your prosperity is directly linked to how well you perform in front of a group, you need to give the task the same attention as if you were a professional athlete. Remember, even world champion athletes practice every day. Try taking a class where you practice giving speeches.

Description: Make It Personal

Whatever the topic, audiences respond best when the presenter can personalize their message. It’s a terrific way to get intimate with large audiences. Take the opportunity to put a face on the facts of your presentation. People like to hear about other people’s experiences—the triumphs, tragedies, and everyday humorous anecdotes that make up their lives. Telling stories will give you credibility, and help your listeners engage more often. Whenever possible, insert a personal-interest element in your public speaking. This technique will make your listeners warm up to you, but it will also do wonders at putting you at ease by helping you overcome any lingering nervousness. After all, on what subject is your expertise greater than on the subject of yourself?

Know Your Audience

Knowing your audience is crucial when it comes to public speaking. Understanding who you are speaking to allows you to tailor your message in a way that will be most effective and engaging for them. It helps you to anticipate the questions and concerns they may have, and to address those in your presentation. It also allows you to use language and examples that will resonate with your audience, making it easier for them to understand and relate to what you are saying. So before you take the stage, take some time to research and get to know your audience. It will make all the difference in how your message is received.

What to Do With Your Hands When Presenting

Using your hands effectively can greatly enhance your public speaking skills and help you to deliver a more dynamic and engaging presentation. It can also help to keep your audience engaged and focused on what you are saying. However, it's important to use your hands appropriately and not overdo it. Too much gesturing can be distracting and take away from your message. Using your hands as a visual aid is a public speaking skill that's often overlooked, but when executed correctly you can add an extra layer of depth and meaning to your speech.

Inspiration: Speak to Serve

For a twist that is sure to take much of the fear out of public speaking, take the focus off yourself and shift it to your audience. After all, the objective is not to benefit the speaker but to benefit the audience, through your speaking skills teaching, motivation, or entertainment. So, in all your preparation and presentations, you should think about your purpose. How can you help your audience members achieve their goals?

Deliver Your Speech Authentically

Delivering a speech authentically is crucial for engaging and connecting with your audience. When you speak from the heart and let your true personality shine through, confidence will be recognized in your delivery. This can help to establish trust and credibility with your audience, as they will sense that you are being genuine. Use your own voice and language, and don't be afraid to show your emotions and passion for your topic. Remember, the more authentic you are, the more your audience will be able to relate to and connect with you.

Anticipation: Always Leave ‘em Wanting More

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned from my years of communication skills training is that when it comes to public speaking, less is usually more. I don’t think I’ve ever left a gathering and heard someone say, “I wish that speaker had spoken longer.” On the other hand, I can imagine how many speakers probably can’t count the times they’ve thought, “I’m glad that speech is over. It seemed to go on forever!” So, surprise your audience. Always make your presentation just a bit shorter than anticipated. If you’ve followed the first six principles outlined here you already have their attention and interest, and it’s better to leave your listeners wishing you had spoken for just a few more minutes than squirming in their seats waiting for your speech finally to end.

Check out related articles on Effective Public Speaking

• Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking
• Communicating Vision via a Winning Presentation  
• Communication Skills: Polishing Your Public Speaking Style

About the Author

Richard Zeoli is the founder and president of RZC Impact, an executive communications training firm. He is the author of The 7 Principles of Public Speaking (Skyhorse Publishing) and is a Visiting Associate at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University in New Jersey. 

American Management Association is a world leader in professional development, advancing the skills of individuals to drive business success. AMA’s approach to improving performance combines experiential learning—“learning through doing”—with opportunities for ongoing professional growth at every step of one’s career journey. AMA supports the goals of individuals and organizations through a complete range of products and services, including seminars, Webcasts and podcasts, conferences, corporate and government solutions, business books and research.

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Ready, Set, Speak

By  Aisha Langford

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Public speaking is a critical, but often underdeveloped, skill among higher education professionals. Your ability to convey ideas with confidence and clarity is essential for articulating the importance of your research, getting buy-in for your projects and obtaining funding from sponsors.

Many people are afraid of public speaking. They think that effective public speakers are “naturals” who were born with strong oratory skills. Luckily, it is practice and not genetics that will make you a better public speaker. With practice and a few tips, you can improve your skills in a relatively short amount of time. This article will discuss five tips to becoming a better public speaker.

WAIT Method

WAIT stands for Why Am I Talking ? Before you jump right into making Powerpoint slides or writing a speech, take some time to think about why you’re speaking and what you want the audience to remember. That is, begin with the end in mind (habit number two from Stephen Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People ). For example, pick three things you want people to take away from your presentation and then work backward. A clear understanding of your end goal will keep your thoughts cohesive as you prepare. More details can be found on Loren Ekroth’s webpage .

10/20/30 Rule

Introduced by the entrepreneur, author and speaker Guy Kawasaki, the general idea behind the 10/20/30 rule is that your Powerpoint presentations for most talks should:

• Have only 10 slides
• Last no more than 20 minutes
• Use 30 point font or greater so the audience can actually read your slides.

Keep in mind that these guidelines were created with the business community in mind and may not always apply to academic situations (e.g., dissertation defenses). However, it’s worth noting that our attention spans are short. There’s nothing worse than listening to a talk that goes on and on, or seeing slides that you can’t read.

Content Over Medium

The content of your presentation is far more important than fancy slides without substance. Powerpoint is a wonderful tool; however, it isn’t a requirement for effective presentations. Let’s repeat. Powerpoint isn’t a requirement for effective presentations.

Sometimes speaking without Powerpoint slides is even more effective and engaging. This may be especially true if you’re sharing aspects about your life (e.g., how you landed in higher education) or giving a motivational speech.

Unfortunately, Powerpoint is often used as a script instead of the visual aid tool it was designed to be. Using the analogy of a music concert, you are the lead singer and Powerpoint is your backup singers -- there to support you, but not the main focus. You are the show.

If you choose to use Powerpoint slides, avoid common Powerpoint mistakes like reading every slide and presenting crowded tables. Your audience will thank you.

Control the Controllables

The marketing and management consultant Somers White once said, “90 percent of how well the talk will go is determined before the speaker steps on the platform.” Reduce your public speaking anxiety by following these steps:

• Organize your thoughts. This blueprint for a presentation by Eleni Kelakos is a good guide.
• Decide which format is best (Powerpoint, no slides and/or paper handouts).
• Practice by yourself and refine.
• Practice in front of others and refine.
• Time yourself. Staying within allotted time limits is crucial.
• Decide what you’re going to wear. Be comfortable, but look professional.

If possible, practice in the room where you’ll be speaking. Test the equipment to make sure it works. If using your own laptop, remember to bring your charger and adapters. This is especially true for Mac users. Also ask about:

• Wireless clickers
• Laser pointers
• Internet connections
• Sound system
• Microphones

Speaking of microphones, please use one if you’ll be in a large room. As we present, our voices get tired. Tiredness makes it hard to project our voices to the back of the room. If people can’t hear you, then you’ve missed an important opportunity and wasted everyone’s time, including yours. Lastly, if you have interactive exercises or surveys that require writing, be sure to bring pens.

Body Language and Other Distractions

A few years ago, I attended a job talk. The candidate -- we'll call him John -- had great training and an interesting program of research. Unfortunately, all I remember about John’s talk is that he spoke too fast, fidgeted a lot and rambled during the Q and A. He didn’t seem prepared, and he didn’t get the job. The selected candidate was probably a better fit overall for the department. However, I still wonder if John’s poor public speaking skills were a factor in the final decision.

Keep these things in mind when you’re giving presentations:

• Make good eye contact and scan the room. Force yourself to look to the left, center and right portions of the room.
• Eliminate filler words like um and ah . Take a pause instead.
• Reduce excessive hand movements, including taking your hands in and out of pockets.
• Try not to sway or rock in place.

Finally, it’s okay to move around the stage and interact with the audience. If you do so, use a wireless microphone so the audience can hear you.

For more information on public speaking, check out Toastmasters International , a nonprofit organization focused on public speaking and leadership development. If you own a smartphone, this article, Fearless Public Speaking: 6 Apps to Help You Prepare for Presentations (pages 46 and 47), may also be helpful.

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1.1 Why Is Public Speaking Important?

Learning objectives.

• Explore three types of public speaking in everyday life: informative, persuasive, and entertaining.
• Understand the benefits of taking a course in public speaking.
• Explain the benefits people get from engaging in public speaking.

Christian Pierret – Leader – CC BY 2.0.

In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with messages both good and bad. No matter where you live, where you work or go to school, or what kinds of media you use, you are probably exposed to hundreds. if not thousands, of advertising messages every day. Researcher Norman W. Edmund estimates that by 2020 the amount of knowledge in the world will double every seventy-three days (Edmund, 2005). Because we live in a world where we are overwhelmed with content, communicating information in a way that is accessible to others is more important today than ever before. To help us further understand why public speaking is important, we will first examine public speaking in everyday life. We will then discuss how public speaking can benefit you personally.

Everyday Public Speaking

Every single day people across the United States and around the world stand up in front of some kind of audience and speak. In fact, there’s even a monthly publication that reproduces some of the top speeches from around the United States called Vital Speeches of the Day ( http://www.vsotd.com ). Although public speeches are of various types, they can generally be grouped into three categories based on their intended purpose: informative, persuasive, and entertaining.

Informative Speaking

One of the most common types of public speaking is informative speaking . The primary purpose of informative presentations is to share one’s knowledge of a subject with an audience. Reasons for making an informative speech vary widely. For example, you might be asked to instruct a group of coworkers on how to use new computer software or to report to a group of managers how your latest project is coming along. A local community group might wish to hear about your volunteer activities in New Orleans during spring break, or your classmates may want you to share your expertise on Mediterranean cooking. What all these examples have in common is the goal of imparting information to an audience.

Informative speaking is integrated into many different occupations. Physicians often lecture about their areas of expertise to medical students, other physicians, and patients. Teachers find themselves presenting to parents as well as to their students. Firefighters give demonstrations about how to effectively control a fire in the house. Informative speaking is a common part of numerous jobs and other everyday activities. As a result, learning how to speak effectively has become an essential skill in today’s world.

Persuasive Speaking

A second common reason for speaking to an audience is to persuade others. In our everyday lives, we are often called on to convince, motivate, or otherwise persuade others to change their beliefs, take an action, or reconsider a decision. Advocating for music education in your local school district, convincing clients to purchase your company’s products, or inspiring high school students to attend college all involve influencing other people through public speaking.

