on public speaking and presentation skills

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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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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The Ultimate Guide to Public Speaking: 8 Tips and Techniques to Know

• The Speaker Lab
• August 31, 2024

Table of Contents

Just like any skill, public speaking is one that can be mastered with practice. By embracing the right perspective, utilizing effective strategies, and honing your craft through practice, you can transform into a poised and compelling speaker who leaves a lasting mark on your audience.

So, are you ready to captivate your audience and become a public speaking sensation? In this post, we’ll unveil the secrets to delivering speeches that leave a lasting impact. From crafting compelling content to mastering your delivery, you’ll discover practical strategies to conquer the stage with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to polish your existing skills, get ready to take your public speaking prowess to new heights!

What Is Public Speaking?

Public speaking, also known as oratory, is the act of delivering speeches or presentations to a live audience. It involves effectively communicating ideas, information, or persuasive arguments to a group of people. Public speaking encompasses various types of speeches , such as informative, persuasive, motivational, and entertaining.

The Importance of Public Speaking

In many professional and personal contexts, public speaking is an essential skill. When you have polished public speaking skills, you can give your career a major boost, whether you’re in business, politics, education, or fighting for a cause. In addition, it can help you feel more confident and open up new ways to make your mark on the world.

Types of Public Speaking

There are several types of public speaking, each with its own purpose and style. Informative speeches aim to educate the audience about a specific topic, providing facts, data, and explanations. Persuasive speeches seek to influence the audience’s beliefs, attitudes, or actions by presenting compelling arguments and evidence. Motivational speeches inspire and encourage the audience to take action or embrace a particular mindset. Entertaining speeches, such as humorous or storytelling presentations, aim to engage and delight the audience.

Elements of Public Speaking

Effective public speaking involves several key elements. First and foremost, an effective speaker must communicate a clear and well-structured message . Then they must engage the audience through storytelling and examples, using appropriate vocal techniques such as tone, pace, and volume. At the same time, they should employ nonverbal communication like eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions. Additionally, public speakers should consider the audience’s needs, adapt their content and delivery accordingly, and handle questions and feedback professionally.

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How to Develop Your Public Speaking Skills

Developing strong public speaking skills requires practice, self-reflection, and continuous improvement. Aspiring public speakers can start by identifying their strengths and weaknesses. Once they’ve recognized areas for improvement, they can then set specific goals and practice regularly. This may involve participating in public speaking courses, workshops, or organizations like Toastmasters, where individuals can gain experience, receive feedback, and learn from others in a supportive environment.

Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses

In order to improve as a public speaker, you must first identify your strengths and weaknesses. This self-assessment can help you focus your efforts on areas that need the most improvement. Consider aspects such as your content organization, delivery style, vocal techniques, and audience engagement. In addition, seek feedback from trusted peers, mentors, or coaches who can provide constructive criticism and insights into your performance.

Set Goals for Improvement

If you want to level up your public speaking skills, then you have to set clear, achievable goals . From there, you can form a plan to that outlines how you plan to address each goal. Focus on one thing at a time, like nailing your eye contact or becoming a master storyteller. Take it step by step and watch your confidence soar.

Practice Public Speaking Regularly

The road to public speaking mastery is paved with practice. In order to improve, you must embrace every opportunity to speak in front of others, from the classroom to the boardroom to the community center. Joining a public speaking organization like Toastmasters can provide you with a supportive, structured environment to develop your skills. Record your speeches and review them critically to identify areas for improvement, celebrate your successes, and track your progress over time. The more you speak, the more confident and polished you’ll become.

Overcoming Stage Fright and Fear of Public Speaking

Stage fright and anxiety are common challenges faced by many public speakers, even experienced ones. Understanding the root causes of your anxiety, such as fear of judgment or lack of preparation, can help you develop strategies to manage and overcome these feelings. Techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk can help calm nerves and boost confidence before and during a presentation.

Understanding the Root Causes of Anxiety

To effectively manage stage fright and anxiety, it’s important to understand the underlying reasons for these feelings. Common causes include fear of judgment, lack of confidence in one’s abilities, or past negative experiences. By identifying the specific triggers for your anxiety, you can develop targeted strategies to address them, such as improving your preparation, reframing negative thoughts, or seeking support from others.

Techniques for Managing Nerves

There are several techniques that can help manage nerves and reduce anxiety when speaking in public. Deep breathing exercises, such as taking slow, deliberate breaths before and during a presentation, can help calm the body and mind. Visualization techniques, such as imagining yourself delivering a successful speech or picturing a positive outcome, can boost confidence and reduce stress. Practicing relaxation methods, like progressive muscle relaxation or meditation, can also help alleviate tension and promote a sense of calm.

Building Self-confidence as a Public Speaker

Building self-confidence is crucial for overcoming stage fright and delivering effective presentations. Develop a thorough understanding of your topic and practice your speech until you feel confident with the content and structure. Focusing on your strengths and past successes can also help reinforce a positive self-image. Embrace the idea that nervousness is a normal part of public speaking and can be channeled into positive energy and enthusiasm for your message.

Creating an Engaging Speech

Crafting an engaging speech involves several key steps, such as choosing a relevant and interesting topic, researching and organizing your content, and developing a compelling introduction and conclusion. When selecting a topic, consider your audience’s needs, interests, and expectations, as well as your own expertise and passion for the subject. Finally, conduct thorough research to gather credible information, examples, and stories that support your main points and engage your listeners.

Choosing a Relevant Topic

Before you can write your speech, you must first choose a relevant and interesting topic. Consider your audience’s demographics, background, and interests in order to select a subject that will resonate with them. In addition, your topic should align with the purpose of your speech, whether it’s to inform, persuade, or entertain. Draw from your own expertise, experiences, or passion for the subject to bring authenticity and enthusiasm to your presentation.

Researching and Organizing Content

In order to craft a speech that captivates and informs, dive into the research. Hunt down reliable sources such as academic journals, industry publications, and expert interviews. Then, organize your presentation content in a way that makes sense, guiding your audience from point to point. Sprinkle in examples, stories, and data to bring your ideas to life and make them stick.

Writing a Compelling Introduction and Conclusion

A strong introduction and conclusion are crucial for capturing your audience’s attention and leaving a lasting impact. In your introduction, grab your listeners’ interest with a powerful hook, such as a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic, or a relevant story. Then, clearly state your main message or thesis and preview the key points you’ll cover. In your conclusion, summarize your main ideas and reinforce your central message. Finally, end your speech with a memorable statement or call to action that motivates your audience to think, feel, or act differently.

Mastering Body Language and Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication, including body language , plays a significant role in how your message is perceived and received by your audience. With proper eye contact, gestures, and posture, you can not only convey confidence and engage your listeners, but you can also reinforce your verbal content. That’s because maintaining appropriate eye contact with your audience creates a sense of connection and sincerity, while using purposeful gestures can emphasize key points and add visual interest to your presentation.

The Power of Eye Contact

Eye contact is a powerful tool for engaging your audience and establishing a sense of connection and trust. Maintain steady, natural eye contact with individuals throughout the room, holding their gaze for a few seconds before moving on to others. Avoid staring or rapidly shifting your gaze, as this can appear insincere or nervous. Use eye contact to gauge your audience’s reactions, respond to their nonverbal cues, and adjust your delivery accordingly.

Using Gestures Effectively

Gestures can enhance your verbal content, emphasize key points, and add visual interest to your presentation. Accordingly, use purposeful, deliberate gestures that complement your words and reinforce your message. Avoid fidgeting or repetitive movements that can distract your audience. Practice natural, fluid gestures that appear confident and spontaneous, such as open palm movements or illustrative hand motions that align with your content.

Conveying Confidence Through Posture

Your confident posture conveys authority and engagement to your audience. Stand proud and tall, shoulders back and feet planted firmly. Slouching, fidgeting, or crossing your arms can make you seem closed off or uninterested. Instead, use your body language to radiate enthusiasm and openness for your topic. Stay relaxed and natural, letting your movements flow with your words.

Delivering Your Speech with Impact

Delivering your speech with impact involves a combination of vocal techniques, audience engagement strategies, and personal presence. In public speaking, you want to project your voice with clarity and appropriate volume. This technique ensures that your message is heard and understood by all listeners. In addition, varying your tone, pace, and pitch can add emphasis, convey emotion, and maintain audience interest throughout your presentation.

Projecting Your Voice

Projecting your voice is essential for ensuring that your message is heard and understood by your entire audience. Accordingly, speak with clarity, articulation, and appropriate volume, adjusting your projection based on the size of the room and the presence of any amplification equipment. Practice deep breathing techniques and proper posture to support your voice and maintain a steady, confident tone throughout your speech.

Varying Your Tone and Pace

Change up your speaking style in order to keep your audience engaged. Vary your vocal inflections, speed, and volume to highlight important points, show emotion, and maintain interest. Slow down when explaining complex topics, and speed up during exciting parts. Throw in some well-timed pauses to let your message sink in and build anticipation.

Engaging Your Audience

If you want to keep your audience engaged, make eye contact and use facial expressions and gestures to connect with them. Ask questions, take polls, or have them do short activities to get them involved and make your presentation stick in their minds. Listen to their needs and interests, and adjust your content and delivery to show you understand and care about their point of view.

Handling Questions and Audience Interaction

Oftentimes, after giving a speech, public speakers will open the floor for a Q&A session. The secret to acing audience interaction is simple: preparation. Before the big day, make a list of questions people are likely to ask about your topic. For each one, jot down a few key points you want to hit in your response, like relevant examples or compelling data. If someone throws you a curveball, stay calm and collected. Acknowledge their question, provide a thoughtful answer, and if needed, offer to follow up with more details after the presentation. Above all else, remember that public speaking is a conversation—so treat your audience like valued partners in the discussion.

Anticipating Common Questions

Anticipating common questions or concerns related to your topic is essential for preparing effective responses and maintaining your credibility as a speaker. Consider the potential objections, doubts, or information gaps that your audience may have, and develop clear, concise answers that address these issues directly. Conduct research to gather relevant facts, examples, or expert opinions that support your responses and demonstrate your thorough understanding of the subject matter.

Strategies for Responding to Tough Questions

Responding to tough or unexpected questions requires a combination of active listening, critical thinking, and composure. When faced with a challenging question, take a moment to pause and reflect on the underlying concern or motivation behind the inquiry. Acknowledge the validity of the question and the importance of addressing it, while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor. Provide a direct, honest response that draws from your knowledge and experience, and offer to follow up with additional information or resources if needed. If you don’t have an immediate answer, it’s better to admit this and commit to finding the information than to provide an inaccurate or evasive response.

Encouraging Audience Participation

In order to create an engaging presentation, include some opportunities for audience interaction in your speech. Not only will this help kick engagement up a notch, but it will also make learning fun! Try tossing out open-ended questions, getting a quick pulse check with surveys, or even pulling brave volunteers into the action for live demos. Cultivate judgment-free zone where everyone’s ideas are valued, and watch as lively discussions unfold.

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Leveraging Visual Aids and Technology

Visual aids and technology can greatly enhance the impact and effectiveness of your public speaking presentations. Well-designed slides, infographics, or multimedia elements can clarify complex ideas, reinforce key points, and make your content more engaging and memorable for your audience. When incorporating visual aids, focus on simplicity, clarity, and relevance. Finally, make sure you avoid cluttered or text-heavy designs that can distract from your message.

Designing Effective Slides

Captivating slides are the secret to an unforgettable presentation. First, choose a professional template that matches your theme. Avoid giants blocks of text; instead, opt for snappy bullet points or attention-grabbing statistics. Add some high-resolution images, graphs, or charts to drive your message home. And don’t forget basics like legible fonts , eye-friendly colors, and plenty of breathing room.

Incorporating Multimedia Elements

Adding videos, sound bites, or hands-on demos to your PowerPoint presentation can make it more engaging and memorable. Use these elements wisely to highlight your main points, show how things work in the real world, or engage your audience’s emotions. Make sure any multimedia you include looks and sounds great, fits well with your overall presentation, and actually helps get your message across. Do a trial run ahead of time to work out any technical kinks and keep your speech running smoothly.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

When using visual aids and technology, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can detract from your message or undermine your credibility. For instance, resist the temptation to rely too heavily on your slides, reading directly from them, or using them as a script. Instead, maintain eye contact and engagement with your audience, using your visual aids as a complement to your verbal content. And, as we already mentioned, avoid overcrowding your slides with too much information, animation, or special effects. Your audience will get much more out of them if your slides simply highlight your main speaking points.

FAQs About Public Speaking

What is public speaking.

Public speaking means talking in front of a crowd to inform, persuade, or entertain them.

What are the 5 elements of public speaking?

The five key parts are audience analysis, speech content, organization, delivery style, and visual aids.

