Public Speaking for Beginners

In today’s world, public speaking is becoming increasingly popular. Whether it’s a speech at work, an interview on TV, or even just giving a presentation to your friends, people love talking about themselves and need to speak publicly to get their message across. This is where public speaking comes in handy. Here are a few tips for beginners to help them become influential speakers.

When it comes to giving a convincing presentation, making eye contact with your audience is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Studies have shown that making eye contact with your audience allows them to understand better, remember, and make better decisions about what you say. If you are on the stage with your eyes fixed on your note, not only will the audience know how nervous you are, but they will have a hard time connecting with your message. One mistake beginners make is littering their presentation with “uh” and “you know.” Running your presentation with these filler words will show your audience that you are not as prepared as you could be, and it could make your presentation challenging to hear. Your best defense against relying on these words is preparation and practice. The more you know your material and performance, the fewer words will come out of your mouth.

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Practice with people you know and feel comfortable with, including yourself, in the mirror. As a beginner, performing in front of a huge audience can be overwhelming. Instead, start with a short practical presentation in front of colleagues, friends, family members, and people with whom you feel comfortable. If you have someone who is a great speaker, invite them to your practice presentation and ask for suggestions and corrective feedback. After you have written your speech, it is time to work on your delivery. Take time to record your voice and body language, using all the tools at your disposal. From there, you can take notes on how it looks and sounds and make necessary changes.