For some people, such as elected officials, giving persuasive speeches is a crucial part of attaining and continuing career success. Other people make careers out of speaking to groups of people who pay to listen to them. Motivational authors and speakers, such as Les Brown ( http://www.lesbrown.com ), make millions of dollars each year from people who want to be motivated to do better in their lives. Brian Tracy, another professional speaker and author, specializes in helping business leaders become more productive and effective in the workplace ( http://www.briantracy.com ).

Whether public speaking is something you do every day or just a few times a year, persuading others is a challenging task. If you develop the skill to persuade effectively, it can be personally and professionally rewarding.

Entertaining Speaking

Entertaining speaking involves an array of speaking occasions ranging from introductions to wedding toasts, to presenting and accepting awards, to delivering eulogies at funerals and memorial services in addition to after-dinner speeches and motivational speeches. Entertaining speaking has been important since the time of the ancient Greeks, when Aristotle identified epideictic speaking (speaking in a ceremonial context) as an important type of address. As with persuasive and informative speaking, there are professionals, from religious leaders to comedians, who make a living simply from delivering entertaining speeches. As anyone who has watched an awards show on television or has seen an incoherent best man deliver a wedding toast can attest, speaking to entertain is a task that requires preparation and practice to be effective.

Personal Benefits of Public Speaking

Oral communication skills were the number one skill that college graduates found useful in the business world, according to a study by sociologist Andrew Zekeri (Zekeri, 2004). That fact alone makes learning about public speaking worthwhile. However, there are many other benefits of communicating effectively for the hundreds of thousands of college students every year who take public speaking courses. Let’s take a look at some of the personal benefits you’ll get both from a course in public speaking and from giving public speeches.

Benefits of Public Speaking Courses

In addition to learning the process of creating and delivering an effective speech, students of public speaking leave the class with a number of other benefits as well. Some of these benefits include

• developing critical thinking skills,
• fine-tuning verbal and nonverbal skills,
• overcoming fear of public speaking.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

One of the very first benefits you will gain from your public speaking course is an increased ability to think critically. Problem solving is one of many critical thinking skills you will engage in during this course. For example, when preparing a persuasive speech, you’ll have to think through real problems affecting your campus, community, or the world and provide possible solutions to those problems. You’ll also have to think about the positive and negative consequences of your solutions and then communicate your ideas to others. At first, it may seem easy to come up with solutions for a campus problem such as a shortage of parking spaces: just build more spaces. But after thinking and researching further you may find out that building costs, environmental impact from loss of green space, maintenance needs, or limited locations for additional spaces make this solution impractical. Being able to think through problems and analyze the potential costs and benefits of solutions is an essential part of critical thinking and of public speaking aimed at persuading others. These skills will help you not only in public speaking contexts but throughout your life as well. As we stated earlier, college graduates in Zekeri’s study rated oral communication skills as the most useful for success in the business world. The second most valuable skill they reported was problem-solving ability, so your public speaking course is doubly valuable!

Another benefit to public speaking is that it will enhance your ability to conduct and analyze research. Public speakers must provide credible evidence within their speeches if they are going to persuade various audiences. So your public speaking course will further refine your ability to find and utilize a range of sources.

Fine-Tuning Verbal and Nonverbal Skills

A second benefit of taking a public speaking course is that it will help you fine-tune your verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Whether you competed in public speaking in high school or this is your first time speaking in front of an audience, having the opportunity to actively practice communication skills and receive professional feedback will help you become a better overall communicator. Often, people don’t even realize that they twirl their hair or repeatedly mispronounce words while speaking in public settings until they receive feedback from a teacher during a public speaking course. People around the United States will often pay speech coaches over one hundred dollars per hour to help them enhance their speaking skills. You have a built-in speech coach right in your classroom, so it is to your advantage to use the opportunity to improve your verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking

An additional benefit of taking a public speaking class is that it will help reduce your fear of public speaking. Whether they’ve spoken in public a lot or are just getting started, most people experience some anxiety when engaging in public speaking. Heidi Rose and Andrew Rancer evaluated students’ levels of public speaking anxiety during both the first and last weeks of their public speaking class and found that those levels decreased over the course of the semester (Rose & Rancer, 1993). One explanation is that people often have little exposure to public speaking. By taking a course in public speaking, students become better acquainted with the public speaking process, making them more confident and less apprehensive. In addition, you will learn specific strategies for overcoming the challenges of speech anxiety. We will discuss this topic in greater detail in Chapter 3 “Speaking Confidently” .

Benefits of Engaging in Public Speaking

Once you’ve learned the basic skills associated with public speaking, you’ll find that being able to effectively speak in public has profound benefits, including

• influencing the world around you,
• developing leadership skills,
• becoming a thought leader.

Influencing the World around You

If you don’t like something about your local government, then speak out about your issue! One of the best ways to get our society to change is through the power of speech. Common citizens in the United States and around the world, like you, are influencing the world in real ways through the power of speech. Just type the words “citizens speak out” in a search engine and you’ll find numerous examples of how common citizens use the power of speech to make real changes in the world—for example, by speaking out against “fracking” for natural gas (a process in which chemicals are injected into rocks in an attempt to open them up for fast flow of natural gas or oil) or in favor of retaining a popular local sheriff. One of the amazing parts of being a citizen in a democracy is the right to stand up and speak out, which is a luxury many people in the world do not have. So if you don’t like something, be the force of change you’re looking for through the power of speech.

Developing Leadership Skills

Have you ever thought about climbing the corporate ladder and eventually finding yourself in a management or other leadership position? If so, then public speaking skills are very important. Hackman and Johnson assert that effective public speaking skills are a necessity for all leaders (Hackman & Johnson, 2004). If you want people to follow you, you have to communicate effectively and clearly what followers should do. According to Bender, “Powerful leadership comes from knowing what matters to you. Powerful presentations come from expressing this effectively. It’s important to develop both” (Bender, 1998). One of the most important skills for leaders to develop is their public speaking skills, which is why executives spend millions of dollars every year going to public speaking workshops; hiring public speaking coaches; and buying public speaking books, CDs, and DVDs.

Becoming a Thought Leader

Even if you are not in an official leadership position, effective public speaking can help you become a “ thought leader .” Joel Kurtzman, editor of Strategy & Business , coined this term to call attention to individuals who contribute new ideas to the world of business. According to business consultant Ken Lizotte, “when your colleagues, prospects, and customers view you as one very smart guy or gal to know, then you’re a thought leader” (Lizotte, 2008). Typically, thought leaders engage in a range of behaviors, including enacting and conducting research on business practices. To achieve thought leader status, individuals must communicate their ideas to others through both writing and public speaking. Lizotte demonstrates how becoming a thought leader can be personally and financially rewarding at the same time: when others look to you as a thought leader, you will be more desired and make more money as a result. Business gurus often refer to “intellectual capital,” or the combination of your knowledge and ability to communicate that knowledge to others (Lizotte, 2008). Whether standing before a group of executives discussing the next great trend in business or delivering a webinar (a seminar over the web), thought leaders use public speaking every day to create the future that the rest of us live in.

Key Takeaways

• People have many reasons for engaging in public speaking, but the skills necessary for public speaking are applicable whether someone is speaking for informative, persuasive, or entertainment reasons.
• Taking a public speaking class will improve your speaking skills, help you be a more critical thinker, fine-tune your verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and help you overcome public speaking anxiety.
• Effective public speaking skills have many direct benefits for the individual speaker, including influencing the world around you, developing leadership skills, and becoming a go-to person for ideas and solutions.
• Talk to people who are currently working in the career you hope to pursue. Of the three types of public speaking discussed in the text, which do they use most commonly use in their work?
• Read one of the free speeches available at http://www.vsotd.com . What do you think the speaker was trying to accomplish? What was her or his reason for speaking?
• Which personal benefit are you most interested in receiving from a public speaking class? Why?

Bender, P. U. (1998). Stand, deliver and lead. Ivey Business Journal , 62 (3), 46–47.

Edmund, N. W. (2005). End the biggest educational and intellectual blunder in history: A $100,000 challenge to our top educational leaders . Ft. Lauderdale, FL: Scientific Method Publishing Co.

Hackman, M. Z., & Johnson, C. E. (2004). Leadership: A communication perspective (4th ed.). Long Grove, IL: Waveland.

Lizotte, K. (2008). The expert’s edge: Become the go-to authority people turn to every time [Kindle 2 version]. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Retrieved from Amazon.com (locations 72–78).

Rose, H. M., & Rancer, A. S. (1993). The impact of basic courses in oral interpretation and public speaking on communication apprehension. Communication Reports , 6 , 54–60.

Zekeri, A. A. (2004). College curriculum competencies and skills former students found essential to their careers. College Student Journal , 38 , 412–422.

Stand up, Speak out Copyright © 2016 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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The Top 9 Characteristics of Effective Public Speakers

Public speaking can be terrifying , but when you care about your career progression you need to find a way to get your voice out.

Public speaking is how you can share your ideas with a large number of people, stand out from the corporate crowd, and get visibility in your field.

Unfortunately, if you’re public speaking skills are not up to par, it’s likely that no one will be focused enough on your presentation to really receive your message.

Here are 9 scientifically-proven characteristics of effective public speakers that you should emulate to become an influential and inspiring leader.

According to a study published by the University of Wolverhampton “A highly confident speaker is viewed as being more accurate, competent, credible, intelligent, knowledgeable, likable, and believable than the less confident uncertain speaker.”

When it comes to public speaking, confidence is key (not the only key mind you). When speaking in public, it’s only natural to be nervous. In fact, Mark Twain once said, “There are only two types of speakers in the world. 1. The nervous and 2. The Liars.”

There are two main antidotes for anxiety

Excitement – If you’re truly excited about your subject, that feeling will shine through any nervousness you may have while you are giving your presentation.  Studies show that people who label their anxiety as excitement end up feeling more comfortable speaking.

Authenticity – Be yourself. If you have to deviate a little from your meticulously written presentation, do so! Although you should practice your speech as often as possible, you don’t want to memorize it! Memorizing a speech can cause you to fumble over a section if you didn’t say it just right.

To excel at public speaking you must do more than just defeat your nervous jitters. You must also have confidence in your subject and be yourself while you are on stage.

In order to really communicate to people through speech, you need to have passion about your subject. Without passion, your speech is meaningless. You need to exude a level of sincerity in your emotion when communicating to your audience if you want them to be moved by your presentation.

There’s no need to attempt to ‘practice’ sincerity by practicing your speech with a raised voice and waving arms. Simply focus on how you feel about your top and those that you are communicating with.