What are the 5 tips for public speaking?

Kick stage fright to the curb. Know your material inside out. Practice often. Connect with eye contact. Adjust on the fly based on audience vibes.

What are the 4 P’s of public speaking?

The four P’s stand for planning your message, preparing your speech visually and verbally, practicing aloud often, and presenting confidently.

Public speaking is a skill that can be learned, honed, and mastered with dedication and practice. By understanding your audience, crafting a compelling message, and delivering it with confidence and authenticity, you can captivate any room and leave a lasting impact on your listeners.

Remember, even the most accomplished speakers had to start somewhere. So embrace the journey, learn from your experiences, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The more you speak, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become. So step up to the mic and let your voice be the catalyst for change.

• Last Updated: August 28, 2024

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Master a variety of communication skills with TED’s official public speaking course, now available on YouTube Courses. This course will teach you how to identify, develop and share your best ideas with the world.

YouTube Courses are currently only available in the United States, but YouTube is working on expanding into other regions in 2023.

The proceeds from this course support TED-Ed's nonprofit mission of creating and distributing free, high-quality animations.

Master the art of public speaking

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20 Public Speaking Tips With Great Examples (for 2022)

Written by: Chloe West

We've created a list of 20 public speaking tips to help you improve your public speaking skills and present with confidence in front of any audience.

Here are the some of the tips you’ll find inside:

• Make enough rehearsals so that you feel confident with your speech
• Practice in front of a mirror and in front of others
• Prepare a visually appealing presentation
• Get to know your audience
• And, many more.

So, if you want to get your public speaking skills to the next level, you’ll need this list. 

Read the tips one by one or choose the ones that interest you the most from the navigation below.

Let’s get into it. 

20 Public Speaking Tips to Make You a Better Speaker

Tip #1: know your audience, tip #2: prepare a visually appealing presentation, tip #3: practice in front of a mirror & in front of others, tip #4: make enough rehearsals, tip #5: speak from the heart, tip #6: use props for effect, tip #7: be candid, tip #8: start with a question, tip #9: end with a question, tip #10: simplify the complex, tip #11: test the equipment that you’ll be using, tip #12: make eye contact with your audience, tip #13: speak slower than usual, tip #14: leave space to breathe, tip #15: get to know the stage, tip #16: ask for feedback to improve, tip #17: don’t be afraid to repeat yourself, tip #18: try to memorize your notes, tip #19: plan your speech & create a structure, tip #20: include a digital version of your presentation.

The first thing you need to do is have a full grasp on who your audience is going to be. You need to have this down before you even begin choosing a topic and creating your presentation content because it could vary based on who you’re speaking to.

Even if you’re giving the same speech two separate audiences, take the time to tweak it and personalize it based on where you’re speaking and who you’re speaking to.

Furthermore, your presentation slides, props and stories that you tell might vary whether you’re speaking to a more business-oriented audience versus a room full of peers.

The next tip we have for public speakers is to ensure your presentation is visually appealing and engaging to your audience members.

This is the best way you can ensure you grab your audience’s attention from the get go. While the rest relies on your ability to speak well, you have full control over the design of your slides.

If you have no idea where to start, a professionally designed slide deck is the perfect starting point. Give our Simple theme a try – it has over 300 different slide designs for you to pick and choose from when creating your presentation.

Just be sure to leave out those bullet points and boring black and white slides. Match your branding if it makes sense and incorporate a variety of visual aids.

One great way to help you get over a fear of public speaking is to practice in front of a mirror and watch how you present yourself. 

Then once you’re comfortable giving your speech alone, recruit a group of friends, family members or colleagues who are willing to be your audience as you practice in front of them.

This can help you prepare for speaking in front of people, and starting small is the best way to become more comfortable and in your element.

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Practice, practice, practice. The only way you’re going to get over that nervous energy and help your speech come across as natural as possible is through rehearsing it over and over again.

Read over your slides, make mental notes and create mnemonic devices to help you remember the information you want to share for each slide you create.

You don’t want to simply read off your slides, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to rehearse. When it comes to public speaking, you don’t want to leave anything to the last minute.

If there was a category for the most forgettable speeches in the world each spring, it would be for those delivered at graduation ceremonies.

However in 2016, a young man by the name of Donovan Livingston changed all of that. His speech began safely with a quotation, a tried-and-true technique, although over-used for generations. But then, in an amazing display of creativity, Livingston broke all the rules.

Instead of the standard platitudes and well-wishes, he launched into a spoken-word poem as a speech and his imagery was so vivid, it drew an emotionally overcome audience to its feet at the end.

Livingston’s speech has since been shared more than 170,000 times and viewed by eight million people.

This proves that making presentations that your audience supports is not a trick or a gimmick – it is simply delivering eloquent, amazing content that touches people deeply and inspires them to reach out and share your message.

Sometimes the best way to stand out in front of an audience is to incorporate props into your presentation.

That was evident in another speech that brought the audience to its feet in support of Mohammed Qahtani, winner of the Toastmaster’s 2015 World Champion of Public Speaking award.

Standing on stage, reaching in his pocket and pulling out a cigarette, putting it to his lips and then flicking his lighter, the quirky speaker elicited a shocked response from his audience. Then he made them laugh by quoting some amazing statistics which he then revealed he had made up.

By this time the audience was hooked. What would happen next? You can watch this example below.

Qahtani’s unorthodox opening mixed with humor and effective facial expressions caught people’s attention and when he was ready to hammer home his message, they were already on his side.

“Words have power, words are power, words could be your power,” he told them.

The presentation of a powerful message for change can fall on unresponsive ears unless the speaker can bring the issue into the lives and hearts of the audience.

Caitlyn Jenner, in her acceptance speech for the Arthur Ashe Courage Award managed to bring her audience onside through her remarkably straightforward talk.

As you listen to these excerpts from Jenner’s message, you sense the emotion building. By the time she tells her story and vows to “reshape the landscape of how trans issues are viewed and how trans people are treated,” she has the audience following every word.

What Jenner illustrates best is not only how to grab the audience’s attention, but how to keep their attention. She reached out to thank her children in an emotional moment and talked about the everyday things that women take for granted that she had to get used to.

Telling a moving personal story remains one of the all-time best public speaking tips to get and keep an audience on your side. The more unusual the story is, the more the audience will be fascinated.

Note that Jenner also refrained from glorifying herself with her stories.

Instead, she focused on the impact of her decision on those around her and on urging others uncomfortable with their gender to take the necessary steps to live life on their terms. This approach scores higher with any audience.

She didn’t brag; she didn’t exaggerate. Her direct speaking style was refreshing to her audience and effective in bringing them on her side.

Telling a great story works well in bringing an audience on your side, as illustrated by Jenner’s remarks, but it gains even more power when you combine the story with another great technique, and that is asking your audience a question.

When self-help guru Amy Morin did both in her speech “The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong,” her audience was onside immediately.

Listen to her effective opening as she first tells a story about her friend and follows it up with a self-revealing question to her audience.

Morin, a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist and lecturer at Northeastern University, is adept at building a bridge to her audience.

In fact, she not only bridges to them, but mentally they climb up on that bridge and start walking toward her. She knows how to use the best techniques in a way that is so natural, her audience is unaware that they are seeing professional tactics of presentation science at work.

If you opt to tell a personal story, make sure that it is closely connected to your theme. Also, make sure that it is not more than a minute or two in length.

If you decide to ask a question that invites your audience to think about your topic, be very specific. There is a time in life for open-ended questions, but it is not at the start of your presentation.

As Morin did, ask them one direct question about their immediate response or emotion to something. For example, do not say “do you think jealousy is just a part of the bigger picture of being human?”

In the same vein as starting with a question, you can also consider ending your speech with a question. This is a great way to keep people thinking about your topic and how they can apply it to their own life, job, etc.

Ending your presentation with a question can be a great way to inspire or motivate your audience and keep them thinking about your key points long after you’re finished.

Another important strategy for bringing audiences on your side is ensuring that if you are going to talk about a more complicated topic, you break down the concepts you present in a way that your audience can easily understand.

A great example of that is Dan Gilbert’s presentation on The Surprising Science of Happiness.

Gilbert makes his point by explaining from the beginning how the human brain works, and how cognitive judgments are formed. Then he illustrates that we can all misinterpret our own happiness or well-being because of our cognitive interpretations and false assumptions.

He makes it clear to his audience that they have the power to try out life experiences before actually doing them for real. He takes complicated concepts like our experience simulator and impact bias and shows how we can mislead ourselves.

But when we master these brain responses, we can live and interpret our experiences in a more positive way.

As all of the impressive presentations mentioned illustrate, there are lots of public speaking tips you can apply to bring your audience on side with you, but the foundation of all of them is having something worthwhile to say and a straightforward vocabulary to ensure that your audience grasps it.

In the presentation game, there is a huge element of showmanship, but in the end, that only works to impress people when you still deliver content that creates value in their lives.

Before you encounter technology errors in front of your entire audience, be sure to test all equipment that you’ll be using during your speech.

This can be anything from the clicker for your presentation slides, the computer you’re using to open your presentation, the projector or any other piece of equipment that might be available to you.

Knowing exactly how to use each of these objects before you go into your presentation will help your setup be that much more seamless and can take the edge off a bit before a big speech.

One of the key characteristics of any great speaker involves making eye contact with your audience. As you speak, take the time to look around the room, speaking directly to each person sitting in front of you.

Not only is this a great way to help yourself feel more at ease while you speak, it helps your audience feel even more connected and engaged with what you’re saying.

Often when people feel nervous or are encountering stage fright, they start to speak quickly. You need to be conscious of this so you can avoid that bad habit.

When you speak too quickly, your messaging can easily be lost on your audience as they struggle to keep up. Even a normal, conversational speed can be too quick for a speech.

You want to be fully aware of every word that leaves your mouth, speaking more slowly than you typically would, so that your main points really resonate with your audience. 

Another good practice is to pause for emphasis after your important points to let them really sink in. Speaking slowly and pausing for effect are two tactics for great speeches.

This goes right in line with our previous point – allow yourself time to breathe and don’t speak too quickly .

When you’re rushing through your speech, not only does it cause you to lose your audience, but it will also cause you to get winded quickly, ruining your performance.

Be sure to give yourself time to breathe. Taking deep breaths can also be a great way to get over stage fright and start to feel more confident on stage.

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While you’re testing out your equipment, take a chance to really get to know your stage area. Will you have a larger stage? If so, practice walking around while you give your speech so you can cover as much area as possible.

Find out if there’s a podium. If so, it might be helpful to bring props, notes and other memorization devices to keep on the podium with you.

If you’re able to access the stage ahead of time, consider doing a test run of your speech so that you know what to expect when you have an audience.

At the end of the speech, be sure to ask trusted colleagues and attendees for any advice or feedback on improving your presentation skills. 

As you get more comfortable speaking, this can be helpful to ensure you hone in on the feedback you’ve received and work to get better and better during each speaking engagement you attend in the future, whether it’s a TED Talk or a friend’s wedding.

If there’s a point you really want to drill into your audience, don’t be afraid to repeat yourself! Saying the same powerful phrase over and over again is going to sink in much more effectively than any filler words would.

Find the number one takeaway that you want your audience to get from your speech and say it again and again throughout your presentation.

You don’t want to stand up on the stage and read your presentation word for word from notecards. This is why it’s important to try to memorize your notes.

We’ve previously covered 8 memorization techniques that pros use to remember their notes, so be sure to check them out.

Another one that we recommend is to utilize our presentation notes feature. Include bullet points and quick summaries to keep you on track. You can also use this feature to time yourself so you know how long you’ve spent on each slide.

Be as prepared as possible. While you create your presentation slides , ensure the order makes sense and that you’ve planned your speaking points around the structure of your slides.

There are a number of ways to structure your presentation for maximum impact on your audience as well, so be sure to plan out the best way to tell your story and make your point. Ensure your body language matches the words you’re saying as well.

Creating a structure for your presentation helps your story to flow well from beginning to end. Practice sticking to your structure so your presentation makes sense and resonates with your audience.

Print out and distribute handouts to your audience, but also be sure to include a digital version of your presentation for your viewers to watch again later.

You can easily share this on your website, in a blog post or on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Uploading a digital version to SlideShare is another way to reach even more people with your content.

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About the Author

Chloe West is the content marketing manager at Visme. Her experience in digital marketing includes everything from social media, blogging, email marketing to graphic design, strategy creation and implementation, and more. During her spare time, she enjoys exploring her home city of Charleston with her son.

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• Presentations
• Public Speaking

20+ Effective Public Speaking Skills & Techniques to Master

• العربية/عربي

You may think effective public speakers are born that way. You'd be wrong! Public speaking skills can be learned.

