Public speaking can be nerve-racking. But public speaking skills are essential, whether you’re presenting in class, gearing up for a varsity interview or preparing to pitch yourself for that dream job. With the right approach, you can boost your confidence, connect with your audience and make your voice heard. Here are 10 easy and practical tips to help you own the spotlight.
Skill #1: clear articulation
Your audience must understand what you are saying. That’s where clear articulation comes in – speak clearly so your audience actually gets your message. Slow down, pronounce your words properly, and ditch the mumbling. Overcoming public speaking anxiety can also make a huge difference in the way your words come out and are received by your audience. Anxiety often leads to tightness in the throat and neck which can negatively affect tone and pitch.
Skill #2: effective body language
Your body has its own way of talking, so make sure it’s backing up what you’re saying. Standing tall shows confidence while slouching can give off "I’d rather be anywhere else” vibes. Here are two presentation techniques to improve your body language:
- Use hand gestures to highlight your points, but keep it natural – no need to look like you're conducting an orchestra.
- Work on your face. A genuine smile or a raised eyebrow can add so much to your delivery. Mastering body language is like adding extra flair to your words. It keeps your audience hooked!
Skill #3: eye contact
Using your eyes is the secret to engaging your audience. If a person is looking everywhere but at you when you are at the podium, they’re most likely not listening to you. By making eye contact, you’re telling your audience that you’re talking directly to them. You’re connecting with them. But do not stare them down; rather casually, shift your gaze as naturally as possible around the room.
Skill #4: appropriate pacing
One of the most important speech preparation tips is to practice timing. There is no race. If you speak too fast, no one is going to understand you. If you talk too slowly, you will lose your audience’s attention. You have to strike a balance. Pretend you’re having a relaxed conversation, but pause at important points and pick up the pace when things get lighter to keep the energy up.
Skill #5: voice modulation
By varying your pitch and volume, you can keep your audience on their toes. Raising your voice a bit when you want to stress an important point can grab their attention while speaking more softly can pull people in and make them focus. Switching it up like this keeps your speech lively and helps keep everyone engaged.
Skill #6: confident delivery
Improve speaking confidence with these tips:
- Get in front of a mirror, record yourself or practice in front of friends to get comfortable with your speech.
- Picture yourself delivering your speech perfectly before you even start – imagine the crowd reacting positively.
- Use positive self-talk to boost your confidence. Remind yourself, "I've got this!".
- Instead of worrying about how you sound, concentrate on the important message you’re sharing.
Skill #7: structured content
Ever feel like your presentation is all over the place? A structure can fix that. Start with something that grabs attention. It can be an interesting story or even a surprising fact. Break down your facts. Keep it simple. Your conclusion should leave your audience with something to consider. Think of the structure as a roadmap that is easy to follow which will keep you more in control.
Skill #8: audience engagement
Your audience must feel involved. It will keep them glued to your every word. Get them thinking by asking rhetorical questions, break the ice with a light, appropriate joke and try to make your presentation as interactive as possible. Don’t forget about eye contact. It will show that you value their attention.
Skill #9: handling questions
If your audience asks questions, it means people are paying attention. Think your responses through before answering. If you don’t understand the question, ask them to rephrase it. Also, you don’t need to know the answer to every question. You can say that you’ll look it up. Don’t get flustered. Be honest and remain calm.
Skill #10: use of visual aids
Visual aids can either make or break your presentation. Keep it simple and relevant. Use slides, charts or videos to back up your points, not take over the whole show. Think of them as your sidekick, not the main act. Nobody wants to read a wall of text on a slide while you’re talking, so keep it clean and let yourself be the focus.
Public speaking can feel intimidating, but it’s a skill anyone can master with a little practice and the right mind-set. From clear articulation to engaging your audience and using body language like a pro, these 10 tips will help you shine. Keep practicing and grab every opportunity to speak up in public. The more you do that, the easier it will become.
About The IIE’s Varsity College
The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) of which Varsity College is a brand, is South Africa’s largest registered and accredited private provider of higher education. At Varsity College we understand that no two students are the same or learn the same. That’s why we make sure a student’s education is shaped around them; how they like to learn, what they are passionate about, what makes them tick, and what makes them thrive. Our Education by Design approach allows students to grow into their best, and creates a space where they can live, learn and play – their way.