Two recent discoveries by The Gallup Organization offer insights into why passion is rare in U.S. workplaces :

• 55% of the U.S. working population is not engaged at work.
• 16% of the U.S. working population is actively disengaged.

It can be hard to be passionate about your topics when you present at work but aren’t really engaged in the activity. Sometimes, to show passion about a topic that doesn’t completely excite you, you need to dig deep into the topic and find things that interest you.

Be Yourself

You don’t have to be someone else on stage, all you have to do is just be yourself. Sometimes, no matter how much you believe in your message or how well you’ve rehearsed, if you don’t act like yourself in front of the group, your audience may view your speech as insincere or calculated.

If a political candidate doesn’t seem authentic, it’s not likely they’ll win an election. If a company’s social marketing strategy appears inauthentic, their sales will not go up. If you create a page on a dating website but what you write is not authentic, the people reading are likely to pick up on this inauthenticity and never contact you. Speaking is the same way.

It’s no surprise that the number of articles that mention the word “authenticity” in the headlines has dramatically risen. Authenticity is important.  Look at the trend since 2009 below.

Source of screen shot

There are many ways to help create more ‘authentic’ speeches but a couple of methods truly shine.

Practice, not memorization – In order to ‘be yourself’ in a presentation, you shouldn’t memorize your speech in absolutes. Practice your speech as often as possible, but be willing to change up the wording. This makes it easier to change it up during the actual presentation if things aren’t going exactly as planned. Memorization can set up a barrier between you and your audience.

Speak in a natural voice – any connection you’ve made with your audience could be broken by tones that seem ‘fake’ or ‘too perfect’. In general, you should try to speak in a conversational tone. If you say few “ahhs” and “umms” that’s ok, don’t sweat it.

Voice Modulations

If you want to be more engaging as a speaker, then avoid talking in a tone that seems too well rehearsed, but you still want to take the speed and inflection of your delivery into account when you practice your speech.

Take a look at this article by the Washington Post. They discuss how the wrong tone can spoil the message of your speech.

To practice proper cadence, record yourself giving your speech and listen to it later. You’ll be able to tell exactly when and where you start to sound inauthentic.

You can still use effective voice modulations while employing your natural voice.

Keep it Short and Sweet

If you’re only given 30 minutes to give a speech, don’t force yourself to fill the entire time allotted. Say what you need to say and use any remaining time for questions or to let your audience out a little early.

The main purpose of delivering a speech is to attempt to get your point across, and that might not require a whole hour. You want to make sure that your presentation is easily digestible for those listening to you. If you can complete your speech in 15 minutes, do so, and leave any remaining time open for questions and comments.

Research conducted by Dianne Dukette and David Cornish (2009) shows that, on average, adults can only sustain attention for around 20 minutes and that their short-term response to the stimulus that attracts attention is only seconds. This means that when you stand up in front of a crowd to present, you only have eight seconds to attract the audience’s attention.  Additionally, if you’re presentation takes longer than 20 minutes then you need to break it up into smaller chunks with a maximum of 20 minutes per chunk of information.

Connect with your Audience

A speech is just like a conversation, which means you need to communicate your message to someone else. In this sense, there is no difference between talking to one person or a thousand.

The problem, however, is that we’re all subject to a large amount of information in a short period of time, and it can be difficult for you as a speaker to cut through that noise and prove that what you’re  saying really matters.

While you’re speaking people are likely on their phones, tablets, or laptops, reading emails, surfing the web, researching who you are, or maybe taking notes on your speech. It’s your job to make them put their devices down and pay attention to what you have to say.

You can’t ask them to turn off their phones, but you can make them set their phones down by creating an atmosphere that excites and engages the listeners.

The best ways to connect with your audience are;

• Tell stories
• Be aware of your target audience
• Know the energy in the room
• Be Willing to poke fun at yourself
• Work on your non-verbal body language

Paint a Picture Through Storytelling

One of the best ways to really engage your audience is by becoming a good storyteller. This aspect of public speaking is so important I didn’t want it to simply be a bullet point in the ‘Connect with your Audience’ section.

Storytelling is a powerful tool used by the best speakers. By employing context into your speech for your audience to connect with, you’re creating an easy to listen to the atmosphere in which you are not simply shoving information at them in the hopes that they’ll retain that information.

The best presentations don’t feel like presentations, they are simply stories told by people with interesting experiences.

You can include stories of your own experiences, or use classic stories to bring context to your speech. Martin Luther King was a master at establishing a historical context for his message. Take a look at some of the most inspirational TED Talks. TED Talks, in general, are extremely story driven, and that is one of the reason they’re so popular.

For a great example of storytelling being implemented in public speaking, take a look at this presentation given by Jill Bolte Taylor .

The story is the most digestible, understood, and easy to retell communication medium in the world. A story is what really sticks in a listener’s mind.

When writing your speech, think about what you need to say in order to establish a context that your audience will understand and be able to engage with.

Repetition can help ensure your audience takes the main points away from your presentation. It promotes clarity and helps to encourage acceptance of an idea.

In order to employ repetition in your presentations, determine what you want your audience to take away from your speech. Say it. Say it again. And then say it a third time just in case anyone missed it the first couple of times.

Don’t Just Practice, Practice, Practice

Have you ever heard someone say that they want to seem authentic on stage, so they didn’t practice their speech? Although it may seem contradictory, the more you practice a presentation, the more spontaneous it will actually sound!

Of course, you have to practice it the right way though.

Take into account your environment when you practice and always practice as if you’re giving your presentation to a group of people. Speeding through your presentation on the bus in a hushed voice is more likely to hurt you than help you.

Practicing will help to make you feel more confident, and appear more authentic, thus creating a better opportunity to connect with your audience. Which, in the end, is the ultimate goal of public speaking.

In summary, the best way to give an inspiring presentation is by having a message that you believe in that the audience can connect to.  The connection between you and the audience is what allows them to truly listen to your message and be inspired.

It takes a lot of practice and experience to become a powerful public speaker, and by emulating the mentioned characteristics of effective public speakers you can become more inspiring and more influential.

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Effective Communication — Effective Communication: The Key to Building Strong Connections

Effective Communication: The Key to Building Strong Connections

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Words: 791 |

Published: Sep 12, 2023

Words: 791 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

The importance of effective communication, key elements of effective communication, barriers to effective communication, strategies for improving communication, 1. building relationships:, 2. resolving conflicts:, 3. achieving goals:, 4. personal development:, 5. success in the workplace:, 1. clarity:, 2. active listening:, 3. empathy:, 4. nonverbal communication:, 5. respect:, 1. misunderstandings:, 2. lack of active listening:, 3. emotional barriers:, 4. assumptions and stereotypes:, 5. lack of feedback:, 1. practice active listening:, 2. foster empathy:, 3. be mindful of nonverbal cues:, 4. seek feedback:, 5. adapt to your audience: h3>, 6. practice constructive communication:, 7. educate yourself:.

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.css-1qrtm5m{display:block;margin-bottom:8px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5714285714285714;-webkit-letter-spacing:-0.35px;-moz-letter-spacing:-0.35px;-ms-letter-spacing:-0.35px;letter-spacing:-0.35px;font-weight:300;color:#606F7B;}@media (min-width:600px){.css-1qrtm5m{font-size:16px;line-height:1.625;-webkit-letter-spacing:-0.5px;-moz-letter-spacing:-0.5px;-ms-letter-spacing:-0.5px;letter-spacing:-0.5px;}} best practices 7 ways to be a better communicator - by tweaking your body language

by David JP Phillips • November 16, 2021

Public speaking is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences that many of us face in our daily lives (although it’s dropped off the list of Americans’ biggest fears in recent years, replaced by more immediate threats like … sharks ?).

Part of our fear is about what we’re going to say, but the other part is about how we’re going to say it, according to communications expert David JP Phillips (TEDxZagreb Talk: The 110 techniques of communication and public speaking ). Phillips has spent years analyzing 5,000 public speakers to identify what moves work — and which ones don’t — when talking to an audience.

When we think of body language, many of us immediately think about hand and arm gestures. But body language is so much more than that — and it’s also something that we should all get comfortable with. By making small, easy tweaks to how we stand, move or even smile, we can help hold an audience’s attention. While Phillips has an entire 110-step system to public speaking, there’s no way or need to master them before your next presentation. Here, he shares 7 body-language tips that anyone can use.

Lean towards your audience

“Taking a step back indicates that you are threatened and makes your audience feel less relaxed,” says Phillips, who is based in Sweden. “Whenever we are threatened, we tend to close our body language, tense our muscles, and take a step back.” Crossing your arms is another move to avoid — it’s something else that people do when they’re nervous or scared and it puts those watching us on the defensive. So keep your arms open, and lean towards your audience. Make sure your head is inclined too; tilting your head backwards signals to your listeners that you feel superior to them.

Match your gestures to your words

Phillips’ rule of thumb when it comes to hand gestures: Make them functional (they should always have a purpose) and make sure they match your message. “The core of all communication is to make your message as clear as possible,” Phillips notes. If you’re talking about sales figures going up, that’s a good time to use a gentle, rising motion. If you’re setting two rhetorical options out for your audience to consider, place your hands on either side as if you’re weighing items in your palms. Humans are visual creatures, and movement will arouse an audience’s attention. But do not abuse this tendency. “If a person is using non-functional gestures, they can become annoying very quickly,” explains Phillips. “Functional gestures, however, are rarely used too much.”

Give your hands a rest

Most of us struggle mightily with what to do with our hands while talking. Put them in our pockets? (No, says Phillips: Too closed off.) Clasp them behind our back? (Nope: Domineering and overly formal.) Phillips has a whole lexicon of poses not to do with one’s hands, such as the “the prayer” (hands clasped in front) and “the beggar” (hands in front, palms up). And then there’s “the peacock”: hands on hips with elbows flapping loosely at your sides. “You often see this one being used by people who are nervous and who desire to quickly become ‘bigger’ in front of their opponent,” he explains. Phillips’s recommendation: “Leave your hands by your sides when you’re not using them.”

Tilt your head

Some of the ways that humans communicate nonverbally are pretty hardwired in us, says Phillips. One of these nonverbal signals is something you probably do all the time without realizing: When you’re trying to show empathy, you tilt your head to one side. “Good listeners are head tilters,” Phillips says. The same empathy signals work — even when you’re the one doing the talking.

Smile like you mean it

One of the most important things that a public speaker can do is deliver a Duchenne smile — the kind of genuine grin that fills your face and reaches your eyes. People respond more warmly to a Duchenne smile. “It will help make the audience more at ease and relaxed. And if they are at ease and relaxed, you’ll become more that way too and you’ve created a positive spiral, making you deliver your talk better. Also, adds Phillips, “as our emotions work from the inside out and the outside in, it means that you can affect your own emotional state in a positive way by smiling on stage.” No need to fake it — just bring to mind a person, place or animal that you know automatically brings a Duchenne smile to your face.