Most effective public speakers have worked hard to master their craft. That includes effective speaking skills and good public speaking techniques. They may spend hours practicing, working with a coach, or taking speech courses.

The good news is that you can improve your public speaking skills and become an effective speaker. Public speaking techniques can dramatically improve your results. In this tutorial, we've listed over 20 different public speaking techniques that can help you learn how to become an effective speaker.

What Is Public Speaking?

Public speaking occurs when you give a speech before a live audience. It differs from other types of speaking, such as videos, which may be recorded. It's also different from online presentations, which are created and then uploaded to the Internet.

Public speaking gives you many opportunities. That includes improving your confidence level and giving you the opportunity to champion a cause you care about. Plus, having effective public speaking skills can help you find a job. Many jobs, such as an instructor or sales professional, require you to speak in public.

Even when a job doesn't include public speaking in the job description, employers still value  the skill. In one survey, 600 employers said that good communication skills were twice as important as managerial skills . 

At this point you may be asking "what makes a good public speaker?" The answer might seem easy: A good public speaker makes use of effective public speaking techniques. What are those effective public speaking techniques? That's what we're going to talk about in the rest of this tutorial.

Before we dive into our discussion of effective public speaking techniques , download our eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations .  It's available for FREE with the Tuts+ Business Newsletter. Learn how to write, design, and deliver the perfect presentation. 

Now, let's look at how you can deliver an awesome presentation by using effective speaking techniques.

20+ Effective Public Speaking Techniques

You can learn to become a more effective speaker by using the right techniques and practicing your public speaking skills. Here are some techniques to follow:

1. Fit the Message to the Audience

Guidelines for effective public speaking often include tips that apply to any situation. But sometimes, it pays to tailor your delivery based on your audience. Matching subject matter and delivery style helps you make the best possible impression. When you know you’re speaking successfully, you’re able to present with more confidence.

Before you speak, plan ahead by considering your target audience. If you’re presenting a research paper to academics, you can plan on a detail-heavy speech. But if you’re introducing a new idea to a casually-interested audience, it’s better to take a broader focus.

Knowledge level is also an important element. Imagine you’re speaking about astronomy to a group of young children. Your message can and should be much different than if you’re addressing a room full of seasoned scientists.

In essence, use your public speaking skills to connect with the audience in front of you. All it takes is a bit of advanced planning. You’ll be on your way to giving an inspiring speech that all can enjoy. 

Learn more about audience analysis as part of tips for effective public speaking below:

2. Be Interactive!

Tips for effective public speaking help you give the best speech possible. Remember what you’re trying to do. You’re informing, inspiring, and engaging your audience. And talking at them isn’t enough. The best public speakers build interactive elements into their speeches. You can too.

Interactivity is one of the key public speaking skills. It can take many forms. It can be as simple as a quick, personal greeting at the start of your speech. Or you can even play interactive games like a trivia quiz. 

This offers many benefits. It keeps audiences alert and engaged. It helps you gauge how well they're following your message. And it takes the heat off of you by adding engagement from others. Sometimes, after all, a break from talking is welcome. It helps you stay focused and on pace.

If you're presenting your speech with PowerPoint, check out our interactive quiz tutorial:

3. Care About Your Topic

Passion goes a long way when it comes to being an effective speaker. The audience can tell if you're apathetic. If you don't care, they won't care either. Even worse, you can come across as a fake.

But if you sincerely care about your topic the audience will pick up on that too. They'll view you as being more authentic and believable. They'll listen more closely to discover why your subject is so important to you. And they're more likely to forgive any minor mistakes you might make.

4. Remember Your Speaking Goal

We've all probably listened to at least one speaker who seemed to go on and on forever about nothing in particular. One reason why this happens is because the speech isn't focused enough. The speaker is trying to cover too much and ends up boring their listeners.

Early in the process of developing your speech, identify the reason why you're speaking. Make it a point to stick to this goal during your presentation. Don't get sidetracked or off-topic.

5. Support Your Main Points

Every point you make in your speech needs to be supported with either an example, an illustration, or facts. When you're supporting a point, it's best to be as specific as you can be.

For example, in a speech about the importance of clean water this statement is too vague:

 "Many people don't have clean water."

Stating this statistic from the U.S. Center for Disease Control is a more effective way to support your point:

"Worldwide, 780 million people do not have access to an improved water source."

6. Tell a Story

People love a good story. So, if you want to be a more effective speaker, tell a story.

Storytelling is a great way to make your material more engaging and to relate to your audience. Make sure your story is relatable and relevant.

If you're speaking is about your business, here are some examples of stories you may be able to tell:

• A customer story . The story of how your product or services met a need for a specific customer or solved a problem. Satisfied customers are often happy to share this.
• Your company story .   The story of how your company came to be. This can be especially effective if it's customer-oriented.
• A product development story . The story of how you came to offer a new product (or service).

Of course, there are many other types of stories you could tell depending on the type of speaking you're doing.

7. Use a Professional Template

While we're talking about presentation tools, let's also talk about presentation design. Your presentation design affects how your audience perceives you.

Even if you deliver your speech perfectly, your audience might still judge you if your slides are sloppy. The presentation visuals are just as important as your speaking performance.

Of course, you could use a standard template (the same ones that everyone uses) or design your own template (costly and time-consuming). But a better plan is to use a professionally designed presentation template that you can easily customize.

The presentation templates from Envato Elements and GraphicRiver are easy-to-use and professional. And there are hundreds to choose from--so you're bound to find one that meets your needs.

8. Use Presentation Tools Wisely

Slide presentations often get a reputation for being dull. That's because many speakers are unaware of what their presentation tools can do and don't make the best use of all the features. To better engage your audience, learn how to use the more advanced features of your tool.

As an example, here are just a few ways you can use PowerPoint and Google Slides (with links to related tutorials):

• Add animations ( PowerPoint , Google Slides )
• Add video ( PowerPoint ,  Google Slides )
• Add audio ( PowerPoint ,  Google Slides )
• Construct a timeline ( PowerPoint ,  Google Slides )

And these features are just the tip of the iceberg. To really elevate your public speaking techniques, it helps to know what your software can do. Our tutorial series on Google Slides  and PowerPoint  are a good place to start. 

9. Practice Your Speech

One of the most important public speaking techniques is often one of the most overlooked--practice. If you expect that you'll be an effective speaker without practicing your speech, you'd be wrong. One of the quickest ways to avoid public speaking failure is to try and give a speech you don't really know and haven't practiced.

The old saying, "practice makes perfect," really is true when it comes to developing effective speaking skills. The more you practice your speech, the more familiar it'll be to you and the more comfortable you'll be giving it. Plus, practicing your speech is the only way to discover how long the speech will take and where you need to pause.

10. Work With a Coach (optional)

If you're really serious about developing effective speaking skills, a speaking coach or teacher can take you to the next level. A coach or teacher can teach you the principles of public speaking and point out mistakes in your public speaking techniques. They give you awareness of tendencies you would otherwise miss.

Worried about cost? You may be able to find reasonably priced public speaking help through one of the following organizations:    

• Toastmasters International
• Your local community college
• Public Speaking Meetup

There may even be more resources close to you.

It's normal to be nervous about public speaking. One study from The National Center for Biotechnology Information estimates that as many as 77% of us have a fear of public speaking . It's so common there's an actual technical term for fear of public speaking--glossophobia.

I'm not telling you this to make you more anxious, but rather to let you know that having some anxiety before giving a speech is perfectly normal. Still, you should try to relax if you can. You'll be more comfortable, and the audience will relate to you better too.

If there's something that normally calms you down in stressful situations, try using it right before you're due to speak. Popular calming techniques include:

• positive affirmations
• aromatherapy

The following tutorials can also help you fight your fear of public speaking:

12. Don't Worry About Mistakes

One of the reasons so many of us fear public speaking is because we're worried that we'll make a mistake and embarrass ourselves in front of everyone. If this is your fear, let it go. Most audiences will understand if you make a mistake. And if it's a small mistake, the audience may not even notice it.

Of course, practice can dramatically reduce the likelihood of you making a mistake. The more you practice the better you'll know your speech--and mistakes will be less likely.

So, what should you do if you do happen to make a mistake? If it's a minor mistake, don't stop or apologize for your mistake as that only calls attention to it. Just continue on. If you make a big mistake, try using humor to diffuse the situation and then continue your speech. Your listeners will be impressed with how gracefully you handled things.

13. Study the Habits of Others

One of the best ways to learn effective public speaking skills is to study the habits of others. There's no reason to learn the art (and science) of public speaking all by yourself.

Consider your favorite orators, lecturers, and presenters. Think about why they're your favorites. Usually, it's their delivery, their stage presence, and their sense of style. If you can't watch them in person, it's a great idea to watch videos of them at work.

It's important to note that tips for effective public speaking vary from person to person. Don't try copying someone else's style. But learn from their habits and incorporate the best into your own method of public speaking. By doing so, you can inspire others in the same ways that have inspired you.

14. Pace Yourself

When it comes to public speaking, a common newbie error is to speak too quickly. This is usually caused by a combination of nerves and not realizing how fast you're actually speaking. But talking too fast makes it harder for your listeners to understand what you're saying.

Effective public speakers know to pace themselves. They'll speak at a natural pace and work short, natural pauses into their speech.

It also helps if you remember to breathe during your speech. A surprising number of people hold their breath without realizing it when they're nervous (I'm one of them).  But holding your breath will only increase your anxiety. So, remember to breathe deeply during the breaks in your speech. If your speech is a long one, taking a sip of water during a break can also help.

15. Add Visual Aids

Visual aids can serve as a powerful illustration of your speech. Humans use their sight more than any other sense. So, if you can make your point by showing it to your listeners rather than describing it, they're more likely to remember it.

Be careful though. To be effective, your visual aid must be of high-quality and easily visible to all members of your audience. Avoid incorporating sloppy graphics into a slide presentation. Likewise, don't hold up a visual aid that's physically too small for those listening to see.

Discover professional PowerPoint templates on Envato Elements or GraphicRiver : 

16. Avoid Awkward Fillers

"Um," "uh," "like."

We all slip these filler words into our conversations without even realizing it. But overuse of these words during a professional speech can make you sound less than confident. If you can, break the habit of using these words to become a better public speaker.

Practice can help you cut these words from your speech patterns, but you may be so used to using them that it's hard to notice when you're doing it. This is where a speech coach, teacher, or friend would come in handy. They could listen for these words and help you break the habit of using them.

17. Dress Comfortably, But Professionally

What's the right outfit to wear if you want to be an effective public speaker?

Well, there's no one answer. How you dress depends on who your listeners will be. But the general principle is that you want to dress professionally to make a good impression. Make sure to observe good grooming and hygiene rules too.

Many experts feel you should dress according to how your audience dresses. If the audience is dressed formally, you don't want to show up in shorts and a tee shirt. Likewise, if the audience is wearing shorts and a tee shirt, don't dress formally.

18. Use Gestures (But Don't Overdo)

Natural movement during a speech is a sign of an effective public speaker. Hand gestures and moving a few steps across the stage can be good public speaking techniques. Just make sure they're natural, purposeful, and not overdone.

Movement can make you appear more comfortable and help your audience relate to you. You've probably seen the stiff speaker who delivers their speech while standing stock still. Which would you rather listen to:

• that stiff speaker, awkward speaker
• or a speaker who punctuates their speech from time to time with meaningful hand gestures

19. Allow a Q&A

Question and answer sessions (Q&A) are one of the most underused public speaking techniques. Many speakers just say what they're going to say and then sit down. What a waste!

The beauty of Q&A is that you get to hear your listeners' concerns directly and address them publicly, further strengthening your case.

You can prepare for a Q&A session by creating your own list of questions and possible objections that audience members may have (with answers). Study the list carefully so that you're familiar with it.

If someone does bring up a point that you hadn't thought of, don't panic. They don't expect you to know everything. It's perfectly acceptable to take their contact information and tell them that you'll get back to them once you've got the answer.

20. Build in Silence to Stay on Track

Guidelines for effective public speaking often leave out a key ingredient: silence. That's right. You don't have to fill every second of your time with spoken words. It's critical to add pauses. This is one of those public speaking skills that doesn't get the credit it deserves.

Silence has many benefits in public speaking:

• It gives your voice a break. By adding a pause (just three to four seconds), you can catch your breath and stay focused. 
• It's equally beneficial for your audience. Rushing from point to point without a break will likely cause them to lose focus. Adding in some breathing room helps your speech flow organically.
• Silence also helps you segue from idea to idea. It offers clear breaks between ideas and adds emphasis. Adding suspense is a sure way to maintain a focused, engaged audience.  

