5 Guidelines For Authentic Public Speaking

There are few more impactful ways to grow and enhance your personal brand than a public speaking engagement. Whether it’s a small seminar, conference panel or even a TED Talk, sharing your expertise with a live audience is a great way to establish yourself as a thought leader and expand your influence in your industry.

Newbie public speakers often feel nervous or under pressure before a big speech — what if the audience gets bored or doesn’t connect with your material? With the right strategies, you can ensure that your presentation is not only engaging and interesting but memorable for your listeners. 

1. BREATHE

Most new speakers stop breathing because of their nervousness. And, when you stop breathing or take only shallow breaths you deprive your brain of oxygen. If you’ve ever given a presentation and had your mind, go blank it is because you’re not breathing.  As you prepare to give your speech, breathe deep into your belly so that you feel it expand. Let the air out slowly. As you exhale each deep breath imagine you are expelling nervousness. Be sure to breathe at the lectern as well. If you’re using notes, you could even write “breathe” on the top of them as a reminder.

2. BE YOURSELF

Everybody is different. That means that there are no hard and fast rules for what makes an effective public speaker. Part of being an authentic public speaker is knowing how to be yourself when in the spotlight. Acting like yourself rather than trying to imitate someone else allows you to behave more organically, which is a boon when attempting to connect with an audience.

3. UNDERSTAND YOUR TOPIC

As we know, there are many different contexts for public speaking. Regardless of the circumstances, if you are going to speak in an attempt to persuade or inform your colleagues or peers, it is always wise to first possess at least a rudimentary understanding of the topic you intend to discuss. This will allow you to focus less on thinking about how to most effectively communicate the information and more on how to sincerely engage with your audience. In a formal setting it can be assumed that if you are trusted to develop and deliver a presentation you probably have some preexisting level of expertise. Even so, take the time to reexamine any content that is difficult to explain or understand. The more time you spend with your topic, the more authoritatively you will be able to speak at the time of the presentation.

4. PERFECT YOUR OPENING LINES

So often when a speaker first starts presenting, they are at the height of their nervousness and often struggle with remembering what to say. It’s crucial to practice your first sentence or two until you know it inside and out. That way, when you get up to speak you don’t have to search for your words. They will come out easily and confidently, which will help decrease your nervousness. Additionally, knowing your first few lines will allow you to look at the audience and connect with them rather than your notes.

5. GAIN EXPERIENCE

If you want to be a better and more comfortable speaker you must practice presenting in front of groups. Take every opportunity to speak. For example: give recognition to a coworker in a department meeting, share a few words about someone who is retiring at their retirement celebration or make a toast at a dinner party. The more you practice public speaking the more comfortable you’ll get. It’s really true, practice makes perfect. And, if you would like guidance for becoming a better speaker consider joining Toastmasters or hiring a speech coach.  It could be life changing for you as well.

What has helped you to feel more confident and comfortable when speaking in public? Feel free to comment below.