There are a lot of tips that can help you become a better speaker. These tips can be used when you are speaking to either a large crowd or small meetings. Before presenting anything, make sure that you have practiced your speech in front of a mirror until you are familiar with the flow. After this, try it in front of family or friends to get feedback. Ask someone to take notes while you are talking so you can make needed improvements before presenting the final one.

Every good speech gets off on the right foot. It is important that you sound prepared and relaxed in the beginning of your presentation. To achieve this, always start with a strong introduction. Most people like getting the attention of the people with a good joke that relates to the topic. This not only grabs attention but also sets a relaxed atmosphere. Some would use a solid quote or saying that tells a lot about the topic to be discussed. Others would begin directly by introducing themselves, stating the purpose why they are there and the issue to be tackled in your speech. This intro gives the listeners a clear idea of the topic and avoids sending the wrong impression.

It is always a bad idea if you start your speech with a long list of people to greet or acknowledge. This not only bores the listeners but discourages them to stick around. And while you are mentioning all the honorables and presidents of whatever organization, people are already thinking of what they could be doing if they weren't there. Although the greeting is a sign of respect for your higher-ups, it is better if you just say " Honored guests, friends". before or after that strong introduction. Make sure that the most important things are cleared at the beginning of the speech and recap again at the end of it so people don't forget.

While standing with just a microphone or with a podium, always try to control your nerves and restrain yourself from fidgeting, stuttering and breaking sentences with 'um' and 'ah' noises. They tend to be very annoying for the listeners. Try to look prepared and confident. Speak calmly, naturally and with authority. Keep your words as simple and as conversational as possible, avoid jargons and abbreviations but never talk as if they are deaf or stupid and never shout. Always make eye-contact and shift your gaze from one area of the crowd to another.

To keep your audience listening, change the speed and tone of your voice often and use feelings and sentiment to put emphasis on certain points. Avoid being overdramatic and avoid depressing your audience when sharing problems. Make sure that you always point out that there is hope and a solution to the problem. Short speeches are always best. You should never talk for more than fifteen to twenty minutes because this is the most you can get of the attention of your audience. After about thirty minutes, minds start to wander around.

Whenever you are asked a question by somebody in the audience, never try to humiliate that person when they don't make sense and especially when they disagree with you. Try to be nice and polite in answering their questions. Using humor can lighten up the mood but make sure that the timing is right. The audience likes seeing you cool and in control but not as a clown. When statistics are included in the speech, they should be presented to the audience as simply as possible and should be backed up by visual aids and illustrations to help them follow. When you have arrived at the end of your speech, be sure to thank the ones who invited you and the audience for their time but keep it short.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Public Speaking