21. Recap at the End

You've delivered your message to an engaged audience. You've presented with confidence and style, and delivered a clear, coherent message. But you may still wonder: "are they really going to remember what I said?"

This is a key thing to consider as you close out your speech. Last - but not least - on our list of public speaking skills is the recap at the end. You should wrap up your speech by quickly recapping your key points. 

This may take only a few moments. Remember, you're not repeating yourself word for word. You're revisiting your main ideas in summary form. This helps you close on a high note. Your audience will once again hear the details that you find most important. This way, they can carry those ideas with them, long after you're finished speaking. 

More Templates to Supplement Your Public Speaking Skills

This article has given you more guidelines for effective public speaking. The best resource you can use is pre-built presentation templates. Those have the blueprint for great slides that make creating a presentation as easy as filling in placeholders.

On Envato Tuts+, we're always in search of the best templates. These go hand-in-hand with our tips for effective public speaking. Check them out below, and you're sure to find great designs for you.

More Resources on Effective Public Speaking

If you're ready to learn more about developing effective speaking skills, we've got many tutorials on public speaking that can help:

Download Our Free PDF eBook on Making Great Presentations

We've got the perfect complement to this tutorial, that'll help you take your presentation know-how further. Learn how to write, design, and deliver great presentations. 

Download  The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations for FREE with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter. Get your ideas formed into a powerful presentation that'll move your audience. 

You Just Learned Top Tips For Effective Public Speaking

Editorial Note : This content was originally published in 2018. We're sharing it again because our editors have determined that this information is still accurate and relevant. This post has been updated with contributions from Andrew Childress .

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8 tips to improve your public speaking skills

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The importance of public speaking skills

How to improve public speaking skills — 4 factors to keep in mind, 8 tips for public speaking, know how to improve public speaking skills and master your fears.

Some people are more afraid of public speaking than they are of dying.

I know that sounds extreme, but it makes sense when you think about it. 

Our ancestors needed one another to survive. Social acceptance or rejection meant the difference between life and death.

And if there’s one situation where you run the risk of mass rejection, it’s public speaking.

No wonder many of us find it terrifying. It’s our survival instinct kicking in.

Yet, public speaking is an essential skill in today’s labor market.

If you want to know how to improve your public speaking skills, keep reading for tips and strategies that will help make you a better public speaker.

Strong spoken communication skills are essential for a successful career or business.

According to a study by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the majority of executives and hiring managers prioritize strong oral communication skills .

Most jobs require some degree of public speaking, whether it’s giving a presentation to your team or speaking at a conference.

But the survey respondents reported that less than half of college graduates are satisfactory in this area.

Public speaking requires you to present your ideas clearly. At the same time, you must project an image of yourself that inspires empathy in your audience.

But many of us experience public speaking anxiety. It can hinder your ability to deliver your message and engage your audience. 

Public speaking isn’t only important at work. Fear of public speaking can also affect your personal life. It may create misunderstandings with family or friends or prevent you from taking part in activities. 

For example, you might avoid speaking about your ideas or plans or giving a speech at a wedding or social event.

The inability to communicate your ideas results in feeling misunderstood. This can lead to frustration, loneliness , and even social anxiety.

But if you have stage fright, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Few people are born with a natural talent for public speaking. 

This is good news, as it means it’s a skill that you can learn. So let’s dive into how to become a great public speaker.

Thank you for your interest in BetterUp.

Developing your public speaking skills has many benefits in a work environment. It will also increase your confidence.

Even if you’re an introvert or suffer from chronic anxiety , overcoming your fear and learning to be a great public speaker is possible.

Here are four factors that influence your ability to communicate effectively .

1. Voice control

Your voice is the most basic communication tool you possess. Learning to use it properly is key for improving your public speaking.

Diaphragmatic breathing is a useful voice control technique. It can give your voice greater power and clarity and prevent the shortness of breath that anxiety causes.

To do this technique, relax your belly and let it expand as you breathe. Extend your inhalations and exhalations to a count of four each.

Practicing this type of breathing without speaking will help you prepare to use it while speaking. 

It also helps calm your nerves. 

During your public speaking event, use diaphragmatic breathing to control the three main aspects of your voice:

2. Body language

Your body language is the combination of your gestures, facial expressions, and movements. 

It’s an integral part of how we communicate. It helps your audience better understand the nuances of your message.

If your body language contrasts with what you want to transmit or seems incoherent, your speech will be confusing.

Once you confuse people, you lose them.

Use the following tips to improve your body language and engage your audience:

• Stand up straight and avoid slouching if you are able. .
• Make sure your facial expression is coherent with your message.
• Stay still. Constant movement can distract your audience or change the way they receive your message.
• Practice power poses before your speaking event. This reduces stress and boosts your confidence . Try standing with your feet apart and arms stretched up. Take a few deep breaths, then observe how you feel.
• Watch a TED Talk and identify body language that effective communicators use. 

3. Delivery

Delivery is the way you speak. Good delivery is essential for your audience to understand your speech.

Follow these tips to improve your delivery:

• Speak at the speed of a normal conversation. Avoid speaking too quickly because people will get lost in what you are saying. But don’t speak too slowly, either, as they will get bored.
• Pause regularly. This gives people time to absorb the concepts and ideas. It also makes you appear more confident.
• Don’t mumble or eat your words — articulate clearly.
• Avoid making noises such as “ahh” or “umm” between words. If you need time to think, take a brief pause. There is nothing wrong with a few seconds of silence.

4. Audience relations

If you want your audience to listen to you, you need to engage them from the beginning.

The following are ways to connect with your audience:

• Smile and greet the audience. Thank them for being there. This will humanize you and establish a conversational tone.
• Look for people in the audience who seem actively engaged in your speech. Imagine speaking only to them.
• Make eye contact with as many people as possible. This will help establish personal connections with your audience.

Public speaking is a skill that anyone can develop. 

These tips for public speaking will help you overcome your fear and show up with confidence at your next public speaking engagement.

Giving a great speech or presentation starts with planning. 

Identify the core message you want to transmit. Look for interesting facts and statistics to back up your point. Prepare for possible questions that might come up.

Preparing also includes logistical planning. Visit the event location beforehand to get familiar with the environment. 

Use this opportunity to identify any technical requirements, such as a microphone or projector.

Consider using a visual aid, such as a PowerPoint presentation. But if it’s going to give you more anxiety and stress worrying about clicking through the slides, then don’t. There is no hard and fast rule on visuals.

2. Practice

Practice in front of the mirror or record yourself speaking, then watch it back.

Analyze your speed, tone, body language, and facial expression to identify areas for improvement.

Look for public speaking opportunities — whether it’s giving a presentation at work or joining a local Toastmasters club .

Practice your speech as many times as possible before your public speaking engagement. 

You can do this in front of the mirror, record yourself, or practice in front of friends and family. 

3. Have a positive mindset

Everyone gets nervous before a performance. In fact, research shows that a healthy amount of nervousness enhances performance .

But don’t let your nerves suck you into a spiral of negative thoughts. Instead, embrace them and use them as performance rocket fuel.

To cultivate a positive mindset, visualize yourself giving the best speech of your life. Top performers use visualization to improve their results.

4. Involve your audience

Not only does this grab their attention, but it’s also a way to take the spotlight off of you.

Sharing the starring role with your audience members will help you establish a connection with them and feel less nervous.

5. Start with a story

Humans are wired to pay attention to stories. It activates the same parts of our brain that would activate if we experienced the events first-hand. 

We all respond to stories in this way. There is no difference across cultures. This means you can harness the power of storytelling to establish a connection with anyone.

When you start your speech, you only have one minute to make a good impression on your audience. 

A story, anecdote, or question can pique their curiosity and make them want to keep listening.

6. Dress for the occasion

When you look good, you feel good. And feeling good is the key to giving the best possible performance.

Think about it. Do you feel more confident in your favorite suit or dress or in your pajamas?

Dress to impress, but make sure you feel comfortable. Don’t wear anything that’s not your usual style. 

Avoid wearing anything that you will constantly have to adjust as it will be uncomfortable and distracting.

7. Be yourself

It can be tempting to emulate a strong public speaker you admire. But this is a mistake. 

We are all unique, and although you can never be someone else, you are great at being you. 

Perhaps you wish you were funnier, but you’re not a natural comedian. That’s okay. Don’t start cracking jokes as soon as you get on stage.

Instead, embrace your other quirks — we all have them — and let them shine through in your speech. You never know how many audience members might resonate with you.

8. Ask for feedback

Ask a trusted friend or colleague to watch your presentation with a critical eye and give you feedback. (You can also film or record yourself.)

Ask them to be as specific as possible. Tell them to analyze what you do well, as well as what can be improved.

You probably already have some perceived strengths and weaknesses regarding your presentation skills. Ask your feedback buddy to look out for those specifically.

Even if you’re an introvert or suffer from social anxiety, it’s possible to overcome your fear of public speaking.

It will also boost your confidence, and you may even discover you enjoy it.

But if you still need more information on how to improve public speaking, consider taking a public speaking course. Alternatively, you could engage a coach to help you improve your confidence and become a better public speaker .

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

The 11 tips that will improve your public speaking skills

What are adaptability skills 8 tips to shine in the face of adversity, fear of public speaking overcome it with these 7 tips, overcome your public speaking anxiety with these 10 tips, 6 presentation skills and how to improve them, talk less, listen more: 6 reasons it pays to learn the art, 10 organizational skills that will put you a step ahead, improve your interpersonal communication skills with these 6 tips, 7-38-55 rule of communication: how to use for negotiation, how to write a speech that your audience remembers, the importance of good speech: 5 tips to be more articulate, 30 presentation feedback examples, learn types of gestures and their meanings to improve your communication, your guide to what storytelling is and how to be a good storyteller, writing an elevator pitch about yourself: a how-to plus tips, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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The 17 Best Podcasts for Public Speaking Skills

By: Author Shrot Katewa

One of the best ways to improve your public speaking is to listen to advice from those who have already mastered this seemingly elusive art. Podcasts are a great way to absorb such insight from leading figures in whatever field interests you.

There are hundreds of podcasts out there that will be able to provide you with advice on how to master the skill of public speaking. From tips and tricks to build your confidence to case studies of great talks upon which you can mold your own style.

Hearing directly from those who practice what they preach is the perfect way to improve your own public speaking ability.

So, here are some of the best podcasts for you to listen to if you want to take your public speaking skills to the next level. Keep in mind that the following recommendations are in no order of priority.

1. The Speaker’s Secrets

Join Edrico Ambrister as he guides you through the many difficult challenges associated with speaking in public. Whether you need easy to apply tricks to calm your nerves, or strategies to keep your audience engaged in what you are saying from start to finish, he will have the information you need.

Until October 2019 there were new episodes each week, with each episode being between 20 and 40 minutes long. Which means that there’s a great backlog of episodes for you to catch up on in order to really get to grips with the amazing content contained within them.

Edrico works as a Human Resources Analyst and is also the President of Toastmaster International – who have another separate public speaking podcast as well!

2. The Speaking Show with David Newman

The Speaking Show with David Newman has won a number of awards and is among the top 50 business podcasts on iTunes. David interviews some of the world’s most successful business and thought leaders from a number of different fields in order to educate listeners about how to grow your speaking driven business.

Although it is intended specifically for businesses who rely on speaking, the information and advice within many of the episodes can be useful for anyone who wants to better their public speaking skills. 

David runs Do-It Marketing® and is a member of the NSA Million Dollar Speaker Group. He has years of experience helping entrepreneurs master speaking as the ultimate marketing tool, so he’s a great person to take advice from when it comes to mastering public speaking.

3. Public Speaking Secrets – Podcast

This is a Podcast which helps break down the barriers people perceive are stopping them from being a confident public speaker. This podcast teaches you how to eliminate fear, close more deals, and more easily get in front of people and share your message with a bigger audience.

The weekly episodes take a deep dive into the minds of the world’s leading speakers, trainers, coaches, YouTubers, influencers, TED speakers and more. They even have content to help with speaking in a post-COVD world, where virtual conferences and speaking on video may become more common.

Their motto is, “fast track your success and learn from the best”.  

4. Fearless Presentations

Fearless Presentations® offer classes around the world on how to give great presentations and speak confidently in public. You can also access their amazing insight for free via their weekly podcast!

They have episodes on some of the more nuanced complications associated with public speaking; from what to do when you need to speak off-the-cuff, or how to approach delivering a presentation which was created by someone else.

What’s more, with over a hundred episodes, you will definitely be able to find the content specific to your needs, in order to improve your public speaking skills.

5. No Sweat Public Speaking! Podcast

Fred Miller is an entrepreneur, author, coach and – most importantly – a public speaking guru. Fred believes that speaking opportunities are business opportunities, they are career opportunities and they are a chance to develop yourself.