When you slip up, don’t panic

We’ve all had that moment: We practiced our speech until we could recite it in our sleep, but suddenly we can’t remember what comes next. The best way to recover, according to Phillips, is to act like you’re not panicking. “Avoid reacting on your fear,” he says. “Your body will want to tense up, reverse, hide in a corner, but all that just makes you feel less confident.” Instead, he suggests, “lean forward, open up your posture, breathe deep and slow, talk slowly, pause, and smile a Duchenne smile. All of those in combination will make you feel more comfortable.”

Practice — even when you’re not in front of a crowd

One of Phillips’ favorite mottos when it comes to body language is: “It’s a skill, not a talent.” He believes that anyone can become a great public speaker, even the most awkward and nervous of us. He says that a good first step is to simply become more tuned in to your everyday body language. Learn what gestures you tend to use to get your point across. Once you’ve gotten familiar with your existing body language vocabulary, you can start changing it and expanding it. “My most practical tip is to pick one to three skills and practice them every day until they become part of your natural way of communicating.”

This post was originally published on TED Ideas . It’s part of the “How to Be a Better Human” series, each of which contains a piece of helpful advice from someone in the TED community; browse through all the posts here .

© 2024 TED Conferences, LLC. All rights reserved. Please note that the TED Talks Usage policy does not apply to this content and is not subject to our creative commons license.

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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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What Makes An Effective Speaker

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Day in and day out we are exposed to different types of speakers. On television we see reporters, announcers, and talk show hosts. At school we encounter guest speakers and professors. We may not be asking ourselves if he or she is an effective speaker but unintentionally we are. We need to have effective speakers in order for us to understand what is happening now and what has happened in the past. And also to learn about the old and the new.

There are several things to look for in an effective speaker. Some characteristics are personal presentation, knowledge of material, use of language, clarity and projection, and the ability to connect with the audience. Consequently, all those characteristics have an association with one another. In almost every situation when you are presenting yourself, the first thing that an audience looks at is your appearance.

The way you present yourself and the body language you use accounts for how the audience perceives you. For example, in the videotaped motivational speech viewed in class, the speaker was dressed in formal attire. If the speaker were wearing torn up denim jeans and a stained T-shirt, the audience would not have perceived him to be informative because of the unprofessional garments. Why would someone want to listen to a person who does not appear to know what he or she is speaking about Being knowledgeable of the material is also essential to being an effective speaker.

As mentioned before, no one wants to listen to a person who is not well informed. Giving speeches should add credentials to your character. One of the main objectives I learned in freshman composition was to identify whether or not the author was credible. The same procedure goes forth in defining an effective speaker. It is basically common sense, you cannot inform others if you do not fully understand what you are informing about.

The Essay on Knowing Your Audience Paper and Communication Release 2

When a company needs to pass information to another organization or a group of people it is very important that the company knows their audience. If the information is regarding a disaster, it is even more important to make sure the company knows their audience. One example of a company needing to know their audience was the Chilean copper mine in South America. On Thursday, August 5, 2010, A ...

Language has a prominent role in decipher in what makes an effective speaker. Using various sentence structures, figures of speech, and vocabulary, are a few of the features speakers use to hook the audience into his or her speech. Using simple, compound, and complex sentences adds texture to a speech. Using repetition, similes, metaphors, anecdotes, and other figures of speech gives detail to ideas that are hard to explain by comparing it to every day ideas. Using a broad spectrum of vocabulary which has a sense of visual and acoustic involvement can aid the audience to better process your speech. The use of proper vocabulary helps your audience to clearly understand your thoughts.

In high school, I was a cheerleader and understood the importance of clarity and projection. Cheering is not like giving a speech, but from a different perspective, a cheerleader and speaker are both trying get a message across to their audience. A speaker must also be clear and loud. When you give a speech and emphasize the words, the audience will understand that the information you are giving out is important. We enunciate and project our voices in a manner to specify what needs to be heard. The last and most important characteristic is having the ability to connect with the audience.

When giving a speech, we are trying to communicate with a large amount of people with different backgrounds and beliefs. A previous professor my freshman spring semester did not seem to connect with our class. The language he used was complex and his tone of voice was dull. At times we thought he was teaching to himself aloud. On the other hand, from the videotaped presentation seen in class, the speaker used comedy, personal experiences and crowd involvement in order to attract the crowd and keep them attentive. These traits act as a common ground for the audience and the speaker.

The Essay on Society Rich Audience Women Speech

"What does a woman need to know" Adrienne Rich asks. More powerfully articulate than any other statement in her speech, Rich combines a searching personal integrity and self-identification with a passion to change the future. First spoken to the 1979 graduates of Smith College, I believe that Adrienne Rich s well-known words are capable of changing lives, even in 1999. The emphasis in her speech, ...

Every speaker needs to be able to identify a common ground and use that to capture the audience’s attention. There are probably several more characteristics that make-up an effective speaker. We can identify that the audience connects all of the characteristics listed. Without having an audience that can understand, there is no reason to speak at all. If I were able to have one characteristic out of the five listed; it would be the ability to connect with my audience. As I come to this class as an inexperienced speaker, I hope to be able to find a common ground with my class in order to speak efficiently..

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The Effective Speaker

The rhythms of ecclesia, isaiah 40:12.

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Effective Speaking

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Speaking effectively is defined as speaking in such a way that your message is clearly heard and, if possible, acted upon. There are two main elements to speaking effectively: what you say, and how you say it.

What you say means your choice of words. The words you might use when chatting to a friend are likely to be quite different from those used in a formal presentation or interview.

Similarly, the way that you speak will also vary in different situations. However, there are also likely to be some common factors: for example, whether you naturally talk quietly or loudly, and how you use body language.

This page discusses aspects of effective speaking. It also suggests ways in which you can become a more effective speaker.

Aspects of Effective Speaking

Effective speaking means being able to say what you want to say in such a way that it is heard and acted upon.

Whether you are talking to a major conference about a new scientific discovery, your children about their behaviour, or your boss about a pay rise, you need to be able to speak effectively. This means considering every possible tool and aspect to ensure that nothing distracts or detracts from your message.

There are three main elements of effective speaking

• The words you use.
• Your voice.
• Your other non-verbal communication, particularly body language.

Choosing Your Words

What you say—the words you choose—matters.

If in doubt about your meaning, your audience will come back to the words that you used and double-check what you might have meant. It is therefore important to choose carefully, especially when you are saying something important. Things to consider include:

Your audience . The words you choose will be different if you are talking to 200 people at a conference, a trusted colleague, your boss, or your children. You need to think about your audience’s overall level of understanding of the subject, and also the type of language that you use.

Shorter sentences are easier to process and understand. Using shorter sentences also creates urgency.

Simpler words are also easier to understand. If you cannot explain something in simple terms, you have probably not understood it yourself. This is particularly important if your audience are not all native speakers of the language.

Regional and ethnic accents are part of individual personality and add a unique element to the way that you speak.

They may also, however, in some situations, create potential barriers to communication. For example, if you have a very strong accent, people from another area or country may find it harder to understand what you are saying. You may therefore need to slow down your speech to ensure that they have time to process what you are saying.

It is worth remembering, however, that words are only a part of your overall communication and message. The tone of voice and your body language also send strong messages.

Your voice can reveal as much about your personal history as your appearance. The sound of a voice and the content of speech can provide clues to an individual's emotional state.

For instance, if self-esteem is low, it may be reflected by hesitancy in the voice. A shy person may speak quietly, but someone who is confident in themselves will be more likely to have command of their voice and clarity of speech.

It is worth taking time to improve your command over your voice, especially if you find it hard to speak in public. It can even help to boost your confidence!

It is important to get used to the sound of your own voice. Most people are more relaxed in a private situation, particularly at home, where there are no pressures to conform to any other social rules and expectations. This is not the case in public situations when there are all sorts of influences exerted upon the way people speak.

An exercise to improve public speaking

Try recording your own voice in an informal setting, such as at home.

Listen carefully to how you sound. This will help you become accustomed to your own voice.

You might also note any aspects of your speech which reduce the overall effectiveness of your message. This might include a tendency to say ‘um’ or ‘er’ a lot, to slur one or more letters together, or stammer slightly.

Often people don’t like the sound of their own recorded voice - in the same way that some people don't like photographs of themselves - they can feel embarrassed.

Most of us are not used to hearing our own voices and these feelings are totally normal. Get past the initial, ‘ Do I really sound like that? ’ stage and develop a better understanding of your voice.

The more you get used to the sound of your voice functioning in a slightly more formal way, the easier it is when doing it 'for real'. In conversational mode, individuals tend to speak in short phrases, a few at a time. Speaking or reading aloud helps you to become used to the more fluent sound of your voice.

An exercise to help develop your effective speaking skills:

Find a document to read, something about two pages in length - the first few pages of a book would work well.

Read your document through silently first, then read it aloud in your normal speaking voice.  Don't worry if you stumble or falter, just pick up and continue to the end.

Now read it a third time, recording your voice if possible and remember:

• Slow down: It is a natural reaction to want to get it over as fast as possible and this often causes people to stumble over their words. Speeding up also occurs when you are nervous and usually makes you more difficult to understand.
• Keep your head up:  Try not to tuck your chin into the book as your voice is then addressing the floor. Hold your book higher and project your voice.
• Pause occasionally: Let the end of a sentence or the end of a paragraph give you a chance of a small, two or three second rest. Pauses can be useful for emphasis.

Practise this exercise as often as you can.

Anyone can improve the sound of their voice and the way they speak in a matter of days through a few simple exercises, like the one above. To improve you will need to maintain a certain commitment and practice regularly for a few minutes.

The Effect of Breath on Voice and Speech

The voice is responsive to emotions and sometimes gets ' blocked ', which can prevent or hinder the expression of a range of feelings.

When under stress an individual's breathing pattern will change. When your muscles are tense you cannot use your lungs to their full capacity. When someone is frightened or nervous, a common symptom is tension in the neck and shoulders. This occurs because, when under pressure, we tend to breath faster. This means we inhale plenty of air, but there is not enough time to exhale fully and relax, so we do not get the full benefit.

Good breathing is essential for two reasons:

By using full lung capacity the breath will support the voice and the voice will become richer, fuller and stronger.

This will benefit individuals who have a small voice and who worry that they cannot be heard when speaking to a group of people. Volume is controlled in the abdomen not in the throat, so breathing to full strength will allow for greater control of the voice.

