Tip #10: Look to Others


Learning by example is key on how we do alot of things. In public speaking, it works the same way. Before your about to say your speech, look to others on how they deliver their performances. 


So how do you do it?


Pay close attention on how others deliver their performances. Try to examine their strengths and weaknesses, and relate it back to your performance. You can do this before you perform, or after, but it can really give you an insight on how to give a great speech, or not so great speech. Also, make sure not to compare too seriously. This could make you very unhappy and less confident if your comparing your speech to others in a negative way. If someone does something in their speech that really worked well for them, use it the next time, don't be upset that you didn't think of it. The trick is look to others to see what works, and what doesn't. 

Tip #9: Be Prepared


If your audience and/or teacher is allowed to ask questions after your speech, make sure you are prepared enough to answer them. The trick is to practice asking yourself questions your audience or teacher might ask after your speech.


So how do you do it?


Try to think of what questions could be asked about your speech. A good idea is to narrow down if your speech is based on strict facts, or mainly by opinions. This can give you an understanding on the type of question you'll be answering. Also, as your practicing memorizing your speech, have a friend or family member listen in and ask questions too. Then you'll be very prepared for any question the audience or teacher may throw at you. Take a deep breath when it's question time, and really listen to what he or she is asking you.

Tip #8: Practice, Practice, Practice


Practising your speech weeks in advance before your performance is key. The trick is knowing how to practice in a way that can really help you memorize your speech, and give a great performance to your audience.


So how do you do it?


I've always heard when practicing a speech, it's a good idea to practice in front of the mirror. After hearing this since I was young, I've continued to do it; and discovered it does work quite well. With practicing in the mirror, your able to see your performance first hand, and it can help you decide what you need to work on, or what you've mastered. Also, when it comes to memorization of your speech, the only way to memorize, is to be extremely repetitive. Keep saying lines in your speech without looking at your cue cards until you've fully memorized a section. After that section, proceed to the section. Soon, you would have memorized your entire speech, but remember, during your performance, only use cue cards as a security blanket. 

Tip #7: Use Visuals 


Using visuals can really benefit your presentation, if done wisely. Sometimes they can make your audience distracted, and not focused on your speech.


So how do you do it?


Use visuals to enhance your presentation. What I mean is, use visuals to help your audience understand your topic better. The following are examples of visuals that can be used in speeches:
-Video clips/multimedia.
-Charts.
-Graphs/statistics. 
-Images.
If using visuals, make sure to use them correctly. For example, when using a video clip, only play the main point of the video that relates to your topic. Don't play the whole video. If you do, your audience can easily be zoned out, and not as focused on your presentation. Use the right amount of visuals also. Just enough to make your presentation as best it can be. 

Tip #6: Show Personality


Showcasing your personality in your speech is extremely important. It helps the audience see more of you as a person aside from your speech, and makes the experience more enjoyable for you as a public speaker.


So how do you do it?


Letting your personality shine through a speech can be very difficult. Many of us believe we "have" to do speeches, not because we'd "like" to. The main way to make a speech more fun for yourself, is showing your personality. A great public speaker can make their speech relate to themselves no matter what topic they're given. Even if your given a dreary topic, you have to learn to make your audience laugh and smile. Humour is an essential tool is every speech. Try to tell a funny joke here and there, as this is an excellent attention-getter. It also lightens the mood for your speech. If you look out during your speech, and your audience is interested and enjoying themselves, you've accomplished the main goal in speeches: being yourself!

  

Tip #5: Time Yourself


Time is very important in any presentation whether it's timed or not. A public speaker needs to keep track of their time to know when to stop, or when to continue their speech.


So how do you do it?


When practicing your presentation, remember to time yourself. Have someone time for you, or time yourself using your phone. Time is essential to know especially if you have a time limit for your speech. Being under or overtime could cost alot in your performance, so ensure your performance is a descent time. Knowing when to stop or continue your speech, is also key for any public speaker. When performing, watch the time here and there; and if you feel like your under time, speak longer and if you feel like your overtime, try to wrap it up smoothly. Sometimes our nerves get the best of us, and we say our speech quicker than we planned or even slower. Remember to always take a moment in your speech to take a breather, and it might even work to your advantage. Yes they take up a little bit of time, but they are needed to make your speech a solid one. 

Tip 4: Use Cue Cards


Cue cards are an excellent tool for any public speaker. The trick is knowing how to use them wisely.


So how do you do it?


Cue cards are meant to be a "security blanket." Meaning, they are only used if your unsure on what to say next. Many rely on the cue cards, and choose not to practice their speech before the performance. First off, your entire speech should not be on the cue cards, only key points. This way it eliminates the temptation of reading your speech word for word, but key points is enough to get a public speaker back on track. Cue cards could also be a public speaker's worst nightmare. Ensure before you begin your performance, all your cue cards are in the correct order. A good tip is number your cue cards in the bottom left or right hand corner just in case  of emergencies. Rings are also a good thing to have, as it flips your cue cards for you. Lastly, coloured cue cards can help you organize your topics in your speech, and just help the performance be more fun. 

Tip #3: Use your Space


When public speaking, remember to make use of the space and objects surrounding you. Use the resources to make your performance exceptional. 


So how do you do it? 


Don't be afraid to move around during your speech. Move closer to your audience, walk around in between your audience even. If there is a podium, use it to your advantage, but don't rely on it. If your presentation requires powerpoints, explain the powerpoints by going up to them and pointing at key concepts. It can help your audience understand your presentation alot better, and just help your presentation overall. The main way to use your space wisely is to get out of your comfort zone as a public speaker. Once you achieve that, you can use your space easily to help your performance be the best it can be. Don't rely on the resources given, but try to embrace them in your performance. 

Tip #2: Speak Slowly


When public speaking, speaking slowly is very difficult for people to accomplish, but it really is a fundamental in having a great speech.


So how do you do it?


Rushing through a speech is something we've all done. Were nervous, were worried, we just want this speech to be over with. But it also can be saying ideas out loud you just thought of in your head, which ties with what your saying. Overall, it's hard to take control. Taking little pauses is extremely important, and can also help to highlight key points or elements. Just try your best to relax, and take the time to say each word or sentence. Speaking slowly also ties into having a conversational tone within your speech. Instead of thinking I have to make a speech in a board office, try to imagine yourself having a normal conversation with friends. This way, you feel more comfortable overall, and you don't feel like you have to put on a "show." It's more natural, and it will deliver an excellent performance.

Tip #1: Eye Contact

Eye contact is extremely important in public speaking, and sometimes a challenge to master. It's one of the key ingredients that can lead to a very successful speech.

So how do you do it?

A trick that I always used in public speaking competitions when I was younger is say your entire speech to the back wall. This might seem a little silly, but it helps you master eye contact. Looking at the individuals in the audience, can make some people feel uncomfortable and more nervous than they were before. Also, actions from the audience (whispering, fidgeting, etc.) can become a major distraction and could make you even forget your train of thought. Looking at the back wall eliminates all these aspects from happening, and makes you feel more relaxed. If there is no back wall per say, pick an object that is the farthest away from where your staying, and still use this method that way.

It really is a clever tip, and can help you achieve eye contact in your speech.

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! Can't wait to share my tips on public speaking with you!