That’s why he has put together this series of podcasts to guide you through all the skills associated with public speaking, in order to maximise your ability to capitalise on the opportunities afforded to you when you are given the chance to speak in public.

His website is also filled with useful information and added bonuses, like free templates and materials which correspond to the content of the podcast.

6. Shortcuts to Public Speaking Success

With more than 75 bite-size podcasts, each filled with great advice covering every aspect of public speaking, this is a brilliant podcast if you want to build your skills but are a bit short on time.

The host, Shola Kaye , has been featured on or on the BBC, Marie Claire, and Forbes . She was the author of the Amazon bestseller, ‘How to be a D.I.V.A. at Public Speaking’ and won the worldwide Jenny Seagrove Speaker Award in 2016.

Shola knows her stuff and has 15 years’ experience of both personal success and working with large organisations to produce engaging, punchy and powerful presentations.

7. The Toastmasters Podcast

Toastmasters is a global network of public speaking educators and students who want to better their presenting skills. With a network spanning almost 150 countries, with more than 350,000 members,

Toastmasters are one of the world’s biggest groups of its kind. Its paid members meet once a week for an hour to learn about and master the art of public speaking.

Their podcast provides listeners with access to some of the key figures in the Toastmasters network – who are able to share their wide-ranging spectrum of knowledge and insight.

From practical tips to discussions about the links between yogic practice and public speaking. If you have any interest at all in bettering your public speaking skills, this is the podcast for you.

8. The Art and Business of Public Speaking with Ken Davis

This podcast was created by motivational speaker and comedian, Ken Davis, who has years of experience getting crowds pumped up and is also a well-regarded author. He’s written 12 books, the latest of which has recently been adapted for film by Netlfix.

What’s more, he is President of Lighten Up ministries which produce inspirational live shows, DVDs, seminars and conferences designed to make a positive difference in the quality of people’s lives.

Ken says the he loves ‘”to awaken in [his] audience the courage to raise above circumstances and the passion to live Fully Alive!”. So, if you want to learn about the methods that he uses in order to achieve this – then this will be a great listen for you.

This podcast is as an extension of all the principals he teaches at his live events across the US, so it is a brilliant means of accessing his insight from afar. The episodes cover a wide range of topics but always centre on the ultimate challenge of mastering the “Art and Business of Public Speaking”. 

9. The Art of Charm with AJ and Jordan Harbinger

Although Jordan has now left the show , the backlog of episodes available, as well as the regular new content, make this a great resource if you want to build your confidence when it comes to public speaking and presenting.

They have had a number of very impressive guests on the show, including Charles Duhigg and Eric Weinstein . And while the remit of the podcast extends far beyond simply improving your public speaking, the broad aim of helping you to feel more confident in your own skin, is one which inevitably lends itself to people who are wanting to better their public speaking skills.

Ultimately, their aim is to help you ‘to master human dynamics, relationships, and become your best self’. So, if you’re need help to build up the courage to get up in front of a crowd – no matter how small – and speak, then these are the guys for you.

10. The Speaker Lab with Grant Baldwin

Grant is a really great role model when it comes to learning how to master public speaking. As he has said himself, he had ‘no crazy backstory, no celebrity following’ – just a desire to speak to people and share positive messages to people who need it.

After ten years work, establishing himself as a motivational speaker, Grant started this podcast in order to provide people with the resources that he wished he had had when he first started out.

Therefore, it is designed specifically for people who struggle with the confidence to speak in public; but provides you with everything you need to overcome your fears and anxieties.

There are now more than 300 episodes, with a new episode released each week. They cover everything from the state of the speaking industry in the wake of COVID19, to discussions with leading figures in a variety of industries about the importance of public speaking and how it can be utilized. 

11. Speaking your Brand

Carol Cox is the founder of Speaking Your Brand ® , which aims to provide coaching, strategic insight, support, and confidence to budding entrepreneurs and professionals.

The outcome of her program is to help you be confident enough to have a signature, go-to speech prepared; in order to share your brand identity, and give value to an audience.

The podcast is an extension of this program and there now are more than 150 episodes for you to dip into. Throughout the podcasts, Carol shares her own experiences as well as speaking to others about theirs.

So, whether you are a leader looking to develop a better relationship with your team through public speaking, or a beginner wanting to grow your confidence and share your story, there will be a number of these podcasts that are suited to your needs.

It’s also worth saying that although this is ostensibly a podcast aimed at a female audience, there is a wealth of content in there that can be taken on board by male listeners.

It is also worth listening to as a male if you want to have a greater understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by women in the workplace – particularly when it comes to public speaking.

12. TED Talks Daily

TED talks are known, around the world, for having provided some of the most influential and powerful examples of public speaking that most people are aware of in popular culture. Their YouTub e channel has more than 17 million subscribers and many people model themselves on the style and content they see their favorite TED speakers adopt in their own speeches.

In case you don’t know, TED is an organization that have made it their aim to give a platform spread ideas, usually in the form of short, impactful talks. TED began in 1984 as a conference for people working in the Technology, Entertainment and Design industries to come together. However, the talk’s remit now encompasses almost any and every topic you can imagine — in more than 100 languages.

Thanks to TED Talks Daily, you can get a specially curated series of TED talks right to your chosen streaming platform, each and every weekday. So, whether you are looking for 15 minutes-worth of thought-provoking insight; or you are after some inspiration for how you can present in the future – this is a great podcast to subscribe to.

Some examples of TED talks which have been featured on the daily podcast include: How The Pandemic will Shape the Near Future by Bill Gates ; The secrets of learning a new language by Lýdia Machová ; and How your brain’s executive function works – and how to improve it by Sabine Doebel.

13. Eat the Lens Podcast

This podcast is now more important than ever! As we spend more time online, often presenting digitally now as much as we do so in person, it’s key that you understand how to present on camera.

Noleen McGrath is the perfect guide when it comes to picking up those important skills. She is an award-winning television news journalist, media trainer and video producer, who knows exactly what it takes to successfully convey your ideas on screen.

In season one of ‘Eat the Lens’, McGrath shares her wealth of knowledge in bite-sized tips – covering topics such as how to present yourself in media interviews, how to give presentations, and how to formulate corporate videos and speeches.

While in season two she has moved on to a longer format podcast called, The Entrée, which covers similar topics but in even greater depth.

14. Presenting, Pitching and Public Speaking

This podcast is hosted by Toni Gargan and it is intended to provide you with the information you need in order to go from being an inexperienced speaker to supremely confident Master of Communication.

Whether you’re simply looking to overcome your fear of public speaking, or to become the recipient of standing ovations – this podcast has all your bases covered.

Toni is a successful entrepreneur in her own right and has developed a passive income through her property portfolio she now devotes her time to helping others to achieve financial freedom and public speaking success.

15. The Rad Presenters Podcast

Hosted by Jon Schwabish  and  Stephanie Evergreen this series comprises of more than 40 episodes, covering a number of elements of presenting skills. That said, they stopped producing new podcasts back in 2016, so you may have to dig around to find some of their content.

The two hosts are real experts in their fields, with Stephanie, who has published a number of books on the best ways to convey data in your presentations; and Jon, who is also an expert on the subject with a background in economics.

The great thing about the work of the two presenters is that you can buy their books if you wish to learn more about what they discussed on their podcast!

16. What the Speak

‘What the Speak’ brings you the latest discussions and insider tips on the art of public speaking. Whether you are an educator, an entrepreneur and a salesperson, or even a cashier – this podcast will provide you with all the skills you need in order to engage your clients.

Guests have included, Michael Hyatt, Chris Brogan, Nancy Duarte, Dan Pink, Jay Baer, Pat Flynn, and Amy Porterfield – all of whom provide interesting and actionable advice on how to take your public speaking to the next level.

17. The Presentation Podcast

The Presentation Podcast is a great find if you need tips on how to design presentations, both in as a professional deisnger or as someone who is doing it as part of another role or job.

It features conversations with leading experts in the field of presentation design, including Troy Chollar , Nolan Haims , and Sandra Johnson .

They discuss a wide range of presentation-centred topics covering software, design trends tips, tricks and more. What’s more, with each episode lasting longer than an hour, you can really take a deep dive into the world of presentation design.

17 Public Speaking Tips That’ll Help You Crush Your Next Presentation

It’s no easy feat to stand up and talk in front of people—whether it’s five or 50 or 500. In fact, surveys have found that public speaking has long been one of the things Americans fear most.

Unfortunately, in many professions, some amount of public speaking is necessary. It might be that you need to present in a small meeting, give an update to the entire company, or present at a conference or other event. No matter what it is or how daunting you find it, there are steps you can take to prepare and improve your skills.

• Understand the Expectations and Learn the Details
• Know Your Audience
• Plan and Structure Your Speech
• Don’t Overload Your Slides
• Practice, Practice, Practice
• Get Feedback
• Memorize Your First and Last Lines
• Join a Club or Go to a Workshop
• Get in the Zone
• Don’t Bury Your Face in Notes
• Make Eye Contact
• Repeat Yourself
• Let Some Questions Go
• Keep Talking
• Remember the Audience Is on Your Side
• Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself

Before You Even Get Up There

So much of what goes into public speaking happens way before you step up to the front of the room. Preparation and practice are key. Here’s what you can do in advance to make the actual speaking part as smooth as possible.

1. Understand the Expectations and Learn the Details

“Gather all of the information regarding location, technical setup, time you’ll be speaking, dress, topics to include/avoid, type of presentation, etc.,” says Tara Goodfellow , a Muse career coach and owner of Athena Consultants . Having all of this information ahead of time will help you prepare a presentation that fits the occasion and resonates with your audience.

It’ll also help you avoid technical or logistical snafus that can add unnecessary stress, Goodfellow says: “You don’t want any surprises as in realizing you were supposed to bring a laptop or handouts.”

2. Know Your Audience

It’s as important to understand your audience as it is to understand the subject you’ll be discussing in front of them. “Make sure you understand the level of knowledge,” Goodfellow says, and tailor your presentation accordingly. “You don’t want to bore them with details they already know nor do you want to overwhelm them.”

Josephine Lee , third place winner in the 2016 Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking , emphasizes that even if she’s giving the same speech to two different audiences, she’ll take the time to customize it. She always asks herself, “What is the specific audience and why are they there?”

So, for example, the toast you’d give at an engagement party among all your college friends might be pretty different from the speech you give at the same friend’s wedding in front of the whole extended family.

Or in a professional context, imagine you’re giving a presentation about the future of your company. That would look really different depending on whether you’re talking to a group of executives from your own organization versus a room full of college students who are interested in getting into the industry. For one, you might dive into the nitty gritty of last quarter’s performance and share your insights about what changes your organization needs to make to remain competitive. For the other, you’d probably zoom out a bit more, give an intro to your industry, and sketch out what your company does and where it’s going.

3. Plan and Structure Your Speech

So often the focus of advice about public speaking is about how you’re saying the words in front of an audience. Those things are unequivocally important (which is why we go into detail about them below!) but before you get there, you have to think about what you’re saying.

“You can have great diction and you can have great presentation skills, but if your words and structure are all over the place then people are not going to remember what you said,” says Lee, who credits Toastmasters with teaching her how to write a speech. “It is 100% about simplicity, because when you’re giving a speech in front of a live audience it’s so fleeting that if you have multiple points and if you go off on tangents and if you don’t stay on one simple path then people won’t remember what you were speaking about.”

Lee always picks one central point when she’s preparing a talk—whether she’ll be speaking for five minutes or 45. She’ll present her central theme, give supporting evidence and examples, and keep circling back to that main message. “So even if the audience forgets 99% of your speech, which they will, they will go home with that 1%,” she says.

Rajiv Nathan , a Muse career coach and founder and CEO of Startup Hypeman , takes a similar approach with a slightly different formula. His go-to structure for a talk is “inward, outward, forward.” He starts with a story that explains why he’s talking about this topic in the first place, zooms out to evidence that others are thinking about it as well, and ends with solutions.

In a workplace setting, this might translate into laying out a challenge your team is facing, zooming out to examine how other teams and companies are thinking about and handling similar issues, and end by proposing next steps for your team.

4. Don’t Overload Your Slides

If you’re using slides to accompany your presentation, make sure you avoid overloading them with too much text. “Think about how you like to be presented to,” Goodfellow says. “Very few of us like an 80-slide presentation where the person just reads everything to us.”

Beyond the simple fact that people will be distracted squinting at that teeny tiny type, you might be tempted to start reading off the slides and you’ll end up sounding a little too much like Ferris Bueller’s economics teacher (i.e. droning on and on and on in a monotone).

Instead, Nathan says, use slides primarily as visual complements to your words and a tool to emphasize your main takeaway.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

Okay, pay attention, because if you absorb just one thing from this article it should be this: You have to practice. Not once or twice but over and over again.