Breathing deeply and rhythmically has a calming and therapeutic effect as it releases tension and promotes relaxation. People who are relaxed are more balanced, receptive and confident.

It is no coincidence that many religions use rhythmic breathing techniques such as meditation, yoga and silent contemplation, and vocal release in the form of chants, mantras or hymn singing as aids to their devotions. By easing physical tension, mental stress decreases and the mind is effectively freed to follow creative pursuits.

Breathing Exercise

Stand in an easy position with your feet one pace apart, with the knees ‘unlocked’ and not rigidly pushed back. Keep your spine straight, head balanced and face muscles relaxed.

Breathe in to a slow count of three, then out to a slow count of three.

Try not to raise your shoulders as you breathe. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Consciously think of your breath 'filling down' to the bottom of your lungs.

Put the palm of your hand flat against your abdomen and feel the movement. Push slightly against your hand as you breathe in and out.

Repeat this exercise ten times.

Depending on how you feel after several days of doing this exercise, extend the count of the out-going breath from three to four, five and six gradually building up to ten before you need to take another breath. Then count out loud on the out-going breath from one to ten. Repeat five times.

By building up your control of out-going breath, you will never sound ‘breathy’ or feel you are 'running out of breath’ when you speak to a group or a meeting.

See our Relaxation Techniques section for more on breathing and relaxing.

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Vocal Production

The following three core elements of vocal production need to be understood for anyone wishing to become an effective speaker:

• Volume   -  to be heard.
• Clarity  - to be understood.
• Variety  - to add interest.

This is not a question of treating the voice like the volume control on the TV remote. Some people have naturally soft voices and physically cannot bellow. Additionally, if the voice is raised too much, tonal quality is lost. Instead of raising the voice, it should be ' projected out '. Support the voice with lots of breath - the further you want to project the voice out, the more breath you need. It also needs to come from the diaphragm, not the throat.

When talking to a group or meeting, it is important not to aim your talk to the front row or just to the people nearest you. Instead, you need to consciously project what you have to say to those furthest away. By developing a  strong voice,  as opposed to a loud voice, you will be seen as someone positive.

Some people tend to speak through clenched teeth and with little movement of their lips. It is this inability to open mouths and failure to make speech sounds with precision that is the root cause of inaudibility. The sound is locked into the mouth and not let out.

To have good articulation it is important to unclench the jaw, open the mouth and give full benefit to each sound you make, paying particular attention to the ends of words. This will also help your audience as a certain amount of lip-reading will be possible.

To make speech effective and interesting, certain techniques can be applied. However, it is important not to sound false or as if you are giving a performance. Words convey meaning, but the way that they are said reflects feelings and emotions. Vocal variety can be achieved by variations in:

Pace: This is the speed at which you talk. If speech is too fast, then listeners will not have time to assimilate what is being said. It is also a good idea to vary the pace - quickening up at times and then slowing down – because this will help to maintain interest.

Volume:  By raising or lowering volume occasionally, you can create emphasis. If you drop your voice to almost a whisper (as long as it is projected) for a sentence or two, it will make your audience suddenly alert. Be careful not to overuse this technique, though, or it will lose its impact.

Pitch - Inflection - Emphasis:  When speaking in public, try to convey the information with as much vocal energy and enthusiasm as possible. This does not mean your voice has to swoop and dive all over the place in an uncontrolled manner. Try to make the talk interesting. Remember that when you are nervous or excited, your vocal chords tense and shorten, causing the voice to get higher. Emphasise certain words and phrases within the talk to convey their importance and help to add variety.

Pause:  Pauses are powerful. They can be used for effect to highlight the preceding statement or to gain attention before an important message. Pauses mean silence for a few seconds. Listeners interpret meaning during pauses so have the courage to stay silent for up to five seconds – dramatic pauses like this convey authority and confidence.

Warm up your voice

Before any important speaking situation, whether it is an appointment, meeting or talk, it is beneficial to have a voice warm-up.

The voice is an instrument - no musician arrives at a concert hall and launches into Beethoven without first tuning up.  The length of time and frequency of a warm-up is up to you and will depend on how much speaking you need to do.

There is more about using your voice effectively on our page non-verbal communication: face and voice .

A considerably amount of communication—some estimates suggest over 50%—is non-verbal. Tone of voice, pace and emphasis are all part of non-verbal communication.

However, your body language is also important. This includes how you stand, your facial expressions, the way you use your hands to emphasise your speech, and even whether and with whom you make eye contact.

There is more about how to use body language to communicate effectively in our page on Body Language . This includes considering how far away you are from your audience, and therefore whether you need to exaggerate your gestures to make them clearer.

The importance of congruence

Perhaps the most important aspect of effective communication is congruence .

For communication to be effective, your non-verbal communication needs to reinforce your words: the two must say the same thing. Non-verbal communication is much harder to disguise than verbal—if you see that someone’s body language is giving a different message from their words, it pays to listen to the non-verbal communication first as it is more likely to reflect their real views.

You may therefore need to put some thought into how you want to use body language and other non-verbal cues. This is particularly important if you are trying to get across a difficult or unwelcome message.

Continue to: Conversational Skills Verbal Communication Skills

See also: Networking Skills The Art of Tact and Diplomacy 7 Qualities of Good Speakers That Can Help You Be More Successful

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10 Tips to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking is a skill that many people want to improve. Here's some tips to help you feel confident when presenting ideas to a group of people.

Public speaking has to be one of the most important professional skills because it is used in nearly every industry. But it is also one that people commonly fear. The good news is, speaking confidently and effectively in front of a group is a skill that anybody can master.

Whether you're presenting findings to your team or explaining complex ideas to potential investors, you can improve your public speaking skills with a little practice. Here are 10 ways you can start practicing today.

10 tips to improve your public speaking

We'll present you 10 tips you can use to start improving your public speaking skills.

1. Know your audience. 

You're more likely to feel comfortable presenting to an audience if you know who they are. That way, you can craft your message in a tone that resonates with them, perhaps using humor to ease the tension.

Start by assessing your audience's level of understanding of the topic you plan to discuss. This will determine the amount of background to give and whether you should aim to be more professional or casual.

As you’re speaking, stay aware of the group's reactions. Adjust accordingly so you can connect with them throughout your presentation.

2. Practice, practice, practice. 

Even the most seasoned public speaker needs practice to be effective. Give a mock presentation of your speech in advance, so you can determine if you’ve organized the information cohesively and clearly. 

It may help to talk out loud to an imaginary audience or in front of a mirror, but it’s even more effective to practice with the help of a supportive co-worker, friend, or family member as an audience. 

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3. Use feedback to your advantage.

Whether you’re practicing or giving a presentation, ask for feedback. This constructive criticism could include specific examples that you can use to improve for future presentations.

If your friends point out that you say "umm" or "you know" too much, make sure that you're not taking the feedback personally. Integrate their comments into future presentations and thank your friend or team for giving you invaluable feedback.

4. Make it your own. 

Connecting with an audience can be easier when you add your own personality or flair. Let your personality shine through as you convey your message, whether you are a naturally funny or empathetic person. Be authentic and appropriate—use humor when it can enhance your work, rather than detract from it.

If you use a PowerPoint presentation while speaking, make sure you're not reading from it word for word but using images or videos to bring your presentation to life. You may want to add your contact information at the end of the presentation so people can follow up with you afterward.

5. Connect with a personal story.

Personal stories or anecdotes can enhance your presentation. When TED Talk Speakers take the stage, they often begin with a short anecdote about their childhood or personal experience. This structure helps them connect with the audience, share their passion for what they're about to discuss or explain their expertise. 

To add this kind of personal touch to your presentation, make sure what you share has a direct connection with the topic at hand.

Learn more about storytelling and influencing with this course from Macquarie University.

6. Make eye contact.

Making eye contact with your audience can actually help you feel more at ease because you'll get a sense of whether they understand what you're saying or need to clarify further. Practicing your speech or presentation beforehand can help you feel more comfortable making eye contact.

As they say, much of effective communication relies on body language. Moving your gaze around the room can help your audience feel more engaged, which in turn will make you feel more confident.

7. Use the stage to your advantage.

Before the presentation, know where you'll be speaking. Check that your PowerPoint presentation works with the provided equipment. Make sure you know how the room will be set up. Ask about time constraints, whether people will be eating during your talk, and what kind of microphone you’ll be using.

When you’re on stage, own the space. Walk to different areas to make eye contact with other people in the audience. Be aware of your body language. Let your arms hang loosely. Stand with excellent posture, with your back straight. Smile.

8. Calm your nerves.

It’s normal to still find yourself overcome with nerves at some point in your presentation, despite your preparation. When this happens, take a deep breath. No one’s expecting you to be perfect.

Instead of thrusting your hands in your pockets or playing with your hair, think of ways to cope with your nerves beforehand. You might make sure to exercise that morning or meditate for five minutes before speaking.

9. Record yourself speaking. 

Co-workers and friends can help provide feedback, but you can also evaluate yourself while speaking. When you speak in front of a group, set up your phone to record yourself and watch it later. You may be surprised by your nervous habits or awkward phrasing. You might find new ways to improve the readability of your PowerPoint slides.

If you're giving a presentation on Zoom, ask your audience if you can record the meeting. Use this technology to improve your skills to be even more effective next time and avoid ruminating on mistakes. Stay positive.

10. Make a lasting impression with a strong conclusion. 

Just as experts encourage speakers to grab their audience’s attention within the first 30 seconds of their presentations, it’s also wise to create a solid ending to any presentation. This closing can include things like: 

A call to action that encourages listeners to take the next step

A memorable quote that inspires or illustrates a point from your presentation

A personal story that demonstrates why this issue is so important to you

A summary of the most important takeaways 

Remember to thank the audience for their time once you conclude your presentation. If there is time, you can invite questions and answer them from the stage, or prompt them to follow up with you afterward.

The importance of developing your public speaking skills.

Public speaking skills are helpful for growth in your career but also in everyday life. Here's some ways developing strong public speaking skills can benefit you:

Strengthen team-building and collaboration 

Share your ideas and offer solutions to work-related problems

Earn esteem with employers and co-workers alike

Create connections that can lead to new professional opportunities

The benefits of these skills transfer easily to other areas of your life. You can improve your relationships along with your professional success by developing clear and effective communication . 

It can take time to improve public speaking skills. The key to confidence is a willingness to embrace the temporary feeling of discomfort that comes with developing any new skill.

Next steps for success 

Apply these public speaking tips to improve your ability to confidently execute a presentation. Further refine your skills by practicing and learning from those who can demonstrate their success in public speaking . 

