How to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills

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.

For many people, the ability to stand up and speak to colleagues or clients will be an expectation at work – certainly if you are keen to move into a more senior role. Because as unnatural as it can feel to some of us, public speaking is an important tool. When a person speaks engagingly to an audience, they can influence action, change minds, and transfer knowledge in a way that is extremely effective.

Whether you are delivering a sales pitch, introducing yourself at a networking event or presenting your ideas in a meeting, it is always an opportunity to achieve something. Companies thrive on good communication, so your skills in this area will matter greatly to your employer, and get you noticed for all the right reasons. Don’t let nervousness hold you back.

Before you prepare your speech, think about who you are speaking to. What are their interests, needs, and expectations? How can you tailor your message to suit them? Knowing your audience will help you choose the right tone, language, and content for your speech. It will also make you feel more connected and empathetic with them.

A good speech has a clear structure that guides the audience through your main points. Start with a catchy introduction that grabs their attention and states your purpose. Then, use transitions to link your body paragraphs, which should support your main argument with evidence, examples, or stories. Finally, end with a strong conclusion that summarizes your key takeaways and calls for action.

The way you deliver your speech can make or break your impact. Practice your speech out loud, preferably in front of a mirror, a friend, or a video camera. Pay attention to your voice, body language, and eye contact. Try to speak with clarity, enthusiasm, and variation. Avoid filler words, monotone, and fidgeting. Use gestures, facial expressions, and pauses to emphasize your points and engage your audience.

It's normal to feel nervous before or during a speech. But you can use some strategies to cope with your anxiety and boost your confidence. For example, you can breathe deeply, visualize your success, or repeat positive affirmations. You can also focus on your message, not yourself, and remember that your audience wants you to succeed. Don't let minor mistakes or negative feedback discourage you. Learn from them and keep improving.

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.

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.

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.

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.