“When you practice it enough you figure out the rhythm,” says Nathan, who estimates he practiced his TEDx talk about 100 times before he gave it. You’ll also feel more confident and comfortable speaking without reading off a piece of paper (or your slides) because the structure and progression will become so familiar.

Lee takes advantage of any opportunity to practice when she’s preparing to speak. “Practice of any sort can be very helpful. I practice in my room or in the shower or driving in the car,” she says.

6. Get Feedback

While practicing on your own is useful, it can be even better to do it in front of a live audience—even if that’s just your work bestie or your sister. The more you get used to speaking in front of actual humans the easier it’ll get.

Plus, you can get feedback from your trusted practice audience before you go out and do the real thing. Ask them if your words and points were clear, if there was anything that confused them, how your rhythm was, and if there was anything else they noticed.

You can also give yourself feedback. Use your phone (or whatever other device you have) to record audio or video of your practice sessions. When you play it back, you can become your own audience in a way and pick up on things you didn’t realize needed some attention.

“I have had clients astounded at their mannerisms and overuse of ‘um’ when we’ve played back video. Most of us have a nervous ‘go to’ sound or movement,” Goodfellow says. “Once you’re aware of it, you can work on it.”

7. Memorize Your First and Last Lines

You’ll want to have a pretty clear idea of what you’re going to say, of course. But you also don’t want to sound like a robot regurgitating a pile of words you wrote down.

By the time she was comfortable in front of an audience, Lee wasn’t reading her speeches or even memorizing an exact script. “If you memorize everything word for word, it’s not going to sound very natural,” she says. Instead, she plans the structure but keeps the words themselves a little loose with a couple of exceptions: “I generally try to memorize the opening sentence and the closing sentence.”

The goal is to ensure you start and end strong while still giving yourself the room to speak naturally in between.

8. Join a Club or Go to a Workshop

If you’re committed to improving your public speaking skills, then not only should you practice each speech or presentation before you give it, but you should also try to get as many of the real thing under your belt as you can so that you become accustomed to it.

“It’s the most important to get as much stage time in front of an audience” as possible, Lee says. “That’s why Toastmasters was such a useful organization for me because it gave me the grounds to practice on in front of a live audience.”

Toastmasters is of course one of the more well-known options, with more than 16,000 clubs all over the world, but you can also check out meetups, classes, and workshops. If those options aren’t available in your area or don’t appeal to you, try gathering a group of friends and/or colleagues who want to practice their skills and give and get feedback on a regular basis as well.

During Your Speech

Doing all of the prep work should help you feel ready and confident—at least, more than you would otherwise. Here’s how you can keep helping yourself in the moment.

9. Get in the Zone

For about 10 minutes before he gets on stage to give a talk, Nathan becomes something of a recluse. He doesn’t talk to anyone, he drinks some water, he crouches down somewhere, he focuses on his breathing, and he repeats this phrase to himself: “Use expression to create possibility.”

Now, that’s a very specific set of actions that works for him, but he recommends everyone figure out their own “stage mantra” or routine. Ask yourself, he says, “What do you need to be repeating to yourself beforehand? What, action-wise, do you need to do beforehand to get yourself in the zone?”

It might take some time to find the things that help you in the lead-up, whether you do them the night before, the day of, or in the moments just before you begin. If you’re not sure where to start, think back to some other reference point in your life when you were preparing for an important event, Nathan says. What did you use to do before a baseball game or piano recital or big exam? See if those things help now and iterate until you find the right combination.

10. Don’t Bury Your Face in Notes

When Lee first started giving speeches, she’d just read the whole thing word for word off a piece of paper. “It was terrible,” she says, remembering the early days before she became the accomplished speaker she is today. “Notes are like a crutch. So you just start to rely on [them] more and more,” she’s realized. “It’s more important that you’re connecting with the audience, making eye contact with the audience, and [having] a true conversation with the audience.”

She no longer uses notes at all—she just memorizes the opening and closing lines, as mentioned—but reaching that comfort level takes practice. If you’re still working up to that and need your notes, she says, go with bullet points. They’ll help you stay on track without tempting you to read everything from the page.

Notes can also block your face or torso, or draw your eyes down as you’re reading, says Nathan. So if you plan to bring some, try folding your paper or using index cards with just those few bullet points to serve as a reference.

11. Make Eye Contact

You’ve surely heard it before, but eye contact is key in public speaking. It helps you connect with the audience, Lee says, and it’s most effective when you focus on one person at a time. “When you are giving a speech, you should always sound like you are delivering to a single individual rather than speaking to the masses,” she says. “Direct eye contact with one person then moving to another is an effective way to do that.”

12. Use Pauses

“A lot of times people speak really fast. Their mind is racing and they want to make a good impression,” says Jennifer Sukola , a Muse career coach and human resources professional. “People tend to want to rush through and get it over with,” especially when they’re nervous. It’s something you might get feedback about or pick up on if you record yourself.

One of Sukola’s biggest tips for public speaking—using pauses—can help with overall speed as well as pacing. You can use pauses strategically, inserting them right after important points to let them sink in or right before to allow you to gather your thoughts and get the audience’s attention for what you’re about to say.

Sukola likes to follow a structure where she makes a point, pauses, provides support for that point and recaps, pauses again, makes a related point, etc. “If you follow that outline and pause in conjunction with the points you’re making,” she says, “the audience has a chance to let that simmer, to let your points settle and think through [them].”

13. Repeat Yourself

Remember that the people listening to you talk live can’t rewind to catch that important thing you just said or flip back a few pages to find that crucial point you made earlier the way they could if they were watching a video or reading a book.

So help them out by repeating the thesis or main takeaway of your talk, says Nathan. In his own talks, he might repeat that take-home line six or eight times. The repetition ensures that everyone hears it, realizes it’s important, and can process it and let it sink in.

“It’s got to be short and punchy,” says Nathan, and you can accentuate it with pauses before or after you say it. If you have slides, you might also want to put it up there once or twice. It’s like the chorus of a song, Nathan explains. It’s catchy and it’s the first thing someone will be able to repeat back to you.

14. Let Some Questions Go

You can do a whole lot of planning, but the truth is that you can’t anticipate everything, including questions that might come up. Goodfellow stresses that it’s okay to say, “That’s a great question, let me get back to you on that.” In fact, that’s far better than stammering through and making something up.

15. Keep Talking

Lee may now be an award-winning speaker who travels all over the world to give talks and feels comfortable ditching the notes, but even she still freezes and forgets her speech sometimes. You have to just keep talking until you find your way back.

“Get away from that mentality that you have to be perfect. It’s okay if you forget,” she says. “You learn to start to fill in the gaps. Start to speak until you remember. No one in the audience knows you forgot your speech,” she adds. “What you are feeling inside is not as apparent as you think it is. If you keep that in mind and keep talking, eventually you’ll come back.”

And if your talk has a clear, simple structure, it’ll be easier to find your way back in.

16. Remember the Audience Is on Your Side

For many people, public speaking feels like one of the scariest things they could be called on to do, Lee says. They’re terrified of failing and think they’ll be humiliated and ostracized. But the people on the other side don’t want to see you mess up—they’re eager to hear what you have to say.

“If you remember that the audience wants you to do well, that they’re on your side, it’s a much easier process,” says Lee. Focus on what you’re giving to the audience—as if you were giving advice or telling a story to your best friend—rather than on yourself and how you appear.

17. Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself

Finally, remember that everyone gets nervous. Those executives many levels above you whose presence is making you sweat? They probably get nervous when they speak, too, Goodfellow points out. “Give yourself a little bit of grace,” she says, and do the best that you can.

14 SMART Goals Examples for Public Speaking

Public speaking is a critical skill in many contexts, such as job interviews and presentations in the workplace. It may be intimidating to present in front of a crowd, but with preparation and practice, anyone can become an effective public speaker.

Having SMART goals encourages you to focus your efforts on specific outcomes and make progress toward being able to deliver presentations confidently.

Table of Contents

What is a SMART Goal?

Your public speaking goals should be created in tandem with the SMART strategy. In case you are unaware, SMART is an acronym standing for: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based.

• Specific: Ensure your goals are as detailed as possible.
• Measurable: Public speakers should make their goals trackable; this component is essential to success.
• Attainable: You want your goals and objectives to be both challenging and reasonable.
• Relevant: Try to align your goals with your personal core values.
• Time-based: You need a specific end date for accomplishing your goal . This will keep you accountable and create a feeling of urgency.

By following these 5 SMART criteria, you can speak confidently and assertively on stage.

Let’s cover 14 examples of SMART goals to improve your public speaking skills:

1. Increase Confidence

SMART Goal: To become a more confident speaker, I’ll practice public speaking exercises every day for the following two months. I want to become more comfortable speaking in front of large groups and build the confidence I need to be a successful public speaker.

• Specific: This goal outlines what you need to do (practice public speaking exercises) and how often you need to do it (every day).
• Measurable: You could count the days you’ve practiced public speaking.
• Attainable: Practicing public speaking exercises daily is absolutely doable.
• Relevant: Taking advantage of these exercises is an excellent way to boost confidence when speaking in front of large groups.
• Time-based: Goal achievement is expected after two whole months.

2. Improve Vocal Delivery

SMART Goal: I want to improve my vocal delivery when I give presentations. To do this, I will practice speaking in front of a mirror for 30 minutes every day for the three months ahead and record myself during practice sessions to review my progress.

• Specific: The SMART goal is explicit because it details how the individual will improve their vocal delivery.
• Measurable: They can record themselves speaking during practice sessions.
• Attainable: Practicing speaking in front of a mirror is achievable within three months.
• Relevant: Vocal delivery is instrumental in enhancing your public speaking skills.
• Time-based: Goal attainment is expected within three months.

3. Expand Repertoire of Presentation Materials

SMART Goal: I will develop new presentation materials for my public speaking engagements by the end of two months. This will include creating slideshows, animations, videos, and interactive resources to capture my audience’s attention.

• Specific: The statement is clear and concise, outlining what materials need to be created.
• Measurable: You can determine how many new materials have been developed.
• Attainable: This goal can be accomplished by dedicating time to developing the materials.
• Relevant: This is essential for public speaking because it will help engage the audience and make presentations more interesting.
• Time-based: There is a two-month end date for accomplishing this goal.

4. Conquer Your Fears

SMART Goal: I’ll aim to improve my public speaking skills and conquer the fear of speaking in front of a large audience. I will attend one public speaking event each month for the next 6 months and practice my skills by presenting at least two talks during this time frame.

• Specific: The person has a particular goal to conquer their fear of speaking in front of a large audience.
• Measurable: Attend one public speaking event each month and present two talks.
• Attainable: Given the timeline of 6 months, this statement is achievable.
• Relevant: This is pertinent to the person’s needs and interests in becoming a successful public speaker.
• Time-based: Six months is required to reach this particular target.

5. Develop Stronger Storytelling Skills

SMART Goal: By the end of 5 months, I will work to develop stronger storytelling skills. I’ll practice my oral presentation skills with friends and family, work on writing stories to use for presentations, and attend workshops that focus on storytelling techniques.

• Specific: This goal is focused on improving storytelling skills, which will be helpful in public speaking.
• Measurable: Make sure you actively follow the listed action items for success.
• Attainable: This is a relatively achievable goal if you are dedicated and consistently practicing.
• Relevant: Storytelling skills are essential for public speaking and will help you convey your message more engagingly.
• Time-based: There is a deadline of 5 months for meeting this goal.

6. Practice Nonverbal Cues and Gestures

SMART Goal: To become a more confident speaker, I will practice my nonverbal cues and gestures for 10 minutes daily for one month. I want to use my body language better and clearly convey what I’m saying.

• Specific: You will practice nonverbal cues and gestures for 10 minutes each day.
• Measurable: The individual could record the time spent practicing their nonverbal cues and gestures.
• Attainable: This is possible because it requires a small amount of daily effort.
• Relevant: The goal is appropriate because the person wants to become a more confident speaker, and using nonverbal cues can help with this.
• Time-based: This goal is time-bound because you want to complete it in one month .

7. Focus on Audience Involvement

SMART Goal: I will design each presentation to involve the audience, allowing them to participate. By the end of two months, I will strive to ensure every presentation I give includes an interactive element that encourages participation.

• Specific: The goal details the objective and how it will be achieved in two months.
• Measurable: You could measure audience involvement by looking at the number of questions asked and audience participation during each presentation.
• Attainable: This SMART goal is doable because it focuses on integrating audience participation into each presentation.
• Relevant: It is crucial to engage with the audience and ensure they participate in the presentation.
• Time-based: There is a two-month timeline for accomplishing the goal.