Join a public speaking support group.

Toastmasters International , a nonprofit organization with chapters throughout the world, empowers people to develop their public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive group setting. Members practice giving speeches and overcoming shyness and anxiety with regular online and in-person meetings.

Attend public speaking events.

If your town or city offers events with speakers on various topics, consider these opportunities to learn. When watching others give presentations, use a critical eye to learn what works and what doesn’t. Ask yourself why you enjoyed or didn’t enjoy the lecture, based on their tone, expressions, and body language. 

Watch videos of effective public speaking.

Finally, you can enjoy the same learning experience of in-person lectures by watching videos of influential public speakers. TED Talks is an online collection of presentations on a wide range of topics, including science, entertainment, and business. Watch as many as you can and use the best speakers as mentors to improve your confidence and success in public speaking.

Take public speaking classes. 

Online public speaking courses provide opportunities to learn ways to improve communication skills from the comfort of your home or office. Take the Introduction to Public Speaking course or Dynamic Public Speaking Specialization offered by the University of Washington to gain confidence as you learn presentation and public speaking skills.

Give your team access to a catalog of 8,000+ engaging courses and hands-on Guided Projects to help them develop impactful skills. Learn more about Coursera for Business .

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Essay on Qualities of a Good Speaker (1500 Words)

A good speaker possess many qualities; as he can engage their audience. They should have an engaging speaking style and be able to speak clearly and confidently, while also being able to engage with the crowd. A good speaker can also make their audience feel comfortable, whether they’re speaking in front of a large group or just one person.

How to become a good speaker?

Good physical condition.

Good physical condition is very important for a good speaker. The ability to stand and speak in front of an audience is one of the most important qualities that every speaker should have. A speaker who lacks good physical condition must be able to imagine himself or herself as strong and fit, otherwise he/she cannot deliver an effective speech. Good health helps you maintain your body weight and keeps you away from diseases. It also helps keep your mind clear, so that you can think straight during meetings or public speaking events. In short, it makes your life easier!

Proper knowledge

The speaker should be well-versed with the subject he or she wishes to address and should know about it in detail so that he or she can speak on it confidently. They must also be able to answer any question from the audience without hesitation. The audience will feel satisfied when they are given answers to their questions, and they will also be able to understand what the speaker is saying easily. A good speaker should be able to explain complicated topics by using simple words and sentences, so that all people can understand him/her easily.

A good voice is typically clear and audible. It should be pleasant to listen to, appropriate for the occasion, controlled, and confident. A person who speaks with a high-pitched or whiny voice will have trouble being taken seriously by most audiences. A person whose voice is too low-pitched will also struggle to be heard above competing noise levels in large venues. By contrast, a speaker whose speech sounds natural and relaxed is usually easier on the ears than someone who shouts or whispers into their microphone.

Interesting delivery

A good speaker does not have to be a great orator. A person can be an excellent speaker without being a good public speaker. Listening to a boring and monotonous speech is not the same as watching a movie or reading an interesting book. In order for one to become successful in this field, he must learn how to talk in a manner that will capture the audience’s attention and keep them interested throughout his entire speech. If you want your audience to remember what you say, then you should always be mindful of the following:

Effective body language

Good speakers use appropriate hand gestures when speaking in order to reinforce what they are saying verbally. For example, if you are talking about something new that you want people to learn about, you could use an upwards motion with your hands as if pulling up information from the ground into your mind – this shows that there is more information available on the topic that can be learned by others if desired by them as well

Bad body language includes crossing your arms across your chest or putting one leg over another during presentation time signs of hostility towards others who might be listening in on what’s said during lecture sessions

Properly organized speech

A good speaker influences his audience., vocal qualities of a good speaker.

A good speaker can make a difference in the world and inspire people to do great things. A good speaker is also able to influence his audience and change their minds about things. The qualities that a good speaker should have are many, but they all come down to being knowledgeable, confident and clear when speaking with others.

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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

Never underestimate the power of great communication. It can help you land the job of your dreams, attract investors to back your idea, or elevate your stature within your organization. But while there are plenty of good speakers in the world, you can set yourself apart out by being the person who can deliver something great over and over. Here are a few tips for business professionals who want to move from being good speakers to great ones: be concise (the fewer words, the better); never use bullet points (photos and images paired together are more memorable); don’t underestimate the power of your voice (raise and lower it for emphasis); give your audience something extra (unexpected moments will grab their attention); rehearse (the best speakers are the best because they practice — a lot).

I was sitting across the table from a Silicon Valley CEO who had pioneered a technology that touches many of our lives — the flash memory that stores data on smartphones, digital cameras, and computers. He was a frequent guest on CNBC and had been delivering business presentations for at least 20 years before we met. And yet, the CEO wanted to sharpen his public speaking skills.

• Carmine Gallo is a Harvard University instructor, keynote speaker, and author of 10 books translated into 40 languages. Gallo is the author of The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Greatest Salesman  (St. Martin’s Press).

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How to Be an Effective Public Speaker

Last Updated: April 22, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Deb DiSandro and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Deb DiSandro is the Owner of Speak Up On Purpose, an organization dedicated to improving and teaching public speaking. Deb has over 30 years of experience as a national speaker and has presented at the Erma Bombeck Writer’s Conference and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. She was awarded the National Speakers Association Member of the Year 2007 and has been published in Writer's Digest, Daily Herald, Women's Day, and Better Homes & Gardens. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 343,581 times.

Even accomplished public speakers worry about whether or not their presentation is effective. Fortunately, improving your effectiveness as a public speaker is very simple! To be an effective public speaker, prepare a well-developed speech that fits your audience. Then, practice your delivery prior to giving the speech. Finally, connect with the audience, articulate your words, and use gestures as you give your speech.

Preparing Your Speech

• For example, will you be presenting to people who are relatively new to the topic, or are you speaking at a professional event where people will have some familiarity? You’ll need to adjust your material to fit their needs. You want to avoid talking over people’s heads, but you also want to avoid giving them a lot of information they already know.
• Similarly, your presentation will differ depending on how the audience views you. If they see you as an expert on the topic, your speech should convey that knowledge and authority.

• If your topic is serious in nature, you may use a grave tone. Alternatively, you might choose a humorous tone for a speech delivered at a celebratory dinner.
• Generally you can use a conversational tone for any speech, regardless of the topic or size of the audience. Most important is to be authentic!
• Keep in mind that you don't need to use the same tone for your entire speech. For example, your presentation may start out serious but end with a fun, interactive segment. In this case, you'd want to adjust your tone as the presentation progressed.

• If you know a lot about your topic, you might want to start writing your speech before doing research. This way you won’t waste time reviewing information you already know. For example, a biologist may be able to give a speech about cell division without doing additional research. Similarly, you'd likely be able to write a speech for your parents' anniversary without conducting research.
• If you don’t know much about your topic, do a little research, and then start outlining your speech. For example, if you were giving a speech to celebrate a local landmark, you might want to look up the history of the landmark and important details before you start writing.

• Stick to 3-5 main points in a single speech. Avoid providing so much information that the reader can’t retain it.
• After you have a basic outline, you can make notes about what you want to say under each bullet point.
• You don’t need to write full sentences. Just write down enough words for you to remember what you want to say.
• An example thesis for a speech might look like this: “In this new exhibit, the artist’s personal history and passion for color come together to recreate a world that the viewer can almost touch.”

• Ideally, your hook should come within the first 30 seconds of your speech.
• For example, “Like you, I once struggled to organize my time. Now, I get more done in a day than I did in an entire week,” or “When I started my research, I asked myself one question: How can we achieve the impossible?”

• Audiences love to hear personal stories! They are one of the best ways to make your speech engaging and to pull the audience in.
• For example, you might start a speech about your scientific research by telling a story about a mishap from your first day in the lab.
• You might open a training presentation at work with a joke about work meetings.

• Consider your audience again. What do they expect to get out of your speech? What is their knowledge level? Use this information to consider what kinds of questions they may ask.

• You may also want to jot down a few words to remind yourself of important concepts that you don’t want to forget.
• Don’t write out full sentences, as this is more likely to trip you up. Just write the key words.
• Note cards work well, but some people may prefer to print out an outline on paper.

• For example, you may plan your speech for a group of experts but realize on the night of your presentation that the audience has less background knowledge than you expected. In this case, you could present less of the material you’d planned to share but provide more explanation so that a beginner will understand.

Practicing Your Delivery

• You may want to film yourself more than once if you have things you want to work on.
• Alternatively, you could have your friend watch you practice the speech and then give a critique.

• It’s best to practice your speech a few times before you start timing it, so that your delivery is smooth. At first, you might spend a few extra seconds here and there trying to remember what it is you wanted to say.

• Don’t try to memorize your whole speech. Not only is this difficult, but it can make your delivery a bit robotic. Knowing just the main points will keep your flow natural.

• Get used to presenting alongside your visual aids without reading directly from them, as people don't like being read to.
• Keep in mind that there may be technical issues and you may not be able to access a powerpoint or prezi. Make sure you can deliver your speech without these things, if necessary.

Giving Your Presentation

• Stand by the door and greet people.
• Introduce yourself to people as they find their seats.
• If you’re sitting in the audience before your speech, talk to the people around you.

• Don’t stress! Trust yourself to remember what you need to say.

• It helps to breathe deeply as you’re giving your speech so that you’re less likely to talk too fast.

• However, you should avoid nervous gestures. Make sure your movements are intentional, not a result of fidgeting.

• For example, if your audience is laughing at your jokes, let the room quiet down before continuing. If they aren’t laughing, but are smiling or nodding, you don’t need to cut out your jokes. Recognize that larger audiences may provide more intense reactions than smaller ones, as people feel less self-conscious in large groups.
• If your audience seems to be lost, you might lighten your tone and give more explanations.

• Don’t read from slides, as people don’t enjoy being read to. [13] X Research source
• You can use audio-visual aids in fun ways to add to your presentation. For example, you might include a short video about the latest discoveries in your field. [14] X Research source

• Ask the audience to repeat your key phrases.
• You could also get the audience to make a particular sound or gesture at certain points in the speech.
• Ask the audience to offer examples or suggestions.
• Take audience questions.

• For example, if you are boisterous and lively in life, then be like that when you speak. However, don’t try to force yourself to act that way if it isn’t natural.

• Imagine your presentation going well.
• Focus on the purpose of your speech rather than your nervous feelings.
• Breathe deeply to calm yourself.
• Jog in place or wave your arms above your head to burn off nervous energy.
• Limit your caffeine consumption before you're scheduled to present.