8. Enhance Visual Aids and Slideshows

SMART Goal: My goal is to be able to create visual aids and slideshows that better engage the audience in my presentations. I plan to create a template of custom visuals that I can use for all my future presentations by the end of three months.

• Specific: The goal is specific since this person wants to create better visual aids and slideshows.
• Measurable: You can check off the boxes after creating the template and visual aids.
• Attainable: This is a realistic timeline to create a template of visuals for future presentations.
• Relevant: This goal is relevant to public speaking as it will help engage the audience better.
• Time-based: You’ll achieve this goal by the end of three months.

9. Boost Knowledge of Topic Areas

SMART Goal: For 7 months, I’ll spend two hours each week researching and learning more about the topics I’ll discuss in my public speaking engagements. I want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and regulations to give my audience the best information possible.

• Specific: The goal is clear. The public speaker wants to become an expert in their field.
• Measurable: You will spend two hours each week researching and learning.
• Attainable: This is achievable and achievable with time and intentional effort.
• Relevant: The goal aligns with the speaker’s desire to become an expert in their field.
• Time-based: You will gain more knowledge over the duration of 7 months.

10. Speak with More Assertiveness

SMART Goal: To improve my public speaking, I’ll practice and implement powerful communication techniques in each of my speeches by the end of 6 months. I want to enhance my message to the audience and speak with more authority.

• Specific: The goal is clear and concise, stating precisely the objective and how it will be accomplished.
• Measurable: By practicing communication techniques and implementing them in speeches, the speaker can measure their success with audiences.
• Attainable: This goal can be accomplished through practice and research on powerful communication techniques.
• Relevant: This is relevant to public speaking because it helps the speaker enhance their message and gain more authority.
• Time-based: There is a 6-month end date for reaching this goal.

11. Refine Time Management

SMART Goal: After four months, I’ll have established a time management system that allows me to schedule and manage tasks better without sacrificing the quality of work. This will make me more organized and efficient when preparing for my speeches.

• Specific: This goal includes the time frame for completion and outlines what you need to do (establish a time management system).
• Measurable: Measuring this goal could include tracking how you manage your tasks and if they are completed promptly.
• Attainable: Creating and refining a time management system is something you can definitely do.
• Relevant: Managing your time will encourage efficiency while preparing for your speeches.
• Time-based: Goal completion is expected to take four months.

12. Increase Self-Awareness

SMART Goal: I will increase my self-awareness to better understand how I express myself in public speaking by taking an online course on communication within two months. When addressing an audience, I plan to be more mindful of my body language and tone.

• Specific: The SMART goal is explicit because it outlines precise steps toward increasing self-awareness.
• Measurable: The speaker will determine how well they can identify their body language and tone of voice.
• Attainable: This goal is achievable as long as the person puts in the effort and time.
• Relevant: The goal relates to increasing self-awareness regarding public speaking.
• Time-based: Goal achievement is expected by the end of two months.

13. Study Audience Dynamics

SMART Goal: I want to enhance my public speaking skills by studying audience dynamics on a deeper level. I will dedicate at least an hour each week for the next 6 months to studying how different demographics interact with each other and how my messages can be tailored to reach them.

• Specific: The goal is to study audience dynamics and build public speaking skills by tailoring messages.
• Measurable: Dedicate at least an hour each week to studying audience dynamics.
• Attainable: The timeline is reasonable, so this should be achievable with the proper focus.
• Relevant: The goal is appropriate to the task at hand because it focuses on honing public speaking skills.
• Time-based: There is a 6-month time frame for pursuing this goal.

14. Learn from Your Mistakes

SMART Goal: In the following three months, I want to improve upon any errors I made in the past and ensure I make fewer mistakes each time I present. I’ll be more confident in my speaking abilities and know I can give an effective presentation.

• Specific: The statement is to improve upon any errors made in the past and make fewer mistakes each time speaking.
• Measurable: You can track the number of mistakes made in each presentation.
• Attainable: This is achievable because the individual actively seeks ways to improve and shows confidence in their abilities.
• Relevant: The SMART goal is appropriate because it focuses on personal growth and improvement as a speaker.
• Time-based: The goal is time-bound because it has a deadline of three months.

Final Thoughts

Public speaking may be an overwhelming experience, but creating SMART goals will make it more manageable. Knowing what you want to achieve and planning are vital to reaching success.

Start developing realistic, measurable objectives that motivate you to do your best. Take note of how far you’ve come and celebrate the small victories. With some preparation and practice, you’ll be ready to hit the stage confidently.

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Public Speaking and Presentations: Tips for Success

This resource includes tips and suggestions for improving your public speaking skills.

Even if you’ve never spoken in front of a large group before, chances are you will encounter public speaking sometime during your life. Whether you’re giving a presentation for your classmates or addressing local politicians at a city council meeting, public speaking allows you to convey your thoughts and feelings in clear ways. Having the right tools can prepare you for successful public speaking and equip you with high-quality communication skills.

Know Your Audience

Different audiences require different modes of public speaking. How you address a room full of preschoolers will vary from how you address a group of professors at an academic conference. Not only will your vocabulary change, but you might alter your pacing and tone as well.

Knowing your audience also helps you decide the content of your speech. For example, if you’re presenting research to a group of scientists, you might not need to define all your scientific language. However, if you present that same research to a group of individuals who are unfamiliar with your scientific field, you may need to define your terms or use simpler language.

Recognizing the extent to which your audience is familiar with your topic helps you center your presentation around the most important elements and avoid wasting time on information your audience either 1) already knows or 2) does not need to know for the purpose of your speech.

Knowing your audience also means tailoring your information to them. Try to keep things straight and to the point; leave out extraneous anecdotes and irrelevant statistics.

Establish Your Ethos and Feel Confident in Your Subject

It’s important to let your audience know what authority you have over your subject matter. If it’s clear you are familiar with your subject and have expertise, your audience is more likely to trust what you say.

Feeling confident in your subject matter will help establish your ethos. Rather than simply memorizing the content on your PowerPoint slides or your note cards, consider yourself a “mini expert” on your topic. Read up on information related to your topic and anticipate questions from the audience. You might want to prepare a few additional examples to use if people ask follow-up questions. Being able to elaborate on your talking points will help you stay calm during a Q & A section of your presentation.

Stick to a Few Main Points

Organizing your information in a logical way not only helps you keep track of what you’re saying, but it helps your audience follow along as well. Try to emphasize a few main points in your presentation and return to them before you conclude. Summarizing your information at the end of your presentation allows your audience to walk away with a clear sense of the most important facts.

For example, if you gave a presentation on the pros and cons of wind energy in Indiana, you would first want to define wind energy to make sure you and your audience are on the same page. You might also want to give a brief history of wind energy to give context before you go into the pros and cons. From there, you could list a few pros and a few cons. Finally, you could speculate on the future of wind energy and whether Indiana could provide adequate land and infrastructure to sustain wind turbines. To conclude, restate a few of the main points (most likely the pros and cons) and end with the most important takeaway you want the audience to remember about wind energy in Indiana.

Don't be Afraid to Show Your Personality

Delivering information without any sort of flourish or style can be boring. Allowing your personality to show through your speaking keeps you feeling relaxed and natural. Even if you’re speaking about something very scientific or serious, look for ways to let your personality come through your speech.

For example, when Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek announced in March of 2019 that he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he still let his trademark dignity and professionalism set the tone for his address. He began his announcement by saying “it’s in keeping with my long-time policy of being open and transparent with our Jeopardy! fan base.” Later, he joked that he would need to overcome his illness in order to fulfill his contract, whose terms required him to host the show for three more years. Though the nature of Trebek's announcement could easily have justified a grim, serious tone, the host instead opted to display the charm that has made him a household name for almost thirty-five years. In doing so, he reminded his audience precisely why he is so well-loved.

Use Humor (When Appropriate)

Using humor at appropriate moments can keep your audience engaged and entertained. While not all occasions are appropriate for humor, look for moments where you can lighten the mood and add some humor.

For example, just two months after the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan, Reagan was in the middle of giving a speech when a balloon loudly popped while he was speaking. Reagan paused his speech to say “missed me,” then immediately continued speaking. This off-the-cuff humor worked because it was appropriate, spontaneous, and did not really distract from his message.

Similarly, at the end of his final White House Correspondents Dinner, Barack Obama concluded his speech by saying “Obama out” and dropping the mic. Once again, the humor did not distract from his message, but it did provide a light-hearted shift in his tone.  

Don't Let Visual Aids Distract From Your Presentation

Visual aids, such as PowerPoints or handouts, often go alongside presentations. When designing visual aids, be sure they do not distract from the content of your speech. Having too many pictures or animations can cause audience members to pay more attention to the visuals rather than what you’re saying.

However, if you present research that relies on tables or figures, having many images may help your audience better visualize the research you discuss. Be aware of the ways different types of presentations demand different types of visual aids.

Be Aware of Your Body Language

When it comes to giving a presentation, nonverbal communication is equally as important as what you’re saying. Having the appropriate posture, gestures, and movement complement the spoken element of your presentation. Below are a few simple strategies to make you appear more confident and professional.

Having confident posture can make or break a presentation. Stand up straight with your shoulders back and your arms at your sides. Slouching or crossing your arms over your chest makes you appear smaller and more insecure. However, be sure you’re not too rigid. Just because you’re standing up tall does not mean you cannot move around.

Eye contact

Making eye contact with your audience not only makes them feel connected to you but it also lets you gauge their response to you. Try to look around the room and connect with different audience members so you’re not staring at the same people the whole time. If you notice your audience starting to nod off, it might be a good time to change your tone or up your energy. 

Avoid distracting or compulsive gestures

While hand gestures can help point out information in a slide or on a poster, large or quick gestures can be distracting. When using gestures, try to make them feel like a normal part of your presentation.

It’s also easy to slip into nervous gestures while presenting. Things like twirling your hair or wringing your hands can be distracting to your audience. If you know you do something like this, try to think hard about not doing it while you’re presenting.

Travel (if possible)

If you are presenting on a stage, walking back and forth can help you stay relaxed and look natural. However, be sure you’re walking slowly and confidently and you’re using an appropriate posture (described above). Try to avoid pacing, which can make you appear nervous or compulsive.

Rehearse (if Possible)

The difference between knowing your subject and rehearsing comes down to how you ultimately present your information. The more you rehearse, the more likely you are to eliminate filler words such as like and um . If possible, try practicing with a friend and have them use count the filler words you use. You can also record yourself and play back the video. The more you rehearse, the more confident you will feel when it comes time to actually speak in front of an audience.

Finally, Relax!

Although public speaking takes time and preparation, perhaps one of the most important points is to relax while you’re speaking. Delivering your information in a stiff way prevents you from appearing natural and letting your personality come through. The more relaxed you feel, the more confident your information will come across.

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Presentation Skills explained plus examples

Presentation skills: this article explains the topic of presentation skills in a practical way. The article starts with reasons why these skills are important in the business environment and in academic research, followed by examples and practical tips. Enjoy reading!

What are presentation skills?

Whether it concerns presenting the results of a long-term research project or introducing a new invention, a new strategy or a new brand , presentations are often important moments for professionals.

Learning presentation skills helps presenters understand what they need to practice when preparing for such important moments.

Practicing and developing in this area makes them more confident and competent, which can make all the difference.

Examples of presentation skills include:

• Body language

Use of voice

Visual aids.

• Storytelling
• Stress management
• Adaptability
• Time management

Figure 1 – examples of Presentation Skills

Why is giving good presentations an important skill?

It’s no secret that effective presentations can help people advance in their careers. After all, what better way to demonstrate knowledge and expertise than giving a well-thought-out and good presentation? The right skills enable the presenter to share ideas with the general public in an engaging and persuasive way.

In this article you will read about the different types of presentations that are important in professional life and you will read about practical tips to develop yourself into an effective presenter.

Fear of presentations and public speaking

Fear of presentations and speaking in front of an audience is something that many people share.

It is a normal feeling and has to do with dealing with the pressure of conveying information to others, the fear of judgment and the natural fear of the unknown.

Fortunately, this fear can be overcome with practice and techniques, and many successful speakers have gone through this process.

The most important thing is to realize that you are not alone in feeling this fear, and that there are resources and support available to help you cope and thrive in public speaking.

Overcoming fear

Overcoming presentation anxiety starts with understanding where this fear comes from and then addressing its causes. Gaining insight into and control over something starts with understanding, especially the causes. You can then work on these.

The cause of anxiety during presentations and public speaking usually stems from:

• Lack of self confidence
• Lack of control (or feeling not having control) – over the situation, other people (the audience) and our own reactions and feelings
• In some cases, a negative memory or experience from the past

These effects are amplified as the size of the audience increases and possibly also depend on the nature of the audience and the situation.