What Are Tips For Improving As a Public Speaker?

Speech Outline and Dos and Don'ts

Expert Q&A

• Don't let being anxious or nervous lower your confidence. Embrace it by expressing it as excitement and enthusiasm. Thanks Helpful 55 Not Helpful 8
• Remember that no one knows your speech but you. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0
• With every speech, speaking will become easier. Don’t give up if you mess up the first few times you give a speech. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 2

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/9-ways-anyone-can-be-better-public-speaker-ncna779896
• ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-realworldcomm/chapter/10-3-vocal-delivery/
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-be-good-speaker
• ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/publicspeakingprinciples/chapter/chapter-8-outlining-your-speech/
• ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/oralcommunication/guides/how-to-engage-your-audience-and-keep-them-with-you
• ↑ https://www.gvsu.edu/speechlab/practicing-presentations-33.htm
• ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/236611
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/visual-aids
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/communication/chapter/10-3-vocal-delivery/
• ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-publicspeaking/chapter/gestures-and-movement/
• ↑ https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/
• ↑ https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder/treatment/conquering-stage-fright#

About This Article

To be an effective public speaker, start by practicing your speech ahead of time in front of a mirror so you can see how you’ll appear to the audience. Then, make note cards you can refer to during your speech, but try to memorize the key points so you can speak smoothly to your listeners. Additionally, use gestures to emphasize your points, like holding up 1, 2, or 3 fingers to indicate your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd major idea. You should also try to engage your audience by having them ask questions or offer suggestions as part of your speech. For tips on how to prepare a speech that will capture your audience’s attention, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Being A Powerful And An Effective Speaker English Language Essay

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Preparation

Presentation-, impromptu delivery, when a person speaks without any prior preparation it is known as impromptu delivery. a speaker has to be really competent to make an impromptu delivery. if done properly, impromptu deliveries are extremely effective and leave the audience impressed. if one has little time to prepare, he will be forced to use an impromptu mode. impromptu speaking happens when one has no time for preparation and planning. impromptu mode is not appropriate if one has to convey a critical message., memorized delivery, extemporaneous delivery, for most speaking situations the extemporaneous mode is the most suitable., in this mode one memorizes ideas and not specific words. the speaker carries a note which contains the introduction, conclusion and key to transitions with some examples., in extemporaneous delivery it is easier to sound natural and confident. one can also respond to the audience more spontaneously and naturally and can also adapt to any changes in the situation., manuscript delivery, projecting confidence: it is important to act and project confidence. if the speaker projects confidence, the audience will be more convinced and the desired goal of the speaker will be achieved., audience analysis:-, body language, dynamic delivery techniques, eye contact, fear of speaking:-, physical :-, behavioral :-, chemical :-, informative presentations:-, motivational speaking:-, index cards, manuscripts, persuasive presentations, room set-up, storytelling, visual aids, use of voice, cite this work.

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More From Forbes

15 methods of every effective public speaker.

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Public speaking is an essential ability to master as a business owner, not only because it can help you give memorable speeches and gain popularity points for yourself and your organization, but also because it can vastly  improve your overall business communication .

Whether it’s at a cocktail party, industry event or when you’re meeting with potential investors or customers, the ability to express your thoughts in a clear, concise and convincing manner makes all the difference. The better you become at public speaking, the more PR you can generate for your business and yourself as an expert in your field.

Below, 15 coaching experts from  Forbes Coaches Council  share several ways to become more effective at public speaking, from knowing how to engage with your audience to paying attention to your body language and telling a compelling story. Here is what they recommend:

Members of Forbes Coaches Council share their insight.

1. Tell A Story

Effective public speakers understand that the human mind over generations is "wired for story." The best speakers not only tell stories well but use vivid visual imagery and emotions to hook the audience. The story must be simple, relatable, and must present a point of view for it to be most effective. Personal stories are often the best since they are more credible and hence inspire action. - Viswanath Parameswaran , Institute of Transformational Coaching

2. Connect One Person At A Time

When I train speakers, I make sure they understand they are not talking to an audience or crowd. They are speaking to a group of many one persons. Each person in that room is someone you want to connect to, speak to, reach and impact. Make eye contact and speak to people in different parts of the room very deliberately. Speak to each person's potential concerns. - Janet Zaretsky , The Zenith Business

3. Remember It's About The Audience

Most talented speakers are great at storytelling. However, when telling your story, never forget that you are doing it for the sake of the audience. It shouldn't be about you, so make it crystal clear why, and how, your story can help the audience. That way your message will be more than entertaining, it will also be empowering and inspirational! - Donald Hatter , Donald Hatter Inc.

4. Pay Attention To Gestures And Tonality

As a public speaker, you want to pay attention to your body language and your vocal cues. While good public speakers deliver effective speeches, great public speakers are actively aware of their body and their voice at all times. Use open body language and practice allowing your tone to help dictate the audience's emotional response to your talk. - Erika Couto , Erika Couto, Inc.

5. Tell 'Em, Tell 'Em And Tell 'Em Again

Plan ahead. Start by telling the audience what you're going to tell them, then tell them, then tell the audience what you just told them. That's the best way to prepare for a public speaking engagement -- in three simple parts. - Kimberly Buchanan , The Buchanan Group

6. Create An Absolute Emotional Appeal

Some of the best advice I ever heard from a known public speaker when I asked him this question was this: Speak from the heart. I know it sounds simple but the best public speakers, even in a humorous talk, speak about something moving, something personal -- a story that moves them while they speak. Stories that move you will also move audiences to connect to your topic. - John M. O'Connor , Career Pro Inc.

7. Engage Through Your Five Senses

Great speakers connect, engage and persuade using their five senses. Sight: Make direct eye contact with as many audience individuals. Hearing: Play music at the start and end to energize. Thought: Start your presentation with a question to get the audience contemplating. Speech: Use relevant stories throughout. Touch: Shake hands with participant individuals and greet people at the doors. - Joanne Markow , GreenMason

8. Fail Forward

If you are constantly trying not to fail, you'll never succeed. Great public speakers take chances -- calculated risks -- to achieve their goals of reaching their audience and sharing their ideas. By avoiding being on the spot and skirting moments that you aren't 100% ready for, you'll stay in a safe space of being "fine." If you fall on your face, learn. When you get up, you'll be farther along. - Jennifer Oleniczak Brown , The Engaging Educator

9. Join The Speakers Association

Join the National Speakers Association and go through their speaker academy. When you complete the course you will have been trained by some of the most successful speakers in the country. You can go to chapter meetings every month and listen to a speaker talk for a couple of hours. - Jan Makela , Strength Based Leadership

10. Face Your Fear

Public speaking is intimidating but you can tackle your fear through familiarity. Get early access to the venue -- stand in each corner of the stage, sit in the audience's seats to see where you'll be seen from all angles, practice using the technology. The day of your talk, turn your audience into advocates by meeting and shaking hands with as many people as possible before your speech. - Loren Margolis , Training & Leadership Success LLC

11. Follow The Leaders

As a person who continues to work on developing my personal speaking style, I feel qualified to answer this question. I was told by an accomplished speaker that one of the best ways to improve your speaking skills is to study the "masters of the trade." There are countless videos online of exceptional speakers, past and present, that you can use as a study guide to improve your presentation style. - Kenneth Johnson , East Coast Executives

12. Become An Expert

To excel at public speaking, one needs to become a true expert in a given field or topic. Determine your area of interest and immerse yourself fully in relevant research. Follow key thought leaders to stay on top of the latest trends. Live and breathe your area of interest in order to share that passion and knowledge with others. - Kris McGuigan , Professional Courage

13. Just Start Doing It

Public speaking is the No. 1 fear and the best way to overcome it is to just start small: in the grocery line, at small meetings, kids events, church, where you feel comfortable. Think how you can speak about your family with passion and enthusiasm -- that is how you need to speak. When you have a story to share, and you capture with your natural passion and energy, the rest will follow. Start by just doing it. - Kari Price , The Art of Being a BOSS

14. Begin From The Inside Out

A great presentation is a combination of internal (mindset) and external (behavior) factors. If you have all the "right" behaviors but your mindset is lacking, people will notice the incongruence and the presentation will feel flat and fake. The most effective speakers begin with strong self-belief and define the purpose of their presentation -- what to achieve for the audience and themselves. - Lisa Martin , Lisa Martin International

15. Include Your Audience In The Presentation

Spend some time connecting with your audience before you go on stage. Go up to people individually, introduce yourself if you need to, let them know what you’re speaking about, and ask them what they’d love to learn. Then weave the answers into your presentation and if you really want to connect with your audience, remember their names and reference them in your presentation. - Regan Hillyer , Regan Hillyer International

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An Effective Speaker Essay

An effective public speaker has the responsibility of informing the audience and keeping their attention. To accomplish these goals the speaker must take steps, set a strategy, identify the audience, prepare the message, and make the presentation. “Three main reasons for public speaking are to inform, persuade, and inspire” (Cooper, 1961) (Baack 2012). I have limited exposure to public speaking other than oral presentations at school and training coordinator at a previous job. While presenting my oral presentations in class I made sure that I was knowledgeable about the subject at hand and that I picked interesting topics. I was familiar with my audience and often took on leadership roles in group projects, so they knew that I could be persuasive. I would also outline my presentation using power point, making it easy to follow and easy to connect key points. “A well designed speech incorporates an introduction, body, conclusion, and preparation for questions” (Baack). As a training coordinator I set up visual aids and training packets for newly hired employees. I introduced the company to them through history and facts about the company. I explained that the job they were hired for was a team effort position and that there were no I’s in team (a company logo). This meant we worked as a team, we grew as a team, and we succeeded as a team. I assured them that opportunity for growth was attainable and within their reach. I believe that positive motivation is a Show More

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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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Effective Speakers Essay

EFFECTIVE SPEAKERS For Ms. Laura Alderson, Instructor of Management University of Memphis by Morgan D. Parks November 22, 2011 Effective Speakers President William Jefferson Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States is a prime example of what it means to be an effective speaker. Although George H.W. Bush and Bob Dole were highly qualified opponents in the 1992 and 1996 elections, it was Clinton’s presentation skills and ability to work an audience that earned him his back-to-back terms in office. President Clinton “owned the room” from the beginning of his first presidential debate. Upon being asked his first question, Clinton walked up to the lady seeking answers, squared his shoulders toward her, looked her straight …show more content…

Addressing the audience’s issues and demonstrating that time was taken to know them by name builds a relationship with the audience. It is significantly important to make eye contact with the audience as well. By looking people in the eye, a presenter enhances two-way communication as well as encourages and establishes trust and a congenial give and take relationship (Downey, 2011). Many speakers have been given the advice at one time or another to find an inanimate object, such as the wall in the back of the room, and focus in on it when delivering a presentation. By looking over the audience, the presenter can alleviate the anxiety that he or she may be experiencing, correct? Unfortunately, the wall in the back of the room is not going to be the one making the business decisions that day. The audience makes the decisions and if a speaker cannot talk to the audience, then the audience will more than likely seek business with someone who can. Act Natural An exceptional speaker always appears natural. If the speaker looks confidant and relaxed, then the audience will be relaxed. A presenter should stray from giving formal presentations overflowing with facts and statistics; try leaning towards a style that is more conversational, engaging, and full of illustrative stories and current events that relate to one’s topic. Telling a story or beginning a presentation with an anecdote is a

Dd Jakes Best Speaker

The best speaker that I have ever heard is Bishop TD Jakes. Jakes is a Preacher, father, husband, teacher, very successful business man, movie producer and launched a syndicated talk show. There are several reasons why I believe that he is one of the best speakers that I have ever heard. One reason is that he is a man of great integrity. Although he is fallible his character speaks volume without him even uttering a word. Another reason he is such a prolific speaker is because of his ability to be led by his faith and thinks outside the box consequently producing a greater but new learning experience. George Bush describes TD Jakes as a kind man who puts faith into action. I am sure that he has attended many communication classes. However

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Eye contact is an important factor as this engages the audience, keeping them focused on what you are discussing. By making eye contact you are directing your conversation at that specific person, demonstrating that you are devoting your time and are not able to be distracted as if you would by looking around.

How Does Peer Review And Critique Play In Effective Presentations?

I believe that peers or any type of audience can go ahead and analyze the content that is being presented and evaluate it to see if the information that is being provided is educational and informative as well as acknowledgeable and convincing at the end. At the end, when a presenter has finished presenting personally I believe it’s important that you have left your peers as well as your overall audience with possible information on the topic that they will acknowledge and most importantly learn from it. Also, acknowledging what is going to be discussed needs to match the age and audiences that you tend to aim. Another method also includes being able to see if the presenter is ready to go and presents personality as well as information that is being presented is brought out clearly and close the presentation with proper conclusions and acknowledgeable

Ilm 5 Effective Presentations

I ensured whilst I made my presentation that I spoke clearly and steadily. I have a tendency to talk quickly so I paid particular attention to controlling the speed of my voice. I also ensured I maintained eye contact with my audience and tried not to focus just on one individual.

Critique of a Public Speech Essay

Presenting a speech can have it difficulties, whether it is you not having a loud speaking voice or nervousness, you still have to have the ability to deliver a great speech to your audience. On January 20, 1961 over 49 years ago our late President John F. Kennedy presented the Inaugural Address, in Washington D.C. The weather was very cold, and it was one of the largest crowds at the Inauguration.

Adolf Hitler: One of the Most Talented Orators in History Essay

• 5 Works Cited

Throughout the course of time there have been many world renowned orators, that have forever changed history. The power to speak and captivate an audience is a gift that not many possess. There are have been numerous leaders throughout the world that have achieved this gift and have put it to use. There have been both positive and negative outcomes of public speaking by famous leaders. Whether it was African-American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., changing the world and the views of people for the better with his “I Have A Dream” speech, or German dictator, Adolf Hitler, pushing his anti-semitic views through his Nazi speeches, people listened. People will always listen to these speeches and take away something different

Informative Speech Essay

Thesis Statement: Through his early life experiences and with the knowledge he left behind, Sir Isaac Newton was able to develop calculus, natural forces, and optics. From birth to early childhood, Isaac Newton overcame many personal, social, and mental hardships. It is through these experiences that helped create him to be the person we know today, that is why he is worthy of the Scientist of the Century award.

Essay on Audience Analysis

• 1 Works Cited

In public speaking of any form to a diverse group of individuals, my main consideration as the speaker is my concentration on the audience that I am speaking to. In starting an effective presentation,

Public Speaking Informative Essay

Specific Purpose Statement: To inform my audience about how the Dutch go about in dealing with their social problem

Leadership Course Reflective Essay

I took a public speaking class at NAU; however, I merely enrolled in this course because it was a requirement and I failed to fully embrace the meaning of the concept. This capstone, on the other hand, has accomplished in convincing me of the true power in communication. Professor Stroh arranged for several guest speakers, each with their own unique communication style, to address our class. I admired the abilities of each speaker and acquiring their skillset is a primary goal I have for the future. For example, Paul Melcher spoke eloquently, his lecture was well-structured, and he did not rely on notes for support. Consequently, I will strive to incorporate his strengths as a speaker in my effort to establish a dialogue with

Personal and Public Speech Skills Essay

Throughout life we express ourselves through words. The way we present ourselves through speech says a lot about our character. The way one speaks to others can jeopardize the amount of respect and trust others have for them. From the way one pronounces a word to their posture can affect the way an audience interprets what is being said. Personally, I am not confident with my speaking skills at this point. I would like my audience to fully comprehend the concepts or facts that I would present to them. In order to do so I must improve my speaking skills I believe that a problem most people, including myself, have when giving speeches is facing an audience. Just looking out to an audience of a mere ten

Speech Preparation Essay

The best way to prepare for a presentation, one must consider the best method, the type of presentation and the audience for a given topic. There are four different types of presentation methods they are; Impromptu, Extemporaneous Speaking, Using a Manuscript, and Memorization. Each of the four methods is appropriate in certain situations. Impromptu is a speech that frequently involves no preparation time and forces you to think on your feet. With no opportunity to prepare, you must rely on what you know. Extemporaneous is a speech that involves preparation and practice. This form of delivery has many advantages.

Problem Faced in Oral Presentation and Ways to Overcome These Problem

Furthermore, the speaker is visually boring because of they are lack of confidence and fear of public speaking. Effective speakers use visual language to engage the audience. Your hand gestures, facial expression, posture, movement and eye contact are critical components of your visual language. When you take the stage, always maintain eye contact with the audience, not with the screen behind you. Make sure you are appropriately and professionally dressed for the occasion. Make sure your appearance is neat and clean. You don’t need to have a 1000 dollar suit but you need to be dressed appropriately. You don’t want the audience to remember you because your slip was showing or because your shirt was wrinkled. Don’t wear anything that is distracting and takes away from your message. For example, 20 bangle bracelets that make noise every time you gesture is not a great idea. Practice your hand gestures and body movement when you rehearse your speech. Your hand gestures should complement your language, not

Essay On Public Speaking

Only a select few people take pleasure in giving presentations or public speaking. I am not one of those people. Public speaking has always been a problem for me. G.A.D. or general anxiety disorder, has been a substantial factor in my life and being graded or judged on how well you speak in front of people, doesn’t exactly help. Whether it is five people or over a thousand, when pressure is put on you-you have to react. For example, when your grade for the quarter depends on how well you give a presentation, or when you have a competition or a big game. Consequently, you could become exceedingly anxious, and begin to doubt yourself, and that can lead to horrible situations.

The Key to Being a Successful Speaker Essay

I am one of those who suffer from butterflies, that uncomfortable feeling in my chest and stomach, before speaking in public. This is not only a problem for myself, but it is also a common fear and a concern for many people. My purpose is to denounce a few dynamics I feel have helped me to become a more effective speaker and to manage my butterflies. I will prove to you that strong body language makes ideas and feelings more clear, vigorous and engaging. First, I will show how eye contact unconsciously engages the audience. Second, I will prove that vocal emphasis is the key to a vigorous speech. Third, I will confirm that gestures reinforce the ideas of the speech, making the speech

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3 Essential Tips for Engaging and Effective Public Speaking

Craft effective and captivating presentations with these strategies..

Speaking at conferences is a great way to get your message out there. It's not something to be taken lightly, though. I'm sure you've attended conferences and witnessed speakers who could have been better. To be a speaker that conference organizers and audiences wouldn't mind seeing again, follow these three tips.

1. Have clean slides

Don't clutter your slides with excessive text and visuals. Aim for one visual per slide and five bullets maximum. It's difficult to do multiple things at once. When there's a lot of text on a slide, audience members are more likely to read than listen. If they're reading, what's the point of you talking? Minimizing the amount of text on a slide does two things: It limits the speaker's options, and it limits the audience's options. As the speaker, you don't have the crutch of just reading your slides. You have to know your content well.

For the audience, it eliminates the option of them reading the slides. They either have to listen to you or ignore you. When there are multiple visuals on a slide, it is difficult for the audience members to know which visual to focus on. While they're figuring out which visual to look at, they may be missing out on important information you're saying. Slides with minimal text and visuals make it easier for audience members to focus on what's important--your speaking.

2. Tell stories.

I attended a lot of technical conferences when I worked as an engineer. Most, if not all, of the presentations I sat through consisted of data dumps of information. Perhaps, if you were deeply interested in the topic, a data dump would suffice. But it's a great way to lose people if they're not deeply interested.

To develop a more effective presentation, ask yourself why the data matters, and tell a story to answer the question. Even better? Tell the story behind the data. I once gave a presentation telling the story of how I cleaned cow bone samples with an industrial-grade Water-Pik (I had to get the samples clean enough to perform protein concentration testing on them). Describing the pungent smell of cow bone being cleaned was certainly enough to keep the audience's attention.

3. Stay within time.

I recall being at a conference, listening to a speaker. I looked at my watch. It was 11 a.m. I looked at the agenda. The presentation was slated to be 30 minutes. The speaker started at 11:05 a.m. The previous presenter ran long. The speaker ended the presentation at 11:41 am. Started late. Ended late. Can you relate?

Conferences have a schedule. Presentations have set times. During a session, when one presenter goes over time, the entire agenda gets thrown off. Subsequent speakers rarely shorten their talks to get the agenda back on track, so the session ends up finishing late and subsequent sessions start late. As a speaker who runs late, it's disrespectful to the conference organizers to go over time. It's disrespectful to the audience too, as you're not respecting their time.

To avoid this issue, practice your presentations so that you finish a couple of minutes before time. That way, if you say something during the presentation that you didn't practice, you can still finish within time. Plus, if the previous speaker goes over time, you can still finish within time and get the schedule back on track. Find yourself significantly under time after finishing your presentation. Ask the audience if they have questions. If they don't have any, have a set of questions that you're prepared to answer. Here's how you can queue the question up: "I thought about questions you might have. Here's one of them." Then, state the question and give the answer. Do this until you're much closer to the allotted time.

Speaking at conferences can be nerve-wracking, but by following these tips, your presentations can be a joy to audience members and conference organizers alike.

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