Presentation Skills the main types of presentations

Persuasive presentations.

Persuasive presentations aim to influence the audience to make a specific decision or take action.

• A start-up founder convincing an investor to provide funding
• A salesperson who tries to convince customers to buy a product
• A political candidate who tries to convince voters to vote for him

Instructive presentations

Instructive presentations focus on guiding the audience in understanding new policies, procedures, laws, or other complex topics.

• An HR manager giving a presentation to instruct new employees on company policies
• A teacher who explains to students how to understand a complex mathematical concept
• A legal expert giving a presentation on recent changes in legislation

Informative presentations

Informative presentations aim to provide the audience with factual information about a specific topic, such as updates, benefits, or new developments.

• A company presentation in which the HR manager shares information about a new bonus structure for employees
• A health expert giving a presentation on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle
• A technology expert discussing the latest developments in the industry at a conference

Inspirational presentations

Inspirational presentations are intended to motivate the audience, increase their enthusiasm, or create a sense of pride and belonging.

• A TED Talk speaker who encourages the audience to pursue their dreams
• A CEO who shares his vision during a company meeting and inspires employees to commit to the company
• A sports coach who motivates his team before an important match through an inspiring and uplifting speech

Presentation styles: which style suits my purpose?

There are different ways to convey a message in a presentation. Read below about which methods are often used.

Extemporaneous presentations

Extemporaneous presentations are presentations that you give without prior preparation, although you plan them in advance and structure them in your mind.

With this method you do not have a fully written text or notes to fall back on. Instead, you rely on your knowledge and speaking skills to give a presentation on the spot.

Extemporaneous presentations may seem more spontaneous, but they require a good command of the topic and confidence in your speaking skills.

Rehearsed presentations

Rehearsed presentations are presentations that you memorize and recite without relying on notes or visual aids.

This approach requires significant effort and practice to deliver the presentation without errors.

It can be very persuasive if done well and the speaker gives a strong, flowing presentation without hesitation.

Written presentations

Written presentations are presentations in which the speaker uses a fully written script or detailed notes to closely follow the content.

This method provides a high degree of precision and control over the words used, reducing the risk of errors.

It is useful for formal, legal, or technical presentations. However, many presenters find it helpful to convert their text to PowerPoint slides for visual support.

Impromptu presentations

Impromptu presentations are similar to extemporaneous presentations, but they are improvised on the fly without prior planning or preparation.

In impromptu presentations, the speaker must think quickly and respond to an unexpected question or situation. The ability to speak clearly and coherently without preparation is crucial here.

This approach is common in informal conversations, debates, or discussions where the speaker must respond immediately.

How to improve presentation skills

Below you will find tips for improving the key skills associated with giving good presentations.

Speaking skills are essential for effective business and academic presentations.

Improve it by practicing regularly and asking for feedback , use visual aids such as slides, master the content thoroughly, master nonverbal communication, and work on voice modulation and intonation.

You can also join speaking clubs or take courses focused on public speaking to refine specific skills. Practice and confidence are crucial for successful presentations.

Body language as a part of presentation skills

Mastering body language is also very important for giving effective presentations in both business and academic research.

Improve this skill by becoming aware of your own body language, paying attention to posture, eye contact and gestures.

For example, practice in front of a mirror. Work on self-confidence and relaxation during presentations.

Also study successful speakers to learn from their body language. Consciously controlling body language increases the impact and persuasiveness of a presentation.

Controlling your voice is crucial for effective presentations. Improve this skill by working on tone, tempo, volume and articulation. Practice varying your voice to convey emotion and meaning.

Recording and listening to feedback is helpful and consider consulting voice coaches or taking speaking courses for improvement. Good voice use can make presentations more interesting and convey the message more clearly to the audience.

Presentation Skills and structure

Improve this skill by creating clear introductions, transitions, and conclusions.

Use a logical sequence, such as problem-situation-solution, to structure the presentation.

Use visual aids such as slides and bullet points to reinforce the structure.

Practice concise and clear communication of the most important points.

A well-structured presentation makes it easier for the audience to understand and remember the message.

Effective use of visual aids can make all the difference in business and academic presentations. Improve this skill by providing simple, clear graphics and relevant images.

Limit text and ensure consistency between the verbal and visual message. Practice timing slides and making eye contact with the audience, not just the screen.

Storytelling and Presentation Skills

Storytelling is crucial for effective presentations.

Improve this skill by creating a clear storyline. Use concrete examples and anecdotes to clarify abstract concepts. Work on voice variation and emotion to make the story more engaging.

Now it’s your turn

What do you think? Do you recognize the explanation about presentation skills? Have you ever given a presentation where you struggled with anxiety? How did you deal with this then? What tips or techniques can you share for overcoming presentation anxiety? Have you ever attended an inspiring presentation? Can you share this moment with us? What do you think are the most important characteristics of a good presentation? Do you have other tips or comments about this article?

Share your experience and knowledge in the comments box below.

More information

• Bradbury, A. J. (2006). Successful presentation skills (Vol. 111). Kogan Page Publishers .
• Gelula, M. H. (1997). Effective lecture presentation skills . Surgical neurology, 47(2), 201-204.
• Haber, R. J., & Lingard, L. A. (2001). Learning oral presentation skills: a rhetorical analysis with pedagogical and professional implications . Journal of general internal medicine, 16, 308-314.
• Pittenger, K. K., Miller, M. C., & Mott, J. (2004). Using real-world standards to enhance students’ presentation skills . Business Communication Quarterly, 67(3), 327-336.

How to cite this article: Janse, B. (2023). Presentation Skills . Retrieved [insert date] from Toolshero: https://www.toolshero.com/personal-development/presentation-skills/

Original publication date: 11/06/2023 | Last update: 08/30/2024

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Ben Janse is a young professional working at ToolsHero as Content Manager. He is also an International Business student at Rotterdam Business School where he focusses on analyzing and developing management models. Thanks to his theoretical and practical knowledge, he knows how to distinguish main- and side issues and to make the essence of each article clearly visible.

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Presentation Skills: The Essential Abilities You Need to Deliver Engaging and Impactful Presentations

Delivering a powerful presentation isn’t just about having great content. It’s about how effectively you communicate your ideas, engage your audience, and leave a lasting impact.

Mastering presentation skills is key to succeeding in business meetings, sales pitches, conferences, or any other scenario where you need to deliver information clearly and confidently. Here’s a breakdown of the essential presentation skills that will help you elevate your performance.

1. Effective Communication: The Core of Every Successful Presentation

Clear and concise communication is the foundation of any presentation. Your ability to express ideas in a way that’s easily understood and remembered is what differentiates a good presenter from a great one.

Simplifying complex ideas and presenting them in a structured, logical flow.

How to Develop it:

Practice speaking clearly and at a moderate pace. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless your audience is familiar with it.

2. Storytelling: Engage and Captivate Your Audience

Humans are wired to respond to stories. Incorporating storytelling into your presentations helps you connect with your audience on an emotional level, making your message more relatable and memorable.

Crafting a compelling narrative that aligns with your presentation’s goals.

When structuring your presentation, think about how you can weave real-life examples, anecdotes, or success stories into your content to make it more engaging.

3. Audience Engagement: Keeping Their Attention from Start to Finish

Even the best content won’t matter if your audience loses interest. Strong presentation skills include the ability to keep your audience engaged throughout your talk.

Using techniques like asking questions, incorporating interactive elements, and responding to audience feedback.

During your presentation, periodically check in with your audience. Use polls, ask questions, or invite them to share their thoughts, keeping the session dynamic and interactive.

4. Body Language: Conveying Confidence and Authority

Non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in how your message is received. Your posture, gestures, and facial expressions can either enhance or detract from your message.

Using open body language, maintaining eye contact, and leveraging gestures to emphasize key points.

Practice presenting in front of a mirror or record yourself. Pay attention to your posture, hand movements, and facial expressions. Aim for a confident stance with controlled, purposeful gestures.

5. Adaptability: Adjusting on the Fly

Even the most carefully planned presentations can run into unexpected issues. Being adaptable allows you to handle disruptions, audience questions, or technical glitches with composure.

Thinking on your feet and modifying your approach based on audience reactions or unforeseen circumstances.

Prepare backup plans for potential issues and practice scenarios where things go off-script. Stay flexible and be ready to shift your focus if necessary.

6. Visual Design: Enhancing Your Message with Compelling Visuals

Visual aids, when used correctly, can significantly enhance your presentation. Good presentation skills include designing slides and other visuals that are clear, appealing, and support your message.

Creating slides that highlight key points without overwhelming your audience.

Use tools like Canva or PowerPoint to design clean, minimalist slides. Stick to key visuals and avoid cluttering your presentation with too much text or overly complex graphics.

7. Time Management: Staying On Track and Respecting Your Audience’s Time

Effective time management ensures that you cover all your content without running over or rushing through important points.

Pacing your presentation to fit within the allotted time while delivering all key information.

Rehearse with a timer to refine your pacing. Plan buffer time for questions or discussions, and be prepared to adjust your delivery based on real-time conditions.

8. Handling Questions and Feedback: Navigating Interactions with Ease

Q&A sessions or spontaneous audience questions are common in most presentations. Handling these interactions gracefully is a critical skill.

Listening carefully, responding clearly, and managing difficult or unexpected questions professionally.

Prepare for likely questions in advance. Practice maintaining your composure when addressing challenging or unexpected queries, and always keep your responses respectful and concise.

Mastering these presentation skills takes practice, but they are essential for anyone looking to deliver impactful presentations consistently. Whether you’re presenting to a small group of colleagues or addressing a large audience, honing these skills will help you communicate your ideas effectively, engage your listeners, and leave a lasting positive impression.

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4 Unexpected Soft Skills That Can Transform Your Professional Journey

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When we think of climbing the corporate ladder, we often focus our energy on mastering “hard skills” like coding, crunching numbers, or graphic design. These technical abilities might get your foot in the door, but there’s a catch: doing well in your job isn’t just about what you know; it’s also how you use and share that knowledge. That’s where soft skills enter the picture.

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Public Speaking

Would you be brave enough to face one of the world’s most common fears? No, not snakes or heights; it’s talking in front of people. Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, affects a staggering 77% of people . That’s right, more than three-quarters of us feel a little nervous when we think of stepping up to the mic. But if you develop this skill, it can make a huge difference in your professional journey.

The art of public speaking comes into play in many situations. For most professionals, it means leading meetings with confidence, sharing ideas convincingly, and holding people's attention during a presentation.

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A great product or idea might not shine if delivered poorly, but a skilled speaker can turn even a mediocre concept into something captivating. The goal is to use your words to leave a lasting impact.

Sales And Negotiation

If you know how to sell, you will always have a job. It’s more than just persuading someone to buy your product or service; it’s about winning people over with your ideas, vision, and personality. With this skill under your belt, you’ll be able to stand out in any field and make it big in the job market.

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Negotiation revolves around creating win-win situations where everyone walks away satisfied. The trick is finding the sweet spot between assertiveness and empathy. You want to make sure that you’re advocating for your interests while also addressing the needs and concerns of others. Sharpening your sales and negotiation skills can drive your career forward and build stronger, more collaborative relationships at work.

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Honing these unexpected soft skills will do more than just look good on your resume; it will take your professional journey to the next level. Take on the challenge, put yourself out there, and watch how these talents become powerful assets. Your next career breakthrough is within reach. Here's to your continued success!

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The effects of personality and self-perceived public speaking competence on public speaking anxiety in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) presentations

• Published: 06 September 2024

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• Shuang Liu   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-5450-7251 1  

Foreign language anxiety (FLA) has drawn a considerable amount of attention in recent decades. However, the anxiety that EFL learners experience during public speaking has been relatively underexplored. Thus, this study explored the effects of personality traits and self-perceived public speaking competence on public speaking anxiety (PSA). A total of 205 university students in China participated in a questionnaire gauging EFL learners’ PSA, personality and self-perceived public speaking competence. SPSS, version 27, was used for data analysis, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The first finding revealed significant associations between PSA and Extraversion, Conscientiousness and Neuroticism, with Neuroticism showing the strongest correlation with PSA. The second result indicated that self-perceived public speaking competence negatively correlated with PSA, with 9 out of the 17 aspects of overall public speaking competence showing significant correlations with PSA. In addition, this study revealed significant associations between self-perceived public speaking competence and Extraversion, Conscientiousness and Neuroticism. This study has pedagogical implications for educators to help EFL learners better combat anxiety in public speaking settings.

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Liu, S. The effects of personality and self-perceived public speaking competence on public speaking anxiety in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) presentations. Curr Psychol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-06638-6

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-06638-6

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• Foreign language anxiety
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